Octyldodecanol Explained

Octyldodecanol is a branched-chain primary alcohol used as the isomer 2-octyl-1-dodecanol in cosmetics such as lipstick,^[1] or as an anti-blooming agent in facepowder.^[2] It is a medium spreading emollient, with equilibrium spreading pressure of 17.0 dyne/cm.^[3] Octyldodecanol is in the class of Guerbet alcohols, because it has the branch at the β position.^[4] Compared to arachidyl alcohol, the linear alcohol of the same molecular weight, it has a lower melting point, yet retains low volatility.

Production

2-Octyldodecanol is produced by the Guerbet condensation of decyl alcohol.

Reactions

When octyldodecanol is melted with an alkali it yields octyldodecanoic acid by a dehydrogenation reaction.

Notes and References

1. Book: Milne . G. W. A. . Gardner's Commercially Important Chemicals: Synonyms, Trade Names, and Properties . 2005 . John Wiley & Sons . 9780471736615 . 456 . en.
2. Book: Williams . S. D. . Chemistry and Technology of the Cosmetics and Toiletries Industry . 1996 . Springer Science & Business Media . 9780751403343 . 164 . en .
3. Kroke . H. P. . Oily components in cosmetics from a European view . Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society . April 1978 . 55 . 4 . 444–446 . 10.1007/BF02911910. 85148769 .
4. O'Lenick . Anthony J. . Guerbet chemistry . Journal of Surfactants and Detergents . July 2001 . 4 . 3 . 311–315 . 10.1007/s11743-001-0185-1. 195343946 .