Chemical Industry Updates

  Guerbet alcohols are a class of organic compounds with the general formula (CH3)2n-1CH(OH)CH2OH, where n is an integer that determines the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. They are also known as 2-alkyl alcohols or 2-butyl alcohols, depending on the number of carbon atoms. These compounds are oily liquids that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, benzene, and toluene. They have a high boiling point, making them useful as solvents for high-temperature reactions. Guerbet alcohols also have surface activity and can act as emulsifiers, making them useful in cosmetics and personal care products. Guerbet alcohols have a wide range of industrial applications, including use as solvents, lubricants, and additives in paint and coatings, inks, and polymers. They have also been investigated for use as biofuels and fuel additives due to their high energy content and low freezing points. Key players operating in the global guerbet alcohol market are BASF