[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, production process of high-carbon alcohols

Properties of higher alcohols

A higher alcohol generally refers to a straight or branched chain aliphatic alcohol containing eight or more carbon atoms, which has a relatively high boiling point, viscosity, and relatively low volatility. The molecular weight of these alcohols is relatively large, hydrophobic, and therefore the solubility in water is relatively low, but the solubility in organic solvents is relatively high. Common high-carbon alcohols include nonanol, decanol, dodecanol, etc. They are usually liquid or solid at normal temperature, and have a unique aromatic odor and a high flash point, indicating that they are relatively stable and non-flammable.

High carbon alcohol use

High carbon alcohol has a wide range of applications, mainly including the following aspects:

1. Surfactants: High alcohols are important raw materials for the production of surfactants, which are used in the manufacture of various detergents, emulsifiers and lubricants. These surfactants play a key role in household and industrial cleaning, effectively reducing the surface tension of liquids, thereby enhancing cleaning and dispersion.

2. Plasticizers: Some higher alcohols are used as plasticizers to improve the flexibility and durability of plastics. They are able to interact with polymer molecules and reduce the interaction forces between polymer chains, thereby making the material more flexible and ductile.

3. Lubricant additives: The lubricating properties of high-carbon alcohols make them ideal additives for lubricating oils, especially under high temperature and high pressure conditions, which can effectively reduce friction and wear and extend the service life of equipment.

4. Cosmetics and personal care products: In the cosmetics industry, high-carbon alcohols are commonly used as emulsifiers, thickeners and moisturizers, and are widely used in products such as lotions, creams, shampoos and shower gels. They enhance the texture and stability of the product and enhance the user experience.

High-carbon alcohol upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of high-carbon alcohols depends on a variety of raw materials and chemical reactions, the most important upstream raw materials include:

1. Petroleum and Natural Gas: Higher alcohols are generally produced by addition reactions and oxidation reactions of olefins (e. g., ethylene, propylene) in petroleum and natural gas. These raw materials undergo a series of complex chemical processes (such as Ziegler process, olefin oxidation, etc.) to produce higher alcohols.

2. Fatty acids and esters: Fatty acids and esters of natural oils and fats (e. g., coconut oil, palm oil) are another important upstream feedstock that can be hydrocracked or hydrotreated to produce the corresponding higher alcohols.

3. Catalysts: Catalysts play a key role in the production of higher alcohols. Commonly used catalysts include metal catalysts (such as cobalt, chromium, rhodium) and acid catalysts (such as sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid), which can improve the efficiency and selectivity of the reaction.

The downstream industry mainly includes the above-mentioned application fields, such as surfactants, plastics, lubricants and cosmetics. High carbon alcohols are also used in the manufacture of flavors and fragrances, pharmaceutical intermediates and pesticides.

High carbon alcohol storage method

Due to the relatively stable chemical properties of high carbon alcohols, it is still necessary to pay attention to their storage conditions to ensure their quality and safety:

1. Temperature control: high carbon alcohol should be stored in a cool, dry environment, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature. Excessively high temperatures may result in oxidative decomposition or volatile loss of the alcohol.

2. Container selection: high carbon alcohol should be stored in a closed, opaque container, preferably glass or metal containers, avoid the use of plastic containers to prevent reaction or leakage with high carbon alcohol.

3. Fire prevention measures: although the flash point of high carbon alcohol is higher, but still need to stay away from the fire and heat source. Storage areas shall be equipped with appropriate fire protection equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire alarm systems.

4. Moisture-proof measures: High-carbon alcohols are sensitive to moisture. Avoid contact with water during storage to prevent moisture from affecting its quality. Especially in humid environments, moisture-proof measures should be taken, such as the use of desiccant or dehumidification equipment.

5. Ventilation conditions: The storage area should be well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of high-carbon alcohol vapor and reduce the impact of inhaling high-concentration vapor on human health.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

High carbon alcohols in the production, use and disposal process need to consider environmental and safety factors:

1. Environmental protection measures in the production process: Harmful waste gas and waste water may be produced during the production of high-carbon alcohols. Effective waste gas purification and waste water treatment systems should be equipped to reduce environmental pollution. Green chemical technology should be used in the production process to reduce by-products and energy consumption.

2. Safe operation during use: When using high carbon alcohol, wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, to prevent skin contact and eye splash. Operating procedures shall be followed to prevent leakage and accidents.

3. Waste disposal: higher alcohols and their wastes shall be classified and disposed in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, and shall not be dumped at will. It can be treated by incineration, chemical degradation, etc. to ensure that the impact on the environment is minimized.

future development trend

With the progress of technology and the change of market demand, the application field and production technology of high carbon alcohol are also developing. In the future, high-carbon alcohols may have broader development prospects in the following aspects:

1. Green production process: With the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the use of renewable resources and green chemical methods to produce high-carbon alcohols will become a trend. For example, the development and application of bio-based higher alcohols will help reduce dependence on petrochemical resources and carbon emissions.

2. Emerging application areas: High-carbon alcohols have broad application prospects in the fields of new energy materials, biomedicine and high-performance materials. Its potential in new lubricating materials, pharmaceutical intermediates and functional additives remains to be further explored.

3. Intelligent manufacturing and automation: With the development of industrial 4.0, the production of high-carbon alcohols will become more intelligent and automated. Through big data and artificial intelligence technology, the optimization and efficient management of the production process can be realized, and product quality and production efficiency can be improved.

As an important chemical raw material, high-carbon alcohols have unique properties and are widely used. Many factors need to be paid attention to during production and storage. With the progress of science and technology and the change of market demand, the future development prospect of high carbon alcohol is broad, which is worthy of continuous attention and research.