CETYL ALCOHOL Meaning and
Definition
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Cetyl alcohol is a waxy solid alcohol compound with the chemical formula C16H34O. It belongs to the class of fatty alcohols, specifically the alkyl alcohols, and is derived from natural sources such as coconut oil or palm oil.
In its pure form, cetyl alcohol appears as a white or slightly yellowish crystalline substance that is insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol and oils. It is commonly used in various industries including cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and lubricants.
One of the primary uses of cetyl alcohol is as an emollient or thickening agent in skincare and haircare products. It helps to soften and moisturize the skin, acting as a conditioning agent in creams, lotions, and other cosmetic formulations. Due to its viscosity-enhancing properties, cetyl alcohol also contributes to the smooth and creamy texture of cosmetic products.
In pharmaceutical preparations, cetyl alcohol is used as an excipient, aiding in the formulation and stabilization of medications. It can enhance the consistency of ointments, creams, and suppositories.
Furthermore, cetyl alcohol is utilized as a lubricant or ingredient in the manufacturing of various industrial products, such as synthetic oils, polishes, detergents, and paints.
Despite its name, cetyl alcohol is not related to typical alcoholic beverages and does not possess any intoxicating properties. It is considered safe for topical use and is generally well-tolerated by the skin.
Common Misspellings for CETYL ALCOHOL
- xetyl alcohol
- vetyl alcohol
- fetyl alcohol
- detyl alcohol
- cwtyl alcohol
- cstyl alcohol
- cdtyl alcohol
- crtyl alcohol
- c4tyl alcohol
- c3tyl alcohol
- ceryl alcohol
- cefyl alcohol
- cegyl alcohol
- ceyyl alcohol
- ce6yl alcohol
- ce5yl alcohol
- cettl alcohol
- cetgl alcohol
- cethl alcohol
- cetul alcohol
Etymology of CETYL ALCOHOL
The word "cetyl alcohol" is derived from "cetyl", which in turn is derived from the scientific name for whale oil. The Latin name for whale oil is "cetus", which means "whale", and it refers to the source of the alcohol, as it was originally derived from cetacean oils. The term "cetyl" is therefore based on the Latin word for whale oil. The word "alcohol" comes from the Arabic term "al-kuḥl" (الكحل), which originally referred to a powder used as a cosmetic, and later evolved to mean any kind of distilled substance. When combined, "cetyl alcohol" indicates an alcohol derived from whale oil.
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