🌍 Dodecyl Alcohol (Lauryl Alcohol, CAS 112-53-8

⚗️ Physical and Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₂₆O
Molecular Weight: 186.34 g/mol
Density: 0.8309 g/mL
Melting Point: 24 °C
Boiling Point: 259 °C
Solubility: Poorly soluble in water; soluble in ethanol and diethyl ether
Odor: Mild, fatty, waxy
Flash Point: 127 °C
Refractive Index: 1.442

🏭 Production

Natural route: Hydrogenation of lauric acid (derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil).
Synthetic route: Ziegler process (polymerization of ethylene, followed by oxidation and reduction).
Industrial outcome: High-purity product suitable for cosmetics, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.

📋 Other Names

Lauryl Alcohol, n-Dodecanol, n-Dodecyl Alcohol, Alcohol C-12, Dodecan-1-ol, Epal 12, Adol 12, Nacol 12-96.

💡 Applications by Sector

1. Cosmetics 💄

Application	Function	Suitability	Notes
Moisturizer	Prevents transepidermal water loss	✅ High	Widely used in creams and lotions
Emulsion Stabilizer	Balances oil/water phases	✅ High	Critical in emulsions and makeup bases
Viscosity Modifier	Provides texture and flow control	✅ High	Used in lotions, gels, balms
Hair Care	Adds shine, softness, supports foaming	✅ High	Common in shampoos and conditioners
Fragrance Carrier	Mild waxy odor, supports perfume matrix	⚖️ Medium	Auxiliary role

2. Detergents 🧼

Application	Function	Suitability	Notes
Surfactant	Removes dirt and grease	✅ High	Key in household cleaning
Foaming Agent	Creates and stabilizes foam	✅ High	Consumer perception of cleanliness
SLS Precursor	Basis for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate	✅ High	Standard in shampoos, soaps, dishwashing liquids
Foam Control	Adjusts foam density	⚖️ Medium	Industrial cleaning formulations
Oil Removal	Enhances grease removal	✅ High	Kitchen and industrial cleaners

3. Pharmaceuticals 💊

Application	Function	Suitability	Notes
Excipient	Carrier, solubility enhancer	✅ High	Improves stability of formulations
Solvent/Carrier	Enhances solubility of actives	⚖️ Medium	Controlled use, subject to GMP
Emulsion Agent	Balances oil/water phases	✅ High	Used in creams and ointments
Topical Products	Moisturizer, texture enhancer	✅ High	Strengthens skin barrier
Flavor/Fragrance Masking	Reduces unpleasant taste/odor	⚖️ Limited	Supportive role only

4. Food 🍞

Application	Function	Suitability	Notes
Flavor Carrier	Supports aroma solubility	⚖️ Limited	No E-code, restricted use
Taste Masking	Reduces off-flavors	⚖️ Medium	Narrow regulatory approval
Emulsion Agent	Stabilizes oil/water systems	✅ High	Used in beverages/aroma systems
Solvent	Improves distribution of flavors	⚖️ Medium	Controlled use only

5. Polymers/Plastics 🏭

Application	Function	Suitability	Notes
Monomer Production	Starting material for polymers	✅ High	Critical in polyethylene derivatives
Plastic Additive	Improves flexibility and durability	✅ High	Performance optimization
Emulsion Agent	Supports polymerization	⚖️ Medium	Process-dependent
Stabilizer	Enhances thermal/chemical stability	✅ High	High-temp processes

6. Agriculture 🌱

Application	Function	Suitability	Notes
Emulsion Agent	Stabilizes pesticide/herbicide formulations	✅ High	Improves homogeneity
Wetting/Spreading Agent	Enhances leaf coverage	✅ High	Better plant surface adhesion
Solvent/Carrier	Improves solubility of actives	⚖️ Medium	Controlled use, subject to regulations
Stabilizer	Extends shelf life of formulations	✅ High	Especially in liquid pesticides

⚠️ Safety and Environmental Impact

Safety: Generally safe; high concentrations may cause skin/eye irritation.
Environmental impact: Biodegradable, not classified as hazardous to aquatic life.
Storage: Cool, dry, tightly sealed containers; avoid oxidizing agents; stainless steel or aluminum compatible.

📌 Conclusion

Dodecyl Alcohol (Lauryl Alcohol) is a versatile fatty alcohol with high suitability in cosmetics, detergents, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and agriculture, while its use in food is limited and regulated. Its biodegradability and sustainability profile make it attractive for modern formulations across industries.

Dodecyl Alcohol, Lauryl Alcohol, Dodecanol, 112-53-8