FATTY ALCOHOLS

HIGHER FATTY ALCOHOLS
DESCRIPTION
Synonyms: VZhS, Fatty alcohols, Octyl-decyl alcohol, Dodecyl-teradecyl alcohol, Cetyl-stearyl alcohol.

Formula:  R-OH (where R is a hydrocarbon radical containing from 6 to 22 carbon atoms linked by saturated or, less often, unsaturated bonds)

Natural and synthetic aliphatic alcohols containing at least 6 carbon atoms per molecule. Natural HFA are predominantly monoatomic, primary, saturated or unsaturated, with an even number of carbon atoms; in the form of esters of higher fatty acids, they are found in vegetable oils, animal fats, waxes of animal and vegetable origin; in the form of acetic acid esters - in plant seeds, essential oils; terpene alcohols are found in free form. VZhS composition С6-С11 - colorless flammable liquids with a fruity-floral odor; composition C12 and above - solids.

Soluble in ether and ethanol, insoluble in water. VZhS have the chemical properties of alcohols.

HFG is obtained by hydroformylation of alkenes; synthesis using organoaluminum compounds; hydrogenation of esters of higher fatty acids; alkane oxidation; hydrolysis or hydrogenation of vegetable oils and fats. VZhS is used as flotation reagents, solvents, textile auxiliaries, plasticizers of polymers, components of lubricating oils, additives to motor fuels and oils, corrosion inhibitors, as well as in perfumery and cosmetics. VZhS composition С10-С18 are used in the production of surfactants

Release form and appearance:  low molecular weight (up to C10) fatty alcohols - liquid, alcohols containing more than 10 carbon atoms - solid, waxy substances.

Production

Linear fatty alcohols with an even number of carbon atoms are obtained from vegetable oils by catalytic hydroginolysis of methyl esters of the corresponding fatty acids or their hydrogenation. The industry also produces synthetic alcohols according to the Ziegler method - ethylene oligomerization followed by oxidation.

Properties

They do not dissolve in water, with the exception of C6–10 alcohols, which are limited in water. Dissolve in ethers and ethanol. Acidic properties are practically absent due to the length of the radical. They have the chemical properties of alcohols.

Main areas and methods of application

Alcohols C6-8 play the role of flotation agents, with their help, selective extraction of salts of some metals (cobalt, vanadium, uranium) from aqueous solutions is carried out. They can also act as solvents for paints and varnishes and synthetic resins. Esters of C6-10 alcohols and dicarboxylic acids (phthalates, adipates, sebacates) are plasticizers for polymers. C10-18 alcohols are used in the production of surfactants. Alcohols С10–20 - defoamer components, vulcanization accelerators, textile auxiliaries; raw materials in the production of plasticizers, tertiary amine oxides, corrosion inhibitors.

Packaging:  Standard, depending on the physical state of the product - bags for solid or polymer / steel containers for liquids.

Safety rules and storage: The  product should be stored in dry, ventilated rooms, away from heat sources in its original packaging.