Hexadecane

Hexadecane (CAS 544-76-3), also known commercially as cetane, is a straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon.

Where is Hexadecane used?

• Fuel testing: primary reference compound for rating diesel ignition quality
• Cosmetics and personal care: emollient carrier and spreading agent in skin creams, hair oils and leave-on treatments
• Lubricants and metalworking fluids: base component or diluent that improves surface wetting and reduces friction on metal substrates
• Textile and leather processing: finishing formulations that modify surface feel and improve fiber or hide lubrication
• It provides controlled lubricity, surface wetting and emulsion stability where a non-polar, chemically inert hydrocarbon base is required.

Commercial specifications

• High-purity grades suited to laboratory use
• Cosmetic-grade material meeting purity requirements for topical applications