Hexadecene

Hexadecene (CAS 26952-14-7), also known commercially as cetene, is a long-chain alpha-olefin used as a reactive monomer and chemical intermediate in polymer and specialty chemical manufacturing.

Where is Hexadecene used?

• Polyolefin production: comonomer modifying density, flexibility and processing characteristics of polyethylene and related polymers
• Lubricants: building block for poly-alpha-olefin (PAO) base oils, where chain length influences viscosity index and thermal stability
• Oilfield chemistry: synthesis of viscosity modifiers and pour point depressants for drilling and completion fluids
• Specialty surfactants and detergents: feedstock for long-chain alkyl derivatives
• Its 16-carbon chain length positions it in a performance window for applications requiring higher molecular weight contributions than shorter alpha-olefins.

Commercial specifications

• Purity typically 90% to 98%+, depending on intended use
• Higher-purity grades for polymer and PAO synthesis, where comonomer consistency affects performance