5358. Lanolin

Nomenclature

CAS number: 8006-54-0
Wool fat; anydrous lanolin; Emery 1600 (Henkel).

Description and references

Refined form of wool wax, the unctuous secretion of the sebaceous glands of sheep which is deposited onto the wool fibers. Known since antiquity for its emollient properties. Chemically a wax consisting of a complex mixture of esters and polyesters of lanolin alcohols, q.v., and higher fatty acids, including α- and ω-hydroxy acids. Lanolin can be separated by solvent fractionation into lanolin oil and lanolin wax. Analytical methods: C. W. Spilker, T. B. Richey, Cosmet. Perfum. 88, 43 (Sept. 1973). Discussion of lanolin allergy: R. Wolf, Dermatology 192, 198 (1996). Review of prepn, derivatives and uses: G. Barnett, Cosmet. Toiletries 101, 23-44 (Mar. 1986); J. Thewlis, Agro-Food-Ind. Hi-Tech 8, no. 3, 14-20 (1997).

Properties

Translucent, pale yellow, soft tenacious solid; slight odor or practically odorless. mp 38-42°. Sp gr at 25° 0.935. Iodine no. 27. Hydroxyl no. 32. Practically insol in water. Sparingly sol in cold, more in hot alcohol; freely sol in chloroform, ether.

Derivative

Hydrous lanolin.

Properties

Ointment base prepared by the addition of about 25-30% water. Yellowish-white unctuous mass; slight odor. Practically insol in water. Sol in chloroform or ether with the separation of the water.

Derivative

Acetylated lanolin.

Nomenclature

CAS number: 61788-48-5
Acylan (Croda); Fancol ACEL (Fanning); Modulan (Amerchol); Ritacetyl (R.I.T.A.).

Description and references

Prepn: L. I. Conrad, K. Motiuk, J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem. 6, 344 (1955).

Properties

Almost odorless, pale yellow, soft, unctuous solid. mp 36°. Sp gr at 25° 0.935. Iodine no. 27. Hydroxyl no. 2. Sol in mineral oils, in some vegetable oils. Readily dispersed in oil-in-water emulsions.

Derivative

Lanolin oil.

Nomenclature

Liquid lanolin; dewaxed lanolin; Lanogene (Amerchol); Lantrol 1673 (Henkel); Ritalan (R.I.T.A.).

Properties

Amber viscous liquid. Odorless, tasteless. Sol in mineral oil. Rich in lower molecular weight, branched aliphatic acids and alcohols.

Derivative

Lanolin wax.

Nomenclature

Lanfrax (Henkel).

Properties

Light yellow waxy solid. Insol in water; emulsifies in ≈3 parts water.

Use

Pharmaceutic aid (ointment base). Emulsifier, emollient, conditioner and lubricant in cosmetics and toiletries.