1-bromohexadecane

1-Bromohexadecane (CAS 112-82-3), also known as cetyl bromide or hexadecyl bromide, is a long-chain alkyl halide used as a reactive intermediate in organic synthesis and specialty chemical manufacturing. It serves as a key alkylating agent for introducing C16 hydrophobic chains into target molecules across multiple industrial sectors. In polymer and materials chemistry, it is used to synthesize quaternary ammonium compounds.

These phase-transfer catalysts function as biocides or surface-active agents in plastic formulations. Personal care formulators use cetyl bromide-derived intermediates to produce conditioning agents and cationic surfactants. These are frequently found in hair care and skin treatment products. In lubricant additive development, it acts as a building block for long-chain esters and antioxidant stabilizers that improve thermal performance.

These stabilizers are essential in metalworking fluids. Flame retardant synthesis also draws on its reactive bromine functionality to produce halogenated compounds incorporated into various polymer matrices. 1-Bromohexadecane is supplied as a liquid at ambient temperature, typically in drum and IBC quantities for industrial buyers. Standard commercial grades are available at purities of 95% and 97% or higher.

High-purity research grades reaching 98% or above are also available for specialized laboratory applications. Technical grade material is the most common form traded at volume for large-scale manufacturing.