Fatty Alcohols

Natural fatty alcohols (or long-chain alcohols) are straight-chain primary alcohols, ranging from as few as 4-6 carbons to as many as 22-26. They are derived from natural fats and oils, including coconut, palm, palm kernel and rapeseed, by hydrogenating the corresponding fatty methyl ester and subsequent fractionation. The precise chain lengths vary with the triglyceride source. Natural fatty alcohols have an even number of carbon atoms with a single functional alcohol group (-OH) attached at the end of the carbon.

Fatty alcohols are used in a wide range of industries, including:

• Adhesives, sealants and elastomers
• Paint and coatings
• Graphic arts
• Household and industrial cleaning
• Personal care
• Metalworking
• Oil and gas
• Water treatment
• Automotive
• Textiles

More than 80 percent of fatty alcohols are used as a derivative in the end use. Fatty alcohols are mainly used in the production of detergents and surfactants. They are also used in the manufacture of solvents, plasticizers, lubricants, cosmetics, inks, adhesives and foods. Univar offers fatty alcohol products with chain lengths ranging from C8 to C22 and also has the capability of supplying custom blends.

Univar Solutions can supply fatty alcohols in 44-lb. bags, 1,100-lb. super sacks and tank trucks or isotainers upon request. 

View our natural fatty alcohol products below or contact us for a quote.