Bio - Based / Green Solvents, High-Purity Solvents

12-Hydroxystearyl Alcohol

12-Hydroxystearyl Alcohol, chemically identified as octadecane-1,12-diol, is a long-chain fatty alcohol derived primarily from castor oil through the hydrogenation of 12-hydroxystearic acid. This waxy, white crystalline solid is characterized by the presence of two hydroxyl groups: a primary one at the first carbon and a secondary one at the twelfth position. This bifunctionality distinguishes it from conventional fatty alcohols like stearyl alcohol, imparting unique physical properties such as a higher melting point and increased polarity. Its chemical structure consists of an eighteen-carbon saturated chain, which provides hydrophobicity, while the dual hydroxyl groups enhance its capacity for hydrogen bonding. Consequently, 12-Hydroxystearyl Alcohol exhibits excellent emulsifying, thickening, and stabilizing properties in various chemical formulations. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents and oils when heated. Its low volatility, high oxidative stability, and biocompatibility make it a critical ingredient for demanding industrial and cosmetic applications requiring structural integrity and moisturizing.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High Purity Bifunctionality: Contains both primary and secondary hydroxyl groups for versatile chemical reactivity and derivatization potential.
Exceptional Thermal Stability: Maintains structural integrity at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for high-heat industrial processing and formulations.
Superior Emollient Properties: Offers a smooth, non-greasy skin feel with excellent moisture retention capabilities for personal care applications.
Effective Viscosity Modification: Functions as a powerful thickening agent in anhydrous systems and oil-in-water emulsions, improving product texture.
Enhanced Dispersion Stability: Promotes the uniform distribution of pigments and active ingredients, preventing sedimentation in complex chemical mixtures.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular Formula and Weight: Defined by C18H38O2 with a molar mass of approximately 286.49 g/mol, ensuring consistent batch performance.
Melting Range Specifications: Typically exhibits a sharp melting point between 78°C and 82°C, facilitating precise thermal control during manufacturing.
Hydroxyl Value Metrics: Characterized by a high hydroxyl value, usually ranging from 380 to 410 mg KOH/g, indicating dual-functional density.
Low Acid and Iodine Values: Features an acid value below 1.0 mg KOH/g and a low iodine value, reflecting high saturation.
Solubility Profile: Completely insoluble in water; demonstrates high solubility in hot ethanol, chloroform, and various vegetable or mineral oils.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Cosmetic and Personal Care: Utilized in lipsticks, creams, and lotions as a structural binder, emollient, and texture-enhancing consistency factor.
Lubricant and Grease Production: Serves as a crucial intermediate in the synthesis of high-performance lithium-based greases and specialized industrial lubricants.
Plastics and Polymer Additives: Acts as an internal lubricant and processing aid in polymer melt processing, improving flow and surface finish.
Pharmaceutical Formulations: Employed as a stiffening agent in topical ointments and suppositories to ensure controlled release and physical stability.
Coating and Ink Industry: Integrated into specialized coatings and printing inks to improve pigment wetting and adjust rheological flow characteristics.