Cetyl alcohol
CAS 36653-82-4
EC 253-149-0
Formula C16H34O
MW 242.44 g/mol
Alcohols & Glycols Personal Care & CosmeticsLubricants & MetalworkingFood & Nutrition LubricationEmulsification & DispersionSurface Modification & Wetting
Description
Cetyl alcohol (CAS 36653-82-4), also known as cetanol, ethal, or ethol, is a long-chain fatty alcohol derived from natural fats and oils. It carries no E-code designation and is classified under HS code 29051990. It is a standard raw material in personal care, lubricant, and food-adjacent formulations.
In cosmetic emulsions, cetyl alcohol functions as an emulsion stabilizer by increasing viscosity and reinforcing the interfacial film between oil and water phases, preventing droplet coalescence. In metalworking fluids and lubricant formulations, it acts as a boundary lubricant and co-emulsifier, reducing friction between metal surfaces while supporting stable oil-in-water systems.
Cetyl alcohol is available in powder, flake, and pellet forms, with grades meeting Ph.Eur. and FCC specifications for pharmaceutical and food-contact applications. It is fully REACH-registered for supply within the European market. Procurement teams should confirm grade specification against intended application prior to ordering.
In cosmetic emulsions, cetyl alcohol functions as an emulsion stabilizer by increasing viscosity and reinforcing the interfacial film between oil and water phases, preventing droplet coalescence. In metalworking fluids and lubricant formulations, it acts as a boundary lubricant and co-emulsifier, reducing friction between metal surfaces while supporting stable oil-in-water systems.
Cetyl alcohol is available in powder, flake, and pellet forms, with grades meeting Ph.Eur. and FCC specifications for pharmaceutical and food-contact applications. It is fully REACH-registered for supply within the European market. Procurement teams should confirm grade specification against intended application prior to ordering.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 49.3 °C |
| Boiling Point | 334 °C @ Press: 760 Torr |
| Density | 0.8187 g/cm³ @ Temp: 50 °C |
| Flash Point | 275 °F |
| Appearance | white solid |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Odor | at 100.00 %. waxy clean greasy floral oily |
| Form | Powder, Flakes or Pellets |
| Water Solubility | insoluble |
| Vapor Pressure | <0.01 mm Hg ( 43 °C) |
| Refractive Index | nD79 1.4283 |
| Log P | 6.7 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Warning GHS07
H
H319
P
P280P264+P265P337+P317P305+P351+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29051990 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
Other Names
Hexadecan-1-OlethaletholcetanolAtalco C
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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