Fatty alcohols, derived from natural fats and oils, are high molecular straight
chain primary alcohols. They include lauryl (C12), MyrIstyl (C14), Cetyl ( or
palmityl: C16), stearyl (C18), Oleyl (C18, unsaturated), and Linoleyl (C18,
polyunsaturated) alcohols. There are synthetic fatty alcohols equivalent
physically and chemically to natural alcohols obtained from oleochemical sources
such as coconut and palm kernel oil. Fatty alcohols are emulsifiers and
emollients to make skin smoother and prevent moisture loss. Identical fatty
esters are used to improve rub-out of formulas and to control viscosity and
dispersion characteristics in cosmetics, personal care products and
pharmaceutical ingredients. As chemical intermediates, the primary use of fatty
alcohols are as raw material for the production of fatty sulfate salts and
alcohol ethoxylates for foaming and cleaning purposes in the field of detergent
industry. Chemical reactions of primary alcohols include esterifications,
ethoxylation, sulfation, oxidation and many other reactions. Their derivatives
and end use applications include;
- Nonionic surfactants (Ethoxylates and
propoxylates)
- Anionic surfactants (Alkyl sulfates and alkyl ethoxy
sulfates)
- Chemical intermediates and polymerization modifiers (Alkyl
halides, Alkyl mercaptans)
- Quaternary ammonium compounds for detergent
sanitisers, softner for
textiles, phase
transfer catalyst and
biocides
- Antioxidants for plastics (Alkyl thiopropionates and alkyl
phosphites)
- Lubricant additives (Metallic and thio alkylphosphates)
- Flavor
and Fragrance (Aldehydes and ketones)
- PVC plasticizers (Dialkyl Phthalates,
adipates and trimellitates)
- Coatings and inks (acrylate and methacrylate
esters)
- Water treatment (acrylate and methacrylate esters)
Large
amount of fatty alcohols are used as special solvents, fillers in plasticizer
and insulating materials for the building industry. Fatty alcohols are used as
ingredients in the industries of agricultural, foodstuff, metal processing,
cosmetics, lube additive, pharmaceutical, rubber, textile, perfume and
flavouring as well as synthetic detergent.
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