Solvents - Aliphatic Available — Bulk Only

Isohexadecane

CAS 4390-04-9 · Formula C16H34 · MW 226.44 g/mol

A branched C16 isoparaffin supplied as a light, non-greasy emollient and spreading agent. It is used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations as an emollient and spreading agent.

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HS Code
2901.10
At a Glance
Material Family
Solvents - Aliphatic
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Emolliency · Solvency
Functional Roles
ISOHEXADECANE
SKIN CONDITIONINGSKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENTSOLVENT
Applications & Use Cases
  • Emollient: light, non-greasy skin-feel agent
  • Spreading agent: improves slip and spreadability in emulsions
  • Oil-phase carrier: vehicle for color cosmetics and skincare
Physical Properties
Vapor Pressure
1.0
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2901 . 10
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.01
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2901.10
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
4390-04-9
Molecular Formula
C16H34
Molecular Weight
226.44 g/mol
IUPAC Name
2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethylnonane
INCI Name
ISOHEXADECANE
PubChem CID
InChI Key
VCLJODPNBNEBKW-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
2,2,4,4,6,8,8-HEPTAMETHYLNONANE Nonane, 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethyl- (+-)-2,2,4,4,6,8,8-Heptamethylnonane isocetane 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethyl-nonane Cyprane J125.176G 2,4,4,6,8,8-Heptamethylnonane
Full Description

Isohexadecane (CAS 4390-04-9) is a branched, saturated C16 hydrocarbon (2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethylnonane). It is used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations as an emollient and spreading agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is isohexadecane used for?

Isohexadecane (CAS 4390-04-9) is a branched, saturated C16 hydrocarbon (2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethylnonane). It is used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations as a light, non-greasy emollient, a spreading agent that improves slip, and an oil-phase carrier for color cosmetics and skincare.

Is isohexadecane a silicone?

No. Isohexadecane is a branched aliphatic hydrocarbon (C16H34), not a silicone. It is used as a hydrocarbon emollient and spreading agent, sometimes in place of silicone fluids for slip.

What is isohexadecane made of?

It is the single branched saturated hydrocarbon 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethylnonane (C16H34), typically derived from petrochemical feedstocks. Consult the CoA for purity and isomer specification.

How does isohexadecane differ from isododecane?

Both are branched aliphatic hydrocarbon emollients, but isohexadecane is a heavier C16 with more spreading/slip character, while isododecane is a lighter, more volatile C12. Choose based on the sensory profile and volatility your formula needs.

Is isohexadecane available in bulk with documentation?

RawSource supplies isohexadecane in bulk to formulators. Request a bulk quote with your target volume along with a CoA and SDS for purity and handling.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.