What Is Fatty Alcohol 1618 (30:70) Pastilles? Specifications, Production, and Uses
- Fatty Alcohol 1618 (30:70) is a C16–C18 fatty alcohol blend of about 30% C16 (cetyl) and 70% C18 (stearyl), in white solid or pastille form.[1]
- Hydroxyl value is 210–220 mg KOH/g, maximum moisture 0.3%, and minimum fatty alcohol content 99%.[1]
- The product comes from palm oil and palm kernel oil, marketed as Wilfarol 1618 (30:70) and ThaiOL 1618.[1]
- It is obtained by hydrogenation of fatty acids or methyl esters, and is available as broad, binary, or pure cut.[1]
- It is used as a surfactant feedstock (fatty alcohol sulfate and ethoxylate) for personal care and household products.[2]
Fatty Alcohol 1618 (30:70) is a long-chain fatty alcohol that is an important surfactant industry feedstock. Its pastille form simplifies handling and blending at soap, detergent, and cosmetic plants.
Table of contents
What Is Fatty Alcohol 1618 (30:70)?
Fatty Alcohol 1618 (30:70) is a long-chain fatty alcohol consisting of a blend of cetyl alcohol (C16) and stearyl alcohol (C18) at about 30:70. It is also known as cetyl-stearyl alcohol.[1]
The number 1618 indicates the carbon chain range C16 to C18, while 30:70 indicates the typical composition. The product is a white solid or pastilles, with solidification range 50–54 °C.[1][3]
Wilmar markets this product as Wilfarol 1618 (30:70), while other producers use the names ThaiOL 1618 and CESTAL. This fatty alcohol comes from palm oil and palm kernel oil.[1][3]
Product Specifications
Fatty alcohol 1618 specifications are set based on hydroxyl value, moisture, fatty alcohol content, and carbon chain distribution. Producers offer broad cut, binary cut, or pure cut to match customer needs.[1]
| Parameter | Wilfarol 1618 (30:70) | ThaiOL 1618 |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Liquid; beads | White solid or pastilles |
| Acid value (mg KOH/g) | Max. 0.1 | 0–0.1 |
| Saponification value (mg KOH/g) | Max. 1.0 | 0–1.0 |
| Hydroxyl value (mg KOH/g) | 210–220 | 210–220 |
| Iodine value (% I2 absorbed) | Max. 1.0 | Max. 0.5 |
| Moisture content (%) | Max. 0.3 | 0–0.3 |
| Fatty alcohol content (%) | Min. 99 | – |
| Color (APHA) | Max. 10 | 0–10 |
| Solidification range (°C) | – | 50–54 |
| Hydrocarbon content (%) | – | 0–0.5 |
| Carbon chain | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| C12 | Max. 3 |
| C14 | Max. 3 |
| C16 | 22–32 |
| C18 | 66–76 |
| Other | Max. 3 |
Production
C12–C18 fatty alcohols are produced by hydrogenation of fatty acids and fatty acid methyl esters. The two main routes are direct hydrogenation of fatty acids from triglyceride splitting, and hydrogenation of methyl esters from vegetable oil transesterification.[2]
The product is then fractionated into broad cut, binary cut, or pure cut. Wilfarol offers these options so customers can choose purity suited to the end application.[1]
Main feedstocks are palm oil and palm kernel oil, both rich in C16 and C18 fatty acids, making them suitable for producing 1618 fatty alcohol.[1]
Uses
Fatty Alcohol 1618 is used as a surfactant feedstock, including fatty alcohol sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and ethoxylated alcohols produced by ethoxylation with ethylene oxide. C16 and C18 chains provide good wetting, foaming, and biodegradability.[2][4]
In personal care, fatty alcohols are used as emollients and nonionic lubricants in lotions, creams, and hair care products. In household products, fatty alcohol sulfates are used in detergents, shampoos, and toothpaste. The product is also marketed as an intermediate, emollient, and nonionic surfactant.[2][5]
C16 and C18 chains provide good wetting, foaming, and biodegradability, making them suitable for detergent and care product formulations that are environmentally acceptable.[2]
Summary
Fatty Alcohol 1618 (30:70) is a blend of cetyl alcohol (C16) and stearyl alcohol (C18) with hydroxyl value 210–220 mg KOH/g and maximum moisture 0.3%. It comes from palm oil and palm kernel oil, is produced by hydrogenation of fatty acids or methyl esters, and is used as a surfactant and personal care feedstock.
References
- Wilmar International. Cetyl-Stearyl Alcohol (30:70) — Wilfarol 1618 (30:70). https://www.wilmar-international.com/oleochemicals/products/home-care/cetyl-stearyl-alcohol-(30-70)
- Surfactant Technology and Applications. Fatty alcohol and surfactant production from vegetable oils. https://fliphtml5.com/qycnc/vpwj/Teknologi_Surfaktan_dan_Aplikasinya/
- Tennants Distribution. Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol 30:70 (ThaiOL 1618) — product specification. https://www.tennantsdistribution.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=wbDut8fQEOI=&portalid=0
- Wilmar Oleochemical Group. Safety Data Sheet — Fatty Alcohol 1618 (WILFAROL 1618). https://www.scribd.com/document/635041941/MSDS-SDS-WOG-FAL-006-C1618-rev05
- Acme Hardesty. AHCOHOL 1618-TA — safety data sheet. https://www.acme-hardesty.com/wp-content/uploads/AHCOHOL-1618-TA-SDS.pdf