7386. Phytantriol

Nomenclature

CAS number: 74563-64-7
3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-1,2,3-hexadecanetriol; phytane-1,2,3-triol.
C20H42O3; mol wt 330.55.
C 72.67%, H 12.81%, O 14.52%.

Description and references

Cosmetic ingredient; improves moisture retention properties of hair and skin; acts as a penetration enhancer to increase the effects of panthenol, vitamins, and amino acids. Prepn: W. Guex et al., DE 1149700 (1963 to F. Hoffmann-La Roche); T. C. Jain, R. J. Striha, Can. J. Chem. 47, 4359 (1969). Cosmetic uses: E. Wagner, Parfuem. Kosmet. 75, 260 (1994). Aqueous phase behavior: J. Barauskas, T. Landh, Langmuir 19, 9562 (2003).

Chemical structure

Properties

Light yellow oil, bp0.01 130° (Guex); also reported as white crystals from acetone-acetonitrile, mp 56-57° (Jain).

Use

Penetration enhancer in hair and skin care products.