Phytantriol is an
aliphatic
In organic chemistry, hydrocarbons ( compounds composed solely of carbon and hydrogen) are divided into two classes: aromatic compounds and aliphatic compounds (; G. ''aleiphar'', fat, oil). Aliphatic compounds can be saturated, like hexane, or ...
alcohol used in cosmetic products and as a food additive.
At room temperature it is a viscous liquid that is colourless to light yellow and with a sweetish odour.
Preparation
Phytantriol is prepared by oxidizing
isophytol
Isophytol is a terpenoid alcohol that is used as a fragrance and as an intermediate in the production of vitamin E and K1.
Occurrence
Isophytol has been in found in two red algae species and more than 15 plant species. Concentrations found have ...
in
formic acid
Formic acid (), systematically named methanoic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid, and has the chemical formula HCOOH and structure . It is an important intermediate in chemical synthesis and occurs naturally, most notably in some ants. Es ...
, hydrolysis of the product with an inorganic base, and isolation.
Uses
As a cosmetic ingredient, phytantriol functions to increase moisture retention in skin and hair and helps vitamins and amino acids penetrate.
As of 2002 it is found in about 100 cosmetic products, such as hair conditioners, shampoos, and hair tonics, in concentrations from 0.0002% to 1%.
Phytantriol is an
amphiphile
An amphiphile (from the Greek αμφις amphis, both, and φιλíα philia, love, friendship), or amphipath, is a chemical compound possessing both hydrophilic (''water-loving'', polar) and lipophilic (''fat-loving'') properties. Such a compoun ...
that is the second most used in making
cubosomes
Cubosomes are discrete, sub-micron, nanostructured particles of the bicontinuous cubic liquid crystalline phase. The term "bicontinuous" refers to two distinct hydrophilic regions separated by the bilayer. Bicontinuous cubic crystalline materia ...
.
Toxicology
Oral values were >5000 mg/kg in rats and mice.
See also
*
Phytol
Phytol (florasol, phytosol) is an acyclic hydrogenated diterpene alcohol that can be used as a precursor for the manufacture of synthetic forms of vitamin E and vitamin K1. In ruminants, the gut fermentation of ingested plant materials liberates ...
*
Isophytol
Isophytol is a terpenoid alcohol that is used as a fragrance and as an intermediate in the production of vitamin E and K1.
Occurrence
Isophytol has been in found in two red algae species and more than 15 plant species. Concentrations found have ...
References
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Triols
Fatty alcohols