Arielle Cruz
Ethoxylated alcohols are synthesized through the reaction of a fatty alcohol and ethylene oxide, resulting in a molecule that consists of two parts: a carbon-rich, fatty alcohol, and a hydrophilic, polyoxyethylene chain. This makes them useful as surfactants or surface active agents, as they can mix and solubilize oil and water. They are used in many industrial practices and commercial markets, such as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, degreasers, and emollients. C6-C12 and C12-18 ethoxylated alcohols are specific types of ethoxylated alcohols that differ in the number of carbon atoms in their alkyl chain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ethoxylated alcohol C6-C12 IUPAC name | Alcohols C9-11, ethoxylated |
| Ethoxylated alcohol C12-18 IUPAC name | Alcohol ethoxylate |
| Ethoxylated alcohol C12-16 other names | Lauryl-myristyl alcohol |
| Stability | Stable up to 50°C |
| Oxidation | Oxidizes on exposure to air to form peroxides and peracids |
| Combustibility | Combustible but not flammable (flash point > 179°C) |
| Auto-ignition temperature | 230°C |
| Reactivity | May react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases |
| Incompatible materials | Copper and copper alloys, aluminum |
| Function | Acts as an emulsion stabilizer and viscosity increasing agent |
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What You'll Learn
- C12-C16 alcohols are a mixture of fatty alcohols with 12 to 16 carbons in the alkyl chain
- C12-C16 alcohols are deemed acceptable by Whole Foods in its body care and cleaning products
- C12-C16 alcohols are stable up to 50°C, combustible, and may react with strong acids
- C12-C18 alcohols are ethoxylated and include products like Dehydol LT 4, Dehydol LT 5, and Marlipal 28/100
- C12-C16 alcohols can be found in lipstick, sunscreen, and moisturiser
C12-C16 alcohols are a mixture of fatty alcohols with 12 to 16 carbons in the alkyl chain
C12-C16 alcohols, also called lauryl-myristyl alcohol, are a mixture of fatty alcohols with 12 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. They are created by combining C12 and C14 alcohols. Fatty alcohols are usually high-molecular mass, straight-chain primary alcohols, with an even number of carbon atoms and a single alcohol group (–OH) attached to the terminal carbon. They can be derived from natural fats and oils, with the precise chain length varying depending on the source. For example, midcut alcohols are obtained from coconut oil (C12–C14) or palm kernel oil (C16–C18), while higher alcohols (C20–C22) can be sourced from rapeseed or mustard seed oil. Fatty alcohols can also be prepared from petrochemical sources, such as through the Ziegler process, which involves the oligomerization of ethylene.
C12-C16 alcohols are used in various industries, particularly in cleaners, to keep ingredients from separating and to create a smooth product feel. They are not typically used in skincare products due to potential health concerns. Longer-chain fatty alcohols, including C12–C16, produce fewer health effects than shorter-chain alternatives (smaller than C12). Field studies at wastewater treatment plants have shown that 99% of fatty alcohols with lengths C12–C18 are removed during the treatment process. Modelling has also indicated that fatty alcohols with chain lengths of C10 and above partition into sediment when released into water, and those of C14 and above are predicted to remain in the air.
In terms of toxicity, tests on fatty alcohols have revealed a low level of toxicity from inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure. These alcohols are not very volatile, and their acute lethal concentration is greater than the saturated vapour pressure. While no unacceptable environmental risks were identified for this category of chemicals, it is important to note that fish, invertebrates, and algae experience similar levels of toxicity, with shorter-chain alcohols having a higher toxicity potential.
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C12-C16 alcohols are deemed acceptable by Whole Foods in its body care and cleaning products
C12-C16 alcohols, also known as lauryl-myristyl alcohol, are a mixture of fatty alcohols with 12 to 16 carbons in the alkyl chain. They are made by combining C12 and C14 alcohols. C12-C16 alcohols act as an emulsion stabilizer and viscosity-increasing agents, allowing products to stay spreadable and creamy. They are commonly used in lipstick, sunscreen, moisturizer, and other similar products.
C12-C16 alcohols are also used as an alternative to ammonia, petroleum distillates, and propellants. They have the unique ability to clean a surface and then evaporate without leaving any residue, which is especially useful for cleaning glass, stainless steel, and similar surfaces.
In terms of stability, C12-C16 alcohols are stable up to 50°C. They oxidize when exposed to air, forming peroxides and peracids. While they are combustible, they are not flammable, with a flashpoint of >179°C. C12-C16 alcohols may react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases, and they are incompatible with copper and copper alloys, as well as aluminum.
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C12-C16 alcohols are stable up to 50°C, combustible, and may react with strong acids
Alcohols C12-C16, also known as alcohol C-12 C-16 poly (1-6) ethoxylate, are a group of polyether alcohols that are synthesized by treating a mixture of C-12 to C-16 alcohols with ethylene oxide. They are a colourless liquid with a mild odour and are completely miscible with water.
These alcohols are stable up to 50°C, at which temperature they oxidize when exposed to air and form peroxides and peracids. They have a melting point of 5°C and a boiling point of less than 150°C. Their density is 0.9 g/cm3. While they are combustible, with an auto-ignition temperature of 230°C, they are not flammable, with a flashpoint of >179°C.
C12-C16 alcohols may react with strong acids, strong bases, and strong oxidizing agents. They are incompatible with copper and copper alloys, as well as aluminium. In the event of a spill, these alcohols pose a major threat to the environment. They can easily penetrate the soil and contaminate groundwater and nearby streams. They are very toxic to aquatic organisms and irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure to the skin can cause reddening and scaling.
C12-C16 alcohols are used in the making of surfactants.
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C12-C18 alcohols are ethoxylated and include products like Dehydol LT 4, Dehydol LT 5, and Marlipal 28/100
C12-C18 alcohols are ethoxylated to create ingredients for household, industrial, and institutional cleaners, as well as personal care and cosmetic products. Dehydol LT 4, Dehydol LT 5, and Marlipal 28/100 are examples of products that fall into these categories.
Dehydol LT 5, manufactured by BASF, is a heavy-duty laundry detergent that is suitable for manufacturing liquid wool and light-duty detergents. It is considered a raw material. Dehydol LT 5 is subject to various regulatory frameworks, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Dehydol LT 4, also by BASF, is a product used in personal care and cosmetics. It is a non-ionic emulsifier with the chemical name laureth-4. Dehydol LT 4 is suitable for the preparation of cosmetic oils and cream baths and has a standard odour, appearance, and density. This product is also subject to regulatory requirements, including those from the EU, China, and Taiwan.
These regulatory frameworks ensure product safety and compliance with environmental and health standards, both on a global and regional level. While I cannot find specific information on Marlipal 28/100, it likely falls under similar regulatory frameworks depending on its intended use and market.
Ethoxylated alcohols, such as those in the C12-C18 range, are versatile and can be found in a variety of products. The specific properties and applications of these products can vary, as seen with Dehydol LT 4 and Dehydol LT 5, which are both used in distinct areas of cleaning and personal care.
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C12-C16 alcohols can be found in lipstick, sunscreen, and moisturiser
C12-C16 alcohols, also known as lauryl-myristyl alcohol, are a mixture of synthetic fatty alcohols with 12 to 16 carbons in the alkyl chain. They are made by combining C12 and C14 alcohols, or by treating a mixture of C12 to C16 alcohols with ethylene oxide. C12-C16 alcohols act as an emulsion stabilizer and viscosity-increasing agents, allowing products to stay spreadable and creamy. They can be found in lipstick, sunscreen, and moisturiser, as well as other cosmetics and personal care products.
C12-C16 alcohols are used to keep ingredients from separating and to make products feel smooth. They are often used in cleaners, which are rinsed or wiped away, rather than in skincare products left on the skin. However, they are deemed acceptable by Whole Foods in their body care and cleaning product quality standards.
It is important to note that ethoxylated alcohols, including C12-C16 alcohols, may experience 1,4-dioxane contamination as a byproduct of the production process. However, the EPA considers it safe to consume water with low levels of 1,4-dioxane, and studies on workers exposed to this contaminant have not found evidence of adverse health effects.
C12-C16 alcohols have a stable structure, oxidizing on exposure to air to form peroxides and peracids. They are combustible but not flammable, with an auto-ignition temperature of 230°C. These alcohols may react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases, and they are incompatible with copper and copper alloys, as well as aluminium.
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Frequently asked questions
Ethoxylated alcohols are synthesized via the reaction of a fatty alcohol and ethylene oxide. They are used in many industrial practices, including detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, degreasers, and emollients. C6-C12 and C12-18 refer to the number of carbon atoms in the chemical structure of the alcohol.
Ethoxylated alcohols are used in a wide range of applications, including industrial and institutional cleaning, home and personal care products, agrochemicals, paints and coatings, and oil and gas. They are also used as emulsifiers, degreasers, and emollients.
Ethoxylated alcohols have a dual structure, with a hydrophobic portion (water-hating) and a hydrophilic component (water-loving). This enables them to mix and solubilize oil and water by lowering the interfacial energy between them.
While ethoxylated alcohols may experience 1,4-dioxane contamination during production, the EPA considers it safe to consume water with low levels of 1,4-dioxane for short periods. Studies on workers exposed to 1,4-dioxane showed no evidence of liver or kidney disease or any other clinical effects. However, it is important to use caution when handling ethoxylated alcohols as they may react with certain absorbents and have specific isolation and evacuation requirements.
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