5359. Lanolin Alcohols

Nomenclature

CAS number: 8027-33-6
Wool alcohols; Amerchol 400 (Amerchol); Ceralan (Amerchol); Emery 1780 (Henkel); Eucerin (Beiersdorf); Fancol LA (Fanning); Hartolan (Croda); Ritawax (R.I.T.A.).

Description and references

Complex combination of organic alcohols obtained by the saponification of lanolin. Composed of monohydric and dihydric aliphatic alcohols and sterols, primarily cholesterol and lanosterol, q.q.v. Prepn: L. I. Conrad, K. Motiuk, J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem. 6, 344 (1955). Composition: M. L. Schlossman, J. P. McCarthy, Contact Dermatitis 5, 65 (1979). Clinical evaluation of moisturizing capacity: J. Sindhvananda et al., J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem. 44, 279 (1993).

Properties

Golden-brown solid, plastic when warm, but brittle when cold; faint characteristic odor. mp >56°. Practically insol in water. Very slightly sol in alcohol; sol in ether, chloroform and light petroleum.

Derivative

Acetylated Lanolin Alcohols.

Nomenclature

CAS number: 61788-49-6
Acetulan (Amerchol); Fancol ALA (Fanning).

Properties

Pale yellow, practically odorless liquid. Sp gr at 25°: 0.867. Neutral to litmus. Acid no. 0.35. Hydroxyl no. 2.0. Saponification no. 190.0. Hydrophobic, practically insol in water with no emulsification. Miscible with mineral oil, castor oil, vegetable oils, isopropanol, 95% ethanol, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, butyl stearate.

Use

Emulsifier, stabilizer, emollient and lubricant in cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals.