Dicetyl phosphate

Dicetyl phosphate (DCP, also known as dihexadecyl phosphate; CAS 2197-63-9, EC 218-594-7) is an anionic phosphate ester surfactant derived from cetyl alcohol. It carries no assigned E-code. It is commercially referenced under identifiers including NSC 12429 and Brn 1717117.

In cosmetic and pharmaceutical emulsion systems, DCP functions as an anionic charge-imparting agent that stabilises liposomes and vesicular structures by generating electrostatic repulsion between droplets, preventing coalescence. In polymer processing, it acts as a surface modifier that reduces interfacial tension between filler particles and polymer matrices, improving dispersion uniformity.

Dicetyl phosphate is supplied as a solid and is subject to REACH registration requirements for EU market supply. Procurement teams should confirm grade specification against intended application, particularly for pharmaceutical use where compendial alignment may be required. Standard industrial packaging formats apply; consult supplier documentation for lot-specific certificates of analysis.