Bio - Based / Green Solvents, High-Purity Solvents

Behenyl Alcohol (Docosanol)

Behenyl alcohol, scientifically recognized as 1-docosanol, is a saturated fatty alcohol containing twenty-two carbon atoms within its linear hydrocarbon chain. Characterized by its solid, waxy white appearance, this long-chain aliphatic alcohol originates from natural sources such as vegetable oils or is synthesized through the reduction of behenic acid. As a non-ionic surfactant and thickening agent, it possesses a unique chemical structure that facilitates the stabilization of oil-in-water emulsions. Its high melting point distinguishes it from shorter-chain alcohols, contributing to the structural integrity and thermal stability of various formulations. Historically valued for its hydrophobic properties, docosanol acts as an effective barrier against moisture loss when applied topically. Chemically, it remains relatively inert under standard conditions but exhibits significant lipophilic behavior, making it indispensable in modern chemical engineering. This compound serves as a critical raw material for esterification and ethoxylation processes, ensuring diverse industrial utility across specialized chemical manufacturing and consumer sectors.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Excellent opacifying agent that provides a rich, white pearlescent texture to liquid formulations and creams.
Acts as a superior emulsion stabilizer, preventing phase separation by increasing the viscosity of the external phase.
Highly efficient consistency factor for anhydrous systems, enhancing the hardness and structure of solid stick applications.
Exhibits exceptional skin compatibility and low irritancy, forming a protective non-greasy film to maintain hydration.
Boasts a high degree of chemical purity with minimal unsaturated impurities, ensuring long-term oxidative stability and shelf-life.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Chemical Formula: C22H46O with a molecular weight of approximately 326.61 grams per mole for the pure docosanol fraction.
Melting Point Range: Typically between 68 and 73 degrees Celsius, requiring specific heating protocols during oil-phase processing.
Hydroxyl Value: Ranges from 165 to 180 mg KOH/g, indicating the density of functional groups available for reaction.
Solubility Profile: Completely insoluble in water but highly soluble in hot organic solvents, ethanol, and various cosmetic oils.
Acid and Iodine Values: Maintained at very low levels, typically below 0.5 and 1.0 respectively, for quality control.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Used extensively in personal care formulations like lotions and hair conditioners to improve texture and spreadability.
Employed in the pharmaceutical industry as an antiviral agent specifically for treating herpes simplex labialis infections.
Functions as a critical raw material for manufacturing behenyl derivatives used in lubricants and plastic additives.
Utilized in industrial paper coatings and textile finishing to provide water repellency and surface smoothness properties.
Serves as a viscosity modifier in printing inks and specialty coatings to control flow behavior and adhesion.