C15-19 Alkane is an organic chemical compound, consisting of carbon and hydrogen (hydrocarbon class). an alkane derived from paraffin or of plant origin. The number C15-19 indicates the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.

It is a mixture of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons with a carbon chain length ranging from 15 to 19 carbon atoms. This class of alkanes is primarily used in cosmetic products as an emollient, solvent, and dispersing agent. C15-19 Alkane is valued for its lightweight, non-greasy texture and its ability to enhance product spreadability and skin feel, making it a common ingredient in creams, lotions, body oils, and hair care products.

Chemical Composition and Structure

C15-19 Alkane consists of a mixture of linear and branched saturated hydrocarbons. These aliphatic chains are chemically stable and non-reactive due to their lack of double bonds. The aliphatic chain length (15 to 19 carbon atoms) gives these alkanes unique emollient properties, making them ideal for lightweight cosmetic applications.

The name defines the structure of the molecule:

• C15-19 indicates that the alkanes in the mixture have between 15 and 19 carbon atoms.
• Alkane. Alkanes are a type of hydrocarbons where all bonds between carbon atoms are single bonds. They are saturated hydrocarbons.

Description of the raw materials used in its production:

• Fatty Acid Derivatives - C15-19 Alcane is derived from fatty acid sources. Fatty acids are long-chain carboxylic acids typically obtained from natural vegetable oils or animal fats.
• Hydrogenation - The process of hydrogenation involves the addition of hydrogen gas to unsaturated fatty acids. This reaction saturates the carbon-carbon double bonds in the fatty acids, converting them into alkanes.

Production Process

C15-19 Alkane is typically derived from petroleum refining or synthetic sources through distillation and hydrogenation processes. This ensures the production of pure, stable saturated hydrocarbons suitable for use in cosmetics. 

• Distillation of crude oil. The first stage of production of C15-19 Alkane is the distillation of crude oil. Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and distillation allows the separation of this mixture into boiling point-based fractions. The fraction containing hydrocarbons with chain lengths between 15 and 19 carbon atoms is collected for further processing.
• Hydrocracking. The collected fraction is subjected to a process called hydrocracking, breaking down larger hydrocarbons into smaller hydrocarbons in the presence of a catalyst and hydrogen. Hydrocracking process conditions can be adjusted to favor the production of hydrocarbons with chain lengths between 15 and 19 carbon atoms.
• Fractional distillation. The product of the hydrocracking process is subjected to another distillation cycle to allow the separation of the desired alkane C15-19 from other hydrocarbons.
• Purification. Alkane C15-19 is purified to remove any remaining impurities by processes such as filtration, washing and drying.
• Quality control. The final product is then tested to ensure it meets the required specifications. This may involve testing for parameters such as purity, color and odor.

Physical Properties

It appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a light, non-greasy texture. It is insoluble in water but miscible with oils and other lipid solvents. C15-19 Alkane has excellent spreading properties and is quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving it soft and smooth without an oily residue. 

What it is used for and where it is used

Cosmetics

It is a restricted ingredient as II/875 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Warnings should be issued for distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated intermediates, unless one knows the entire refining history and can prove that the substance from which they are produced is not carcinogenic.

Used as an emollient in personal care products and is biodegradable. The formulation of this chemical compound began as a project for a new emollient to replace silicone in skin care products.

Also used as a solvent to improve the dispersion of other ingredients.

Solvent. It is the substance for dissolving or dispersing surfactants, oils, dyes, flavourings, bactericidal preservatives in solution.In fact, it dissolves other components present in a cosmetic formulation. Solvents are generally liquid (aqueous and non-aqueous).

Commercial Applications

Cosmetic and Personal Care Industry. Used as emollients and solvents in products like lotions, creams, and skincare products. They help improve the texture and spreadability of the product on the skin.

Pharmaceutical Industry. Can be employed as excipients in pharmaceutical formulations to enhance the stability and effectiveness of the medication.

Cleaning Products and Detergents. Used in some cleaners and detergents for their ability to dissolve fats and oils.

Chemical Industry. Used as intermediates in various chemical processes.

C15-19 Alcane studies

• CAS    64742-46-7     64741-76-0  
• EC Number 934-956-3

References________________________________________________________________________

Bom S, Gouveia LF, Pinto P, Martins AM, Ribeiro HM, Marto J. A mathematical modeling strategy to predict the spreading behavior on skin of sustainable alternatives to personal care emollients. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2021 Sep;205:111865. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.111865. Epub 2021 May 23. PMID: 34044331.