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1-Docosanol is a saturated, unbranched C22 primary fatty alcohol supplied as a white, high-melting waxy solid.
It is commercially important as the pharmaceutical active docosanol, the cosmetic ingredient behenyl alcohol, a formulation structurant, a chemical intermediate and an analytical reference for long-chain fatty-alcohol analysis.
Product selection depends strongly on the intended use because pure 1-Docosanol, pharmaceutical active material and commercial behenyl-alcohol blends do not necessarily have the same assay, homolog distribution, documentation or regulatory status.
The C22 content, C18, C20 and C24 homologs, melting range, hydroxyl value, acid value, residual esters, physical form and manufacturing origin are therefore central procurement parameters.
CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND COMMON NAMES
The systematic name docosan-1-ol identifies a straight chain of 22 carbon atoms with a primary hydroxyl group at carbon 1.
The retained name docosanol is used internationally for the pharmaceutical active, while behenyl alcohol is the established cosmetic and industrial name.
Behenic alcohol is a historical alternative name for the same C22 alcohol.
Behenic acid, also called docosanoic acid, is the corresponding C22 carboxylic acid and is not a synonym for 1-Docosanol.
Hydrogenation or reduction of behenic acid or a behenate ester can produce 1-Docosanol, but the acid and alcohol have different formulas, melting behaviour and reactivity.
Commercial behenyl alcohol may denote high-purity 1-Docosanol or a C22-rich blend containing arachidyl, stearyl and other long-chain alcohols.
The INCI name alone does not define the exact homolog composition, making a compositional assay important for formulation and pharmaceutical procurement.
Policosanol is also a multicomponent higher-fatty-alcohol mixture and is not equivalent to isolated 1-Docosanol.
Synonyms and Common Names: Docosan-1-ol, Docosanol, Docosanol-(1), n-Docosanol, n-Docosan-1-ol, Docosyl alcohol, Docosanyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, 1-Behenyl alcohol, n-Behenyl alcohol, Behenic alcohol, Alcohol C22, C22 alcohol, C22 fatty alcohol, C22:0 alcohol, FOH22:0, Docosanol INN, Docosanol USAN, NSC 8407, NSC-8407
TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION
CAS Number: 661-19-8
EC / EINECS Number: 211-546-6
Molecular Formula: C22H46O
Condensed Structural Formula: CH3(CH2)21OH
Molar Mass: 326.61 g/mol
Exact Mass: 326.3549 Da
IUPAC Name: Docosan-1-ol
Chemical Class: Saturated linear primary fatty alcohol
Lipid Shorthand: C22:0 alcohol
International Nonproprietary Name: Docosanol
United States Adopted Name: Docosanol
INCI Name: Behenyl Alcohol
ATC Code: D06BB11
Hydroxyl Functionality: One primary hydroxyl group per molecule
Theoretical Hydroxyl Value: 171.8 mg KOH/g
InChIKey: NOPFSRXAKWQILS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Canonical SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCO
UNII: 9G1OE216XY
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance: White crystalline powder, pellets, tablets, flakes, granules or waxy solid
Physical State at 20 °C: Solid
Melting Point: 68–72 °C
Boiling Point: Approximately 180 °C at 0.22 mmHg
Flash Point: 227 °C
Autoignition Temperature: 256 °C
Vapour Pressure: Less than 0.00075 mmHg at 38 °C
Water Solubility: Practically insoluble
Solubility in Chloroform: Approximately 1.7 mg/mL
Solubility in Ethanol: Solubility increases with gentle warming
Dynamic Viscosity: 7.5–7.8 mPa·s at 80 °C
Kinematic Viscosity: 9.67 mm²/s at 80 °C
Partition Coefficient: log Kow 8.3 at 20 °C
pH: Not applicable to the neat substance
Volatility: Very low at ambient temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal dry storage and handling conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Reactions: None under normal processing conditions
Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and irritating organic fumes
The melting range is highly relevant to both identity testing and process design.
A narrow transition near 68–72 °C is consistent with a high C22 content, while a broader or shifted range can indicate a mixed homolog profile, unsaturated alcohols, residual fatty acids or wax esters.
FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
The linear C22 hydrocarbon chain dominates the material’s behaviour by providing strong hydrophobicity, low water solubility, low volatility and wax-like crystallinity.
Compared with cetyl and stearyl alcohols, 1-Docosanol melts at a higher temperature and can build firmer, more heat-resistant structure in compatible formulations.
The terminal hydroxyl group creates a defined polar and reactive site without making the molecule water-soluble.
This combination supports hydrogen bonding within structured lipid phases and allows esterification, etherification, sulfation, alkoxylation, oxidation and other derivative chemistry.
In emulsions, 1-Docosanol functions primarily as an emollient, binder, viscosity controller, consistency agent and emulsion stabilizer.
It is generally used with a complete emulsifier system rather than as the sole emulsifier because one hydroxyl group is insufficient to provide strong water-phase affinity for the C22 chain.
Its crystalline network can increase body, reduce mobility of the oil phase, improve opacity and contribute a dry, smooth skin or hair feel.
In antiviral pharmaceutical use, 1-Docosanol acts at an early stage of infection by interfering with fusion between the envelope of herpes simplex virus and the host-cell membrane.
Blocking this fusion step limits viral entry into surrounding cells rather than directly inhibiting viral nucleic-acid synthesis.
PRODUCTION AND COMMERCIAL FORM
1-Docosanol can be manufactured by catalytic hydrogenation of behenic acid, methyl behenate or another purified C22 fatty-acid ester.
Vegetable-oil routes first isolate or enrich the C22 fatty-acid fraction and then convert the carboxyl or ester group to the primary alcohol.
Synthetic higher-fatty-alcohol processes can also produce a homolog series that is separated by fractional distillation, crystallization or another chain-length-selective operation.
Final purification controls unreacted ester, free behenic acid, hydrocarbons, water, residual solvents and neighboring long-chain alcohols.
Commercial pure material is available as powder, pellets, tablets, flakes, granules or waxy solid.
Cosmetic behenyl alcohol is frequently supplied as pellets or flakes and may contain a declared C22-rich homolog distribution rather than only 1-Docosanol.
Pharmaceutical active material requires a controlled manufacturing route, traceable starting materials, validated analytical methods and a defined impurity profile.
APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIES
TOPICAL PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS
1-Docosanol is an established active ingredient in 10% topical cream for treatment of recurrent cold sores and fever blisters on the face or lips.
The regulated use is intended to shorten healing time and the duration of tingling, pain, burning and itching when the finished medicine is used as labelled.
The active is highly lipophilic and must be incorporated uniformly into an emulsion that delivers a consistent concentration at the application site.
Drug-product development therefore evaluates melt incorporation, emulsion microstructure, content uniformity, rheology, microbial quality, preservative performance, packaging compatibility and stability.
Pharmaceutical procurement focuses on identity, assay, related long-chain alcohols, residual fatty acid and ester, residual solvents, elemental impurities, water, microbial controls, stability data, batch traceability and regulatory documentation.
Pharmaceutical-active selection uses a grade manufactured under the applicable drug-substance quality system with defined impurity, traceability, stability and documentation controls.
COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE
Under the INCI name Behenyl Alcohol, 1-Docosanol functions as a binder, skin-conditioning emollient, emulsion stabilizer and viscosity-controlling ingredient.
Its high melting point and long saturated chain make it particularly useful where a formulator wants structure and cushion without relying only on lower-melting fatty alcohols.
Established product contexts include facial and body creams, lotions, hair conditioners, cleansing creams, deodorant and antiperspirant sticks, lip products, colour cosmetics, balms, ointment-like bases and anhydrous body-care systems.
In emulsions, it strengthens the oil-phase and interfacial structure, while in sticks and balms it contributes firmness, payoff control, binding and resistance to softening.
The material can increase opacity and produce a richer visual appearance by forming a fine crystalline phase that scatters light.
In hair-care formulations, its emollient and structuring effects support slip, conditioning feel and a smooth after-feel.
The final sensory profile depends on C22 purity, companion emulsifiers, total wax content, cooling rate and the ratio of shorter and longer fatty alcohols.
PHARMACEUTICAL EXCIPIENT AND LIPID FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT
Beyond its antiviral-active use, behenyl alcohol can serve as a lipophilic stiffening, consistency and emulsion-stabilizing material in appropriate pharmaceutical and topical formulation development.
Its high melting point can help construct semisolid bases and protective topical films when the excipient grade and dosage-form requirements are met.
The role of 1-Docosanol must be defined clearly in pharmaceutical documentation because the same substance can be an active ingredient in one product and a functional excipient in another.
This distinction affects specifications, supplier qualification, change control, analytical methods and regulatory submissions.
CHEMICAL SYNTHESIS AND DERIVATIVE MANUFACTURE
The primary hydroxyl group makes 1-Docosanol a useful C22 building block for wax esters, ethers, sulfates, ethoxylates, phosphates, halides and other long-chain derivatives.
Esterification with behenic acid produces behenyl behenate, while reaction with other acids allows melting point, lubricity, polarity and surface properties to be tailored through both sides of the ester molecule.
Oxidation can produce docosanal or behenic acid, and conversion of the hydroxyl group into a better leaving group enables further substitution chemistry.
High-purity material is preferred for stoichiometric synthesis, while a homolog blend can be appropriate when the intended derivative is itself a mixed-chain commercial product.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY AND LIPID SCIENCE
High-purity 1-Docosanol is used as a reference compound for gas-chromatographic and mass-spectrometric analysis of long-chain fatty alcohols.
It supports identification and quantification in waxes, vegetable and animal lipid fractions, cosmetic raw materials, pharmaceutical products, policosanol-type mixtures, environmental samples and reaction products.
The compound can serve as a retention-time reference, calibration component, recovery standard or system-suitability component when the analytical method is designed for the sample matrix.
Derivatization can improve chromatographic response and peak shape, while high-temperature gas-chromatography conditions are often required because of the low volatility and high molecular mass.
INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING, LUBRICANTS AND SURFACE APPLICATIONS
1-Docosanol and C22-rich behenyl-alcohol grades are used directly or as derivative feedstocks in lubricants, greases, paints, coatings, plastics, resins, paper processing, textile treatment and cleaning-product manufacture.
The long chain contributes lubricity, water resistance, surface slip, wax structure and compatibility with other hydrocarbon-rich materials.
In lubricating-oil and grease manufacture, the alcohol or its esters can act as a waxy modifier or feedstock for additives that influence film formation and low-shear behaviour.
In paints, coatings and polymer systems, the material can support hydrophobic surface modification, processing lubrication and control of crystalline or wax phases.
Paper, textile, leather and cleaning applications use long-chain fatty alcohols as processing aids, surface-active components, anti-foaming materials or intermediates for more strongly surface-active derivatives.
Oil and gas process applications employ fatty-alcohol chemistry in fluid-property modification and anti-foaming systems where compatibility with the complete formulation is essential.
GRADE SELECTION AND PRODUCT SUITABILITY
High-Purity Synthesis Grade: Material commonly specified at approximately 98% or higher by gas chromatography for controlled reaction chemistry and materials research.
Analytical Reference Grade: Material with assigned purity, identity data, traceability and chromatographic documentation for calibration and method development.
Cosmetic Behenyl Alcohol Grade: Pellets or flakes selected through INCI identity, C22 content, homolog distribution, colour, odour, hydroxyl value, acid value, iodine value, water and solidification behaviour.
Pharmaceutical Active Grade: Material manufactured and controlled for use as docosanol active ingredient, with the required quality system, impurity controls, traceability, stability programme and regulatory documentation.
Pharmaceutical Excipient Grade: Material evaluated for a defined non-active function and controlled through the applicable excipient and dosage-form requirements.
Industrial C22-Rich Grade: A specified homolog blend used where wax structure, lubrication, surface modification or derivative manufacture is more important than single-component purity.
Pure 1-Docosanol has a theoretical hydroxyl value of 171.8 mg KOH/g.
Commercial C22-rich blends can show a different hydroxyl value because molecular mass changes with the proportions of C18, C20, C22 and C24 alcohols.
Gas-chromatographic assay provides the most direct measure of the individual homolog distribution.
Hydroxyl value measures total alcohol functionality, acid value detects free fatty-acid residue, ester value detects unconverted or reformed esters, and iodine value reveals unsaturated material.
These tests complement rather than replace identity confirmation by spectroscopy and chromatographic retention.
FORMULATION AND PROCESS CONSIDERATIONS
1-Docosanol should normally be charged to the heated oil, wax or organic phase because it is practically insoluble in water.
Heating above the 68–72 °C melting range, commonly to approximately 75–80 °C, supports complete melting and uniform incorporation while limiting unnecessary thermal exposure.
For emulsions, the aqueous and oil phases should be brought to compatible processing temperatures before combination.
The emulsifier system must accommodate the very hydrophobic C22 chain and maintain stability as 1-Docosanol crystallizes during cooling.
Cooling profile, shear and hold time influence crystal size, lamellar structure, viscosity development, opacity, graininess and final sensory properties.
Rapid uncontrolled cooling can produce non-uniform crystallization, while prolonged hot holding can increase oxidation risk in other formulation components even though saturated 1-Docosanol itself is chemically stable.
In anhydrous sticks and balms, the ratio of 1-Docosanol to oils and lower- or higher-melting waxes determines hardness, brittleness, payoff and thermal resistance.
Pilot-scale cycling and storage studies are useful for detecting delayed crystallization, sweating and changes in texture.
Molten transfer systems require heated lines or rapid draining because the material solidifies below its melting region.
Filtration of a hot solution or melt should be completed before crystallization begins.
Equipment should be dry and clean when low moisture, low acid value or pharmaceutical purity is required.
QUALITY, SPECIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION
The most informative specification combines chemical identity, homolog composition, functional values and physical behaviour.
Useful release parameters include appearance, odour, assay, C22 content, C18, C20 and C24 homologs, melting or solidification range, hydroxyl value, acid value, ester value, iodine value, water, colour, residual solvents and ash.
Gas Chromatography with Flame-Ionization Detection: Measures 1-Docosanol assay and separates neighboring fatty-alcohol homologs under suitable high-temperature conditions.
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry: Supports identity, impurity assignment and trace-level method development.
Infrared Spectroscopy: Confirms the primary alcohol group and long saturated hydrocarbon chain.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Confirms the terminal hydroxymethylene group and unbranched C22 structure.
Melting Range: Provides a rapid control for identity, homolog purity and crystalline composition.
Hydroxyl Value: Measures alcohol functionality and supports reaction and blend calculations.
Acid Value: Measures residual behenic acid and other free acidic material.
Ester Value: Indicates residual fatty-acid esters or wax-esters associated with the production route.
Iodine Value: Detects unsaturation that can affect oxidation stability, melting and sensory performance.
Pharmaceutical quality evaluation additionally addresses related substances, residual solvents, elemental impurities, microbial quality, stability-indicating assay, retest period and packaging compatibility.
Finished 10% cream development also requires content uniformity, rheology, microbial controls, preservative effectiveness, physical stability and performance testing appropriate to the regulated product.
Technical Data Sheet: Defines the supplied grade, physical form, principal properties and application context.
Safety Data Sheet: Provides hazard classification, protective measures, first aid, fire response, handling, storage, transport and disposal information.
Certificate of Analysis: Records lot-specific results against the agreed specification.
Pharmaceutical Documentation: Connects the active or excipient grade with manufacturing controls, analytical methods, impurity data, stability and supply-chain traceability.
SAFETY AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under current industrial hazard criteria
Acute Oral Toxicity: LD50 greater than 10,000 mg/kg in rats
Transport Status: Not regulated as dangerous goods for road, sea or air transport
United States TSCA Inventory Status: Active
Cosmetic Ingredient Identity: Behenyl Alcohol
United States Topical Drug Status: Approved non-prescription active ingredient in 10% cream for cold sore and fever blister treatment
Routine industrial handling should control dust and prevent unnecessary eye, skin and respiratory contact.
Molten 1-Docosanol can cause thermal burns because processing temperatures are above 68 °C.
Safety glasses or goggles, suitable gloves, protective clothing and local ventilation provide appropriate routine protection, with heat-resistant gloves and face protection used for molten handling.
The solid is combustible at elevated temperature despite its high flash point.
Suitable extinguishing media include water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide and alcohol-resistant foam.
Firefighters should use full protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus where smoke or decomposition fumes are present.
1-Docosanol is inherently biodegradable under aerobic conditions and has low mobility in soil because of its strong hydrophobicity and low water solubility.
Spills should nevertheless be contained and prevented from entering drains, soil or surface water.
Powder, pellets or flakes can be swept or vacuumed into a closed container using methods that minimize dust.
FIRST AID
Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air and obtain medical attention if coughing, irritation or discomfort persists.
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing.
Molten Material Contact: Cool the affected area immediately with clean running water, do not pull solidified material from the skin and obtain urgent medical treatment.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses when easy to do and obtain medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse the mouth, give water to drink and obtain medical attention if symptoms occur.
Note to Physicians: Provide symptomatic and supportive treatment, with appropriate burn care after molten-material contact.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handle 1-Docosanol in a clean, well-ventilated area with measures that prevent dust formation and cross-contamination.
Use clean, dry tools and keep containers closed when material is not being sampled or charged.
Heated operations require controlled temperatures, guarded surfaces and procedures for draining equipment before the melt solidifies.
Storage Conditions: Store tightly closed in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place.
Temperature Control: Protect packaged material from excessive heat and keep pharmaceutical and analytical lots within their labelled storage range.
Segregation: Store away from strong oxidizing agents and ignition sources.
Housekeeping: Remove pellets, flakes and wax deposits from floors and equipment to prevent slip hazards and contamination.
PACKAGING AND PROCUREMENT CONSIDERATIONS
1-Docosanol is commonly supplied as powder, pellets, tablets, flakes or granules in sealed containers or lined industrial packages.
Packaging materials should protect the product from dirt, moisture, odour transfer, heat and cross-contamination while remaining compatible with the required grade.
A complete purchase description should state 1-Docosanol, CAS 661-19-8, the intended use, grade, minimum assay, C22 content, homolog distribution, physical form, melting range, analytical method, manufacturing-origin preference, package size and documentation requirements.
Cosmetic buyers should define INCI identity, colour, odour, hydroxyl value, acid value, iodine value, water and desired solidification behaviour.
Synthesis and industrial buyers should define assay, residual acid and ester, water, residual solvents and adjacent homologs.
Pharmaceutical buyers should include active or excipient status, quality-system requirements, impurity controls, microbial requirements, stability data, regulatory support, change-control expectations and supply-chain traceability.
Ataman Kimya can support 1-Docosanol enquiries involving pharmaceutical, cosmetic, analytical and industrial grades, homolog composition, specifications, documentation, packaging and supply planning.
For product and procurement discussions, contact Ataman Kimya at +90 216 577 10 10 or info@atamankimya.com
