STEARYL ALCOHOL

Stearyl Alcohol, also known as octadecanol, is a long-chain fatty alcohol with the chemical formula C₁₈H₃₈O. 
It is a white, waxy solid that is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications due to its emollient, thickening, and stabilizing properties. 
Its hydrophobic nature and ability to form stable emulsions make it a valuable ingredient in various formulations.
 
Cas Number
112-92-5
Synonyms
Octadecanol,1-Octadecano,Cetylstearyl Alcohol,n-Octadecyl Alcohol,Long-chain fatty alcohol (C18)
 
Chemical Properties
Molecular Formula and Structure: Stearyl alcohol has the molecular formula C18H38O, consisting of 18 carbon atoms, 38 hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. 
Its structure features a straight-chain alkyl group with a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group at one end.

Physical Properties:
Melting point: 55–58°C (solid at room temperature).
Boiling point: Decomposes before boiling.
Density: 0.812 g/cm³.
Solubility: Insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, and chloroform.
Odor: It is typically odorless or has a faint, waxy odor.
Chemical Properties: As an alcohol, stearyl alcohol is reactive to various reagents like acids and bases. It can undergo esterification with fatty acids, forming esters, which are crucial for certain industrial applications.
 
Production Methods
Natural Sources: Stearyl alcohol is derived from natural oils such as palm oil, coconut oil, and animal fats. 
It can be extracted through processes like hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids or through the saponification of fats and oils.

Synthetic Methods: In the laboratory, stearyl alcohol can be synthesized via the reduction of stearic acid (a fatty acid) or by direct hydrogenation of palmitic acid. 
The chemical reduction process involves converting a carboxyl group into an alcohol group.
Production Scale and Economic Considerations: Stearyl alcohol is produced on an industrial scale, especially in countries with large palm oil and coconut oil industries. 
The economic considerations focus on the cost of raw materials, the efficiency of extraction processes, and the impact of renewable resources on supply chains.

Applications in Industries
Cosmetics and Personal Care: Stearyl alcohol is widely used as an emulsifying agent in creams, lotions, shampoos, and deodorants. 
It helps blend oil and water components into a smooth, homogenous mixture, enhancing the texture and stability of products. 
It also serves as a thickening agent, providing creaminess to various cosmetic products.

Pharmaceuticals: In pharmaceuticals, stearyl alcohol acts as a stabilizer and emulsifier in topical formulations, such as creams and ointments. 
It is also used in drug delivery systems, including transdermal patches, to enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Food Industry: Although not common in foods, stearyl alcohol may occasionally appear as an emulsifier in processed food products, particularly in applications requiring stability and smooth texture.

Industrial Uses: Stearyl alcohol is used in the manufacture of lubricants, plastics, and surfactants. 
In the plastic industry, it functions as a slip agent, improving the surface finish and ease of processing. 
It is also used in the production of coatings, detergents, and as a rust inhibitor.
Other Applications: Stearyl alcohol is found in candle-making, as a binder in the production of certain wax products, and in textiles as a softening agent.

Mechanisms of Action
Emulsification: Stearyl alcohol facilitates the mixing of water and oil phases, forming stable emulsions. 
It reduces surface tension between the two immiscible liquids, promoting the formation of a stable dispersion.

Thickening Effect: As a fatty alcohol, stearyl alcohol helps increase the viscosity of formulations. 
This thickening effect is particularly valuable in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, where a smooth, thick texture is desirable.
Lubrication: Stearyl alcohol reduces friction and improves the processing properties of various materials, making it an essential component in lubricants and certain manufacturing processes.
Stearyl Alcohol is a versatile and widely used ingredient in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications. 
Its emollient, thickening, and stabilizing properties make it an essential component in many formulations. Proper handling and adherence to regulatory guidelines ensure its safe and effective use.

SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT STEARYL ALCOHOL
 
 
 
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.