12397

Pentadecan-1-ol, also known as 1-pentadecanol, is a long-chain fatty alcohol. It is essentially pentadecane with one of the terminal methyl hydrogens replaced by a hydroxy group. This compound is a saturated long-chain fatty alcohol, consisting of a pentadecane chain with a hydroxy group substituent at one end. It is an achiral molecule, meaning it lacks mirror-image isomers. At room temperature, 1-pentadecanol appears as a white, flaky solid. It finds various applications in industrial chemicals, lubricating oils, and consumer products like lotions and creams. 1-Pentadecanol is also used as a feedstock in processes involving ethoxylation and sulfation to produce surfactants, which are primarily used in detergents. In terms of safety and handling, 1-pentadecanol is generally a stable compound and exhibits low oral, skin, and respiratory toxicity. However, it can be irritating to the eyes and skin, especially with prolonged contact, leading to defatting of the skin. Consequently, when handling large amounts, protective measures such as eye protection, chemical-resistant gloves, and other protective clothing are recommended. The substance is also flammable under certain conditions, and in the event of a fire, specific types of fire extinguishers are recommended. According to product literature from Shell, high-chain primary alcohols like 1-pentadecanol are readily biodegradable and unlikely to bioaccumulate. They are not corrosive to carbon steel and are compatible with various polymers. However, ethylene propene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber is not recommended for use with these alcohols. Compared to other 1-alkanols, 1-pentadecanol has lower solubility in supercritical carbon dioxide, a trend consistent with longer chain alcohols. When cooled from a liquid state, 1-pentadecanol assumes a crystalline structure known as the α-form. Upon further cooling, it exclusively transitions to a β-form, which is characterized by its vertical chains. This behavior has been studied through differential thermal analysis and dielectric measurements, confirming the compound's phase transitions and orientational disorder. Interestingly, no triple point is observed for 1-pentadecanol.

GHS Hazard Statements

• H315 (61.29%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

• H319 (76.34%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

• H400 (38.71%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

• H410 (29.03%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

• H411 (15.05%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

First Aid

INHALATION: if necessary, support respiration.

INGESTION: induce vomiting and call a doctor.

SKIN OR EYES: wash with copious amounts of water. (USCG, 1999)

U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Source: PubChem