Bio - Based / Green Solvents, High-Purity Solvents

Decyl Alcohol (C10 Alcohol)

Decyl alcohol, also commonly identified as 1-decanol or n-decyl alcohol, is a straight-chain fatty alcohol characterized by the molecular formula C10H22O. This primary alcohol exists as a colorless, viscous liquid at room temperature and possesses a distinctive, floral, and slightly sweet odor reminiscent of orange blossoms. Structurally, it consists of a decane chain with a hydroxyl group attached to the terminal carbon atom. Due to its balanced lipophilic carbon chain and hydrophilic hydroxyl group, it acts as a versatile intermediate in various organic syntheses. Decyl alcohol is naturally occurring in several essential oils and is industrially produced via the hydroformylation of nonene followed by hydrogenation or through the Ziegler process using ethylene. It is practically insoluble in water but exhibits high solubility in organic solvents like ethanol and ether. Its chemical stability and specific reactivity make it indispensable for producing plasticizers, lubricants, surfactants, and intermediates, serving as an industrial block.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Exhibits excellent chemical stability under normal storage conditions and is non-corrosive to most standard industrial metals and alloys.
Functions as an effective foam stabilizer and viscosity modifier in complex aqueous formulations due to its amphiphilic molecular structure.
Features a high flash point and low volatility, ensuring safer handling and processing compared to shorter-chain aliphatic alcohols.
Provides a unique, mild floral olfactory profile, making it a valuable component in the formulation of delicate fragrances and perfumes.
Acts as a biodegradable organic compound, meeting modern environmental standards for sustainability in chemical production and industrial waste management.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular weight is 158.28 g/mol with a specific gravity of approximately 0.829 at 20 degrees Celsius relative to water.
Boiling point is measured at 231 degrees Celsius at atmospheric pressure, while the melting point is approximately 6.4 degrees Celsius.
Refractive index typically ranges from 1.435 to 1.439 at 20 degrees Celsius, providing a standardized metric for purity verification.
Purity levels for industrial grades generally exceed 98 percent, with minimal moisture content and low acid value specifications.
Flash point is recorded at 108 degrees Celsius (closed cup), categorizing it as a non-flammable liquid under many safety regulations.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Utilized extensively in the production of plasticizers like didecyl phthalate, which enhances the flexibility and durability of polyvinyl chloride products.
Serves as a primary feedstock for manufacturing non-ionic surfactants and detergents used in industrial cleaning and personal care items.
Employed as a key intermediate in the synthesis of lubricants and synthetic esters for automotive and aerospace mechanical applications.
Applied in the agricultural sector as a plant growth regulator, specifically used to control sucker growth in tobacco plant cultivation.
Integrated into the fragrance and flavor industry to create artificial scents and masking agents for various consumer goods and cosmetics.