Stearyl Alcohol

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

60 [mg/m3]

660 [mg/m3]

4000 [mg/m3]

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1.8X10+5(SRC), determined from a water solubility of 1.1X10-3 mg/L(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 1-octadecanol is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 1-octadecanol from moist soil surfaces may be expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 8.41X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from a vapor pressure of 2.7X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(4), and its water solubility(2). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). 1-Octadecanol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon it's vapor pressure(4). Biodegradation of 1-octadecanol may be an important fate process in soil based on a mixed shake flask culture study(5).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1.8X10+5(SRC), determined from a water solubility of 1.1X10-3 mg/L(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 1-octadecanol is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediments(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 8.4X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), calculated from its water solubility(2) and vapor pressure, 2.7X10-6 mm Hg(4), values. Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 2.8 hours and 7 days, respectively(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 140 days if adsorption is considered (5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF value of 2.8X10+4(3), from its water solubility(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high(SRC). A percent theoretical oxygen demand value of 0.3 in 24 hrs using a Warburg test(7) suggests that biodegradation may not be an important fate process in water(7).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 1-octadecanol, which has a vapor pressure of 2.7X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1-octadecanol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be about 14 hours(3), calculated from its rate constant of 2.67X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC), that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase 1-octadecanol may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC).

1-Octadecanol has been detected in industrial wastewater from the organics and plastics industry (184 ng/ul extract) and from textile mills (94 ng/ul extract)(1). 1-Octadecanol has been detected in wastewater from a specialty chemicals manufacturing plant at concentrations of 1-4 ppm(2). Emission rates in wood smoke for 1-octadecanol in mg/g of organic carbon were found to be 0.059 for red oak(3), 0.063 for yellow poplar(4), and 0.062 for mockernut hickory(4). 1-Octadecanol emission rates from road dust samples was 4.3 ug/g(5).

The Koc of 1-octadecanol is estimated as 1.8X10+5(SRC), using a water solubility of 1.1X10-3 mg/L at 25 °C(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that 1-octadecanol is immobile in soil(SRC).

URBAN/SUBURBAN: 1-Octadecanol was found in California at atmospheric concentrations of 2.5 ng/cu m, and 2.9 ng/cu m in Bakersfield and Fresno, respectively(1).

RURAL/REMOTE: 1-Octadecanol was found in California at an atmospheric concentrations of 0.4 ng/cu m in the Kern Wildlife Refuge(1).

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ The results of single-insult clinical patch testing indicate a very low order of skin irritation potential for stearyl alcohol with a sensitization rate of 19 of 3740 (0.51%) individuals.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ A 24-hour single insult occlusive patch test with 100% stearyl alcohol produced mild irritation in 1 out of 80 human subjects.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Of 51 patients allergic to wool wax alcohols, 4 reacted to 20% stearyl alcohol in vaseline. Combined scores at 24, 48, and 72 hours showed reactions graded as ++ (erytheme and papeln or infiltrate) or +++ ( erytheme, infiltrate or rather papulovesicle). The authors concluded that free fatty alcohols play a major part in allergic reactions to wool wax. Stearyl alcohol is less allergic than 1-dodecanol or oleyl alcohol.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Patch test with 30% stearyl alcohol in petrolatum was assessed after 48 and 96 hours. The test was conducted during several one-year periods on large numbers of human subjects. In 1975-1976 one-year study out of 172 tested 2 showed allergic reaction (1.2%). In 1976-1977 one-year study out of 446 tested 1 showed allergic reaction (0.22%). In 1978-1979 one year study out of 824 tested 6 showed allergic reaction (0.73%). In 1979-1980 one year study out of 634 tested 6 showed allergic reaction (0.95%). ... According to the authors, the positive results above indicate a very mild sensitization potential.

/CASE REPORTS/ ... A woman who experienced oozing dermatitis on 2 separate occasions 2 yr apart after contact with green canvas being sewn into tents. Patch testing showed sensitivity to stearyl alcohol.

1-Octadecanol's production and use as a substitute for cetyl alcohol in pharmaceutical dispensing, in cosmetic creams, for emulsions, textile oils and finishes, as an antifoam agent, lubricant, chemical raw material(1), in perfumery, cosmetics, as an intermediate, surface active agent, and in resins(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams.

AEROBIC: Using the Warburg test which employs activated sludge, 1-octadecanol gave a theoretical oxygen demand of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.3 percent in 6, 12, and 24 hours(1). However, using an acclimated mixed shake flask culture with incremental substrate addition of 1-octadecanol, biomass yield reached 54.5 percent after seven days(2). Given sufficient time in contact with adapted microbial species under conditions otherwise non-limiting, the complete disappearance of 1-octadecanol as identifiable molecular species will occur(2).

Drug products containing certain active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for certain uses. A number of active ingredients have been present in OTC drug products for various uses, as described below. However, based on evidence currently available, there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for the specified uses: Stearyl alcohol is included in skin protectant drug products.

CIR ingredient: Stearyl Alcohol

Used as a substitute for cetyl alcohol in pharmaceutical dispensing; in cosmetic creams and perfumery; in textile oils and finishes; as an antifoam agent; and in lubricants, resins, and surface active agents; Synthetic stearyl alcohol has been approved as a direct and indirect food additive ingredient and as an ingredient in over-the-counter drugs; [HSDB]

Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry]

Substitute for cetyl alcohol in pharmaceutical dispensing, in cosmetic creams, for emulsions, textile oils and finishes; as antifoam agent, lubricant, and chemical raw material.

Perfumery, cosmetics, intermediate, surface active agents, lubricants, resins, antifoam agent.

Antifoam agent /for bioprocesses/

2023: 70,000,000 - <85,000,000 lb

This chemical is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).

(1986) >10 million-50 million pounds

(1990) >10 million-50 million pounds

(1994) >10 million-50 million pounds

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for 1-OCTADECANOL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Preparation from ethyl stearate. ... Preparation of technical grade from sperm whale oil.

/1-Octadecanol is/ prepared commercially via Ziegler aluminum alkyl hydrolysis or the catalytic, high-pressure hydrogenation of stearyl acid, followed by filtration and distillation. It may also be derived from natural fats and oils.

Stearyl alcohol USP...contains not less than 90% of stearyl alcohol, remainder consisting chiefly of cetyl alcohol.

Hydrophilic petrolatum USP /contains/ cholesterol 30 g, stearyl alcohol 30 g, white wax 80 g, & white petrolatum 860 g.

Hydrophilic ointment USP /contains/ methylparaben 0.25 g, propylparaben 0.15 g, sodium lauryl sulfate 10 g, propylene glycol 120 g, stearyl alcohol 250 g, white petrolatum 250 g, purified water 370 g.

Grades: Commercial; technical; USP.

EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Emollients

Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern

Cosmetics -> Refatting; Emulsion stabilizing; Viscosity controlling; Opacifying; Foam boosting; Emollient

Other (requires additional information)

1-Octadecanol: ACTIVE

Stenol is a mixture of solid alcohols, principally stearyl alcohol.

/It is/ a surface-active agent used to stabilize emulsions & increase their ability to retain large quantities of water.