Fatty alcohol

A fatty alcohol is a long-chain aliphatic alcohol, usually with an even number of carbon atoms. It occurs naturally in waxes and is used in detergents, cosmetics, and other products.

Alcohol (chemistry): An organic compound in which a hydroxyl group is bonded to a saturated carbon atom. Fatty alcohols are alcohols whose carbon frameworks are unusually long and mostly unbranched.
Amphiphile: A molecule with distinct hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. Fatty alcohols combine a polar hydroxyl end with a water-avoiding hydrocarbon chain.
Cetyl alcohol: A saturated 16-carbon fatty alcohol, also called 1-hexadecanol. It is a common cosmetic ingredient used to thicken and soften formulations.
Plant cuticle: The waxy outer protective layer covering the aerial surfaces of most plants. Its waxes contain long-chain compounds, including fatty alcohols.
Fatty aldehyde: A long-chain aldehyde containing a terminal carbonyl group. It has the same kind of long-chain framework but an aldehyde rather than an alcohol group.
Aliphatic compound: An organic compound whose carbon atoms form open chains or nonaromatic rings. The long carbon framework of a fatty alcohol is aliphatic rather than aromatic.
Hydrogen bonding: An attraction involving a hydrogen bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom. Hydroxyl groups let fatty alcohol molecules hydrogen-bond with one another and with water.
Stearyl alcohol: A saturated 18-carbon fatty alcohol, also called 1-octadecanol. It serves as an emollient and consistency-enhancing ingredient in personal-care products.
Spermaceti: A waxy substance found in the head cavities of sperm whales, historically used in candles and ointments. Spermaceti contains cetyl palmitate, an ester made from a fatty alcohol and a fatty acid.
Fatty ester: An ester containing one or more long hydrocarbon chains derived from fatty acids or alcohols. Fatty alcohols can be esterified, producing compounds with different polarity and uses.

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