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DESCRIPTION
EMERCOL C16-18 50:50 MY is a high-purity cetyl alcohol (C16) derived from natural sources.
It is widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors due to its excellent emollient, emulsifying, and thickening properties.
Cetyl alcohol plays a key role in stabilizing formulations and improving the sensory characteristics of various products.
Cas Number
36653-82-4
Synonyms
Cetyl alcohol, 1-Hexadecanol, Palmityl alcohol, Hexadecanol, C16 fatty alcohol
EMERCOL C16-18 50:50 MY is a versatile fatty alcohol obtained from the reduction of fatty acids or fatty acid methyl esters.
Due to its high purity and consistency, it finds applications in cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial formulations.
The use of cetyl alcohol dates back to the early developments in surfactants and emulsifiers, making it an essential ingredient in modern formulations.
Chemical Composition and Structure
EMERCOL C16-18 50:50 MY consists primarily of cetyl alcohol (C16), a saturated fatty alcohol.
It appears as a white, waxy solid with a mild odor.
The hydroxyl functional group at the terminal end of the carbon chain contributes to its unique physicochemical properties.
The molecular structure of cetyl alcohol consists of a long hydrocarbon chain, which provides hydrophobic characteristics, while the hydroxyl (-OH) group at the end allows for some degree of hydrophilic interaction.
This amphiphilic nature makes it highly effective as an emulsifier.
Production Methods
The production of EMERCOL C16-18 50:50 MY involves hydrogenation of fatty acid methyl esters derived from natural fats and oils.
The process typically includes the following steps:
1. **Hydrogenation:** Fatty acid methyl esters are hydrogenated in the presence of a metal catalyst (typically nickel or palladium) to convert them into cetyl alcohol.
2. **Purification:** The crude cetyl alcohol undergoes multiple purification steps, including vacuum distillation, to achieve high purity (>98%).
3. **Crystallization:** The purified alcohol is cooled and crystallized to ensure a consistent texture and enhanced performance in various applications.
Properties of EMERCOL C16-18 50:50 MY
Physical Properties:
• **Appearance:** White, waxy solid
• **Odor:** Mild fatty odor
• **Melting Point:** 49–52°C
• **Solubility:** Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
• **Molecular Weight:** 242.44 g/mol
Chemical Properties:
• **Highly stable** under normal storage conditions
• **Resistant to oxidation** due to its saturated hydrocarbon chain
• **Compatible** with a wide range of cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients
• **Non-volatile**, making it suitable for long-lasting formulations
Thermal and Rheological Properties:
• Maintains stability at high temperatures, allowing its use in heated formulations
• Functions as an effective thickening and emulsifying agent in creams and lotions
• Enhances viscosity and texture in formulations, improving sensory feel
Applications of EMERCOL C16-18 50:50 MY
Due to its unique properties, EMERCOL C16-18 50:50 MY is used in a variety of industries. Some of the key applications include:
1. Cosmetics and Personal Care
• Acts as an emulsifier in creams, lotions, and conditioners
• Provides a smooth, silky texture in skincare products
• Enhances viscosity and stability of formulations
2. Pharmaceuticals
• Used in ointments and medicinal creams for its stabilizing properties
• Acts as a non-toxic, biocompatible thickener
3. Industrial Applications
• Functions as a lubricant in plastic manufacturing
• Used in wax formulations and coatings
• Acts as an antifoaming agent in chemical processes
Environmental and Health Impact
EMERCOL C16-18 50:50 MY is considered to be environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Being derived from natural sources, it is a sustainable alternative to synthetic emollients and surfactants.
In terms of health impact, cetyl alcohol is non-toxic and safe for use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
It has been extensively tested and approved by regulatory agencies worldwide.
Future Potential and Developments
As the demand for natural and sustainable ingredients grows, the use of cetyl alcohol in eco-friendly formulations is expected to increase.
Researchers are exploring innovative processing methods to further enhance the functionality and sustainability of EMERCOL C16-18 50:50 MY.
Additionally, advancements in green chemistry may lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly production methods, reducing carbon footprint and improving overall product performance.
EMERCOL C16-18 50:50 MY is a highly versatile and essential ingredient in various industries. With its excellent emulsifying, thickening, and stabilizing properties, it plays a crucial role in the formulation of high-performance products.
Its environmentally friendly nature and wide-ranging applications make it a valuable component for future developments.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT EMERCOL C16-18 50:50 MY
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product.
