description | 1-Decanol, also known as decyl alcohol or n-decyl alcohol, is a straight chain fatty alcohol with ten carbon atoms and the molecular formula CH3(CH2)9OH. It is a colorless viscous liquid that is insoluble in water. It is colorless and has a strong odor. It is a clear colorless liquid with a sweet fat-like odor. It has a flash point of 180°F. It is less dense than water and insoluble in water. Its vapors are heavier than air. |
Applications | Decyl alcohol can be used for the production of plasticizers, lubricants, surfactants and solvents. It is also used to study the thermal properties of polymer-monolithic stationary phases. Furthermore, it can used to enhance homomeric glycine receptor function. In addition to this, it is used in daily flavor, food flavor and cosmetics. In addition, the 5HT2α receptors were inhibited by the presence of decyl alcohol. This action has many psychological repercussions on an individual. It can also be used as a plant growth regulator of tobacco. |
Warning and Risk | Decyl alcohol causes a high irritability to skin and eyes, when splashed into the eyes it can cause permanent damage. Also inhalation and ingestion can be harmful, it can also function as a narcotic. It is also harmful in the environment. |
Chemical Properties | 1-Decanol is a clear colorless to slightly yellow liquid and has a floral odor resembling orange flowers and a slight, characteristic fatty taste. The threshold odor concentration in air for decyl alcohol (isomer not specified) was reportedly 6.3 ppb. soluble in glacial acetic acid, ethanol, benzene, petroleum ether, easily soluble in ether. |
Occurrence | Reported in the essential oils of ambrette seeds and almond flowers; also in citrus oils, fermented beverages, apple juice, bilberry, American cranberry, papaya, raspberry, cheeses, milk, butter, beef, pork, beer, cognac, whiskey, red, white and sparkling wines, coriander seeds and cardamom. |
Uses | 1-Decanol is a long chain alcohol that has been seen to enhance homomeric glycine receptor function. In addition, the 5HT2α receptors were inhibited by the presence of 1-decanol. This action has many psychological repercussions on an individual. 1-Decanol is also used in the manufacture of plasticizers, synthetic lubricants, petroleum additives, herbicides, surface active agents, solvents. Has moderate antifoaming capacity. |
Definition | ChEBI: 1-Decanol is a fatty alcohol consisting of a hydroxy function at C-1 of an unbranched saturated chain of ten carbon atoms. It has a role as a metabolite and a protic solvent. It is a primary alcohol and a fatty alcohol. |
Production Methods | 1-Decanol is prepared commercially by sodium reduction or by the high-pressure catalytic reduction of coconut oil, coconut fatty acids, or esters . It is also produced by the Ziegler process, which involves oxidation of trialkylaluminum compounds. |
Preparation | By sodium reduction or high-pressure catalytic hydrogenation of the esters of naturally occurring capric acid, or by oligomerization of ethylene using aluminium alkyl technology. |
Application | decyl alcohol can be used for any number of functions, including as an emollient, a foam-booster, a surfactant and a viscosity controller, as well to mask odor and as a fixative in perfumes. Decyl alcohol occurs naturally in sweet orange and ambrette seed. It is also derived commercially from liquid paraffin. |