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 across polymer and specialty chemical manufacturing.

Its 16-carbon chain length positions it in a specific performance window for applications requiring higher molecular weight contributions than shorter alpha-olefins can deliver to the final product.

In polyolefin production, hexadecene serves as a comonomer to modify the density, flexibility, and processing characteristics of polyethylene and related polymers during the manufacturing process.

Lubricant formulators use it as a building block for synthesizing poly-alpha-olefin (PAO) base oils, where the chain length directly influences viscosity index and thermal stability of the finished lubricant.

In oilfield chemistry, it contributes to the synthesis of viscosity modifiers and pour point depressants used in drilling and completion fluids for demanding industrial environments.

Specialty surfactant and detergent manufacturers also draw on it as a feedstock for producing long-chain alkyl derivatives, providing essential properties for various cleaning and industrial formulations.

Hexadecene is supplied as a liquid in bulk quantities, with drum and ISO tank packaging available for industrial procurement. Technical-grade material is the standard commercial offering for most uses.

Purity specifications typically range from 90% to 98%+ depending on intended use. Higher-purity grades are available for polymer and PAO synthesis applications where comonomer consistency affects performance.