Chemical Properties
white crystals or powder
Occurrence
Octacosanol is developed from wheat germ, sugar cane, or vegetable waxes.
Uses
A 28-carbon primary fatty alcohol commonly found in the epicuticular waxes of plants. It has shown protective effects against parkonsonism and due to its excellent tolerability and non-toxicity, octacosanol may be a promising agent for PD treatment.
Definition
ChEBI: A long-chain primary fatty alcohol that is octacosane in which a hydrogen attached to one of the terminal carbons is replaced by a hydroxy group.
General Description
White crystalline powder.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
1-Octacosanol is an alcohol. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for 1-Octacosanol are not available; however, 1-Octacosanol is probably combustible.
Purification Methods
Recrystallise it from large volumes of Me2CO. Sublime it at 200-250o/1mm instead of distilling it. [Beilstein 2 IV 1318.]
