Bulk octacosanol powder and policosanol bulk powder(sugarcane wax extract) are two chemical substances. There are certain differences between the two in terms of chemical composition, source, function, and application field. Octacosanol is a single long-chain fatty alcohol. Policosanol powder is usually a mixture of multiple long-chain fatty alcohols. This article will discuss the differences between the two in detail.
Definition
•Octacosanol
Octacosanol is a long-chain saturated fatty alcohol. The molecular formula is C₂₈H₅₈O. It belongs to the family of higher fatty alcohols. It is mainly found in plant waxes (such as wheat germ oil, sugarcane wax, and beeswax) and animal tissues.
Its chemical structure is a straight-chain carbon-hydrogen skeleton. There is a hydroxyl group (-OH) at the end. It has a certain polarity and biological activity.
•Policosanol
Policosanol is a mixture of multiple long-chain fatty alcohols (usually C₂₄-C₃₆). The main components include octacosanol, Hexacosanol, Octacosanol, Triacontanol, etc. Policosanol powder is a mixture. Therefore, its effects are generally broader than those of octacosanol powder. And it may have synergistic effects.
Chemical structure
Octacosanol (C28H58O) is a long-chain fatty alcohol composed of 28 carbon atoms, 58 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom, with a straight chain structure. Its molecular formula is C28H58O. In contrast, lipoic acid (C30H62O) is composed of 30 carbon atoms, 62 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom. Its chemical structure is two carbon chains longer than octacosanol. Its molecular formula is C30H62O.
Molecular weight
Due to the different carbon chain lengths of octacosanol and policosanol, their molecular weights are also different. The molecular weight of octacosanol is about 414.78 g/mol, while the molecular weight of lipoic acid is about 442.81 g/mol. The larger molecular weight of policosanol means that its molecular structure is more complex than that of octacosanol.
Physical properties
Octacosanol is usually white crystals or granules. It is solid at room temperature and has a melting point of about 80°C. It is soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, and chloroform, but insoluble in water.
Policosanol is usually a white or off-white solid with a melting point between 80°C and 84°C. It is slightly higher than octacosanol. Its solubility is similar to that of octacosanol, and it is also insoluble in water, but soluble in common organic solvents.
|
Properties |
Octacosanol |
Policosanol |
|
Molecular weight |
414.77 g/mol |
Depends on the type of fatty alcohol |
|
State |
Solid (waxy at room temperature) |
Liquid or solid |
|
Melting point |
70-72℃ |
Low molecular weight fatty alcohols have lower melting points, high molecular weight fatty alcohols have higher melting points |
|
Solubility |
Slightly soluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents |
Solubility varies by type, most are soluble in fats and organic solvents |
|
Stability |
Stable, high temperature resistant |
Good stability, but also depends on molecular structure |
|
Odor |
No or slight waxy smell |
Some have a special smell |
Sources and production methods
Octacosanol can be obtained through the hydrogenation process of natural oils and fats, the cracking of petrochemicals, and through the extraction of certain plant or animal fats. It can also be obtained through chemical synthesis, especially through the reduction reaction of long-chain fatty acids.
Policosanol is a fatty alcohol compound, that has a wide range of sources. They can be obtained through the hydrogenation reaction or synthesis reaction of vegetable oils (such as palm oil, coconut oil, etc.). Fatty alcohols can also be extracted from animal fats or extracted through the refining process of natural oils and fats.
Guanjie Biotech is a sugarcane wax extract supplier. Our Octacosanol powder and Policosanol powder extract from natural sugarcane wax. High quality and competitive price.
Biodegradability
•Octacosanol:
As a natural fatty alcohol, octacosanol has good biodegradability in the environment. It has less impact on the environment during use.
•Policosanol:
Due to its larger molecule, Policosanol may take longer to completely degrade. Therefore, in some cases, it is not as environmentally friendly as octacosanol.
Applications:
1. Octacosanol:
•Cosmetics and Skin Care Products:
Octacosanol is often used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, humectant, and thickener. It can improve the texture of the product, make it smoother, and improve the moisturizing effect of the skin.
•Lubricant:
Due to its higher molecular weight and stability, octacosanol powder can be used as a lubricant. It is used in mechanical equipment.
•Plastics and Coatings:
In industry, octacosanol is used as a plastic additive and coating ingredient to enhance the adhesion and wear resistance of coatings.
2. Policosanol:
•Surfactants:
Low molecular weight Policosanols (such as C12, C14 fatty alcohols) are often used in the production of surfactants, cleaners and detergents. They can reduce surface tension and enhance cleaning performance.
•Cosmetics and skin care products:
Policosanol is widely used in cosmetics and skincare products, mainly as an emulsifier, moisturizer, emollient, etc., to improve the comfort and smoothness of the skin. Biodiesel: Some leptons (such as C16 fatty alcohol) can be used as raw materials for biodiesel, as one of the important raw materials for energy conversion. Medicines and health products: Fatty alcohols are also used in the formulation of medicines as an effective drug carrier.
Safety
Octacosanol is generally considered safe when used in cosmetics. However, long-term or excessive use may cause skin allergies or irritation, so you need to pay attention to the dosage and frequency of use when using it.
Similarly, policosanol powder is generally considered safe. Especially in topical cosmetics and skin care products. However, some fatty alcohols (such as dodecanol) may cause skin allergic reactions. Especially for people with sensitive skin.
Health and environmental impact
•Octacosanol
Due to its large molecular weight, octacosanol is less irritating to the skin, so it is widely used in skincare products. Its use is generally considered safe. But in some cases, it may cause mild allergic reactions. In industrial applications, octacosanol as a lubricant and additive will not cause a large impact on the environment and has high biodegradability.
•Policosanol
Low molecular weight policosanol (such as C12, and C14 fatty alcohols) may be irritating to the skin. Especially for sensitive skin. It needs to be used in an appropriate amount in cosmetics to avoid causing allergic reactions.
The impact on the environment is small, and most policosanol powder can be degraded quickly in the natural environment, with good environmental friendliness.
Octacosanol and policosanol are significantly different in chemical structure, physical properties, and application areas. Octacosanol, as a high molecular weight fatty alcohol, is mainly used in cosmetics, industrial lubricants and other fields. Liposanol covers a wider range. It includes low molecular weight fatty alcohols and their derivatives, which have important applications in detergents, biodiesel, cosmetics and other industries. There are also differences in the health effects of the two. Octacosanol is more friendly to the skin. Low molecular weight policosanol may cause skin irritation. With the changes in market demand, the application and development prospects of both in the future are very broad.
Guanjie Biotech focuses on the production of octacosanol powder and policosanol powder. We accurately grasp the high-quality raw material of sugarcane wax. Its products are all derived from sugarcane wax. Our production process strictly follows the standards, and the products produced have passed multiple certifications such as HACCP, HALAL, KOSHER, ISO90001, etc. We provide the market with reliable high-quality product guarantees. Welcome to enquiry us:info@gybiotech.com.
