Dodecanol

Dodecanol

Dodecanol, also known as lauryl alcohol, is a fatty alcohol that is used primarily in the production of surfactants, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It is a colorless, viscous liquid that is insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents.

Chemical Properties

Dodecanol is a saturated alcohol with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)11OH. It has a molecular weight of 186.33 g/mol and a boiling point of 259 °C. It is a non-polar molecule due to the presence of a long hydrocarbon chain, which also makes it hydrophobic.

Production

Dodecanol is typically produced from natural fats and oils through a process known as hydrogenation. This involves reacting the fats or oils with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce the alcohol. It can also be synthesized from petrochemicals through the Oxo process, which involves the hydroformylation of propene to produce butyraldehyde, which is then hydrogenated to produce dodecanol.

Uses

Dodecanol is primarily used in the production of surfactants, which are compounds that lower the surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants are used in a wide range of applications, including detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, and foaming agents.

In the cosmetics industry, dodecanol is used as an emollient and thickening agent in lotions, creams, and other skincare products. It is also used as a fragrance ingredient due to its mild, floral scent.

In the pharmaceutical industry, dodecanol is used as a solubilizer and penetration enhancer in topical drug formulations. It is also used as a stabilizer in the production of vaccines.

Safety

Dodecanol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. However, it can cause skin and eye irritation in some individuals, especially in high concentrations. It is recommended to use personal protective equipment when handling dodecanol to prevent direct contact with the skin and eyes.

See Also

• Fatty alcohol
• Surfactant
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals