Precision at scale: A new route to defined C 10 molecules
Dr Stefan Balk from the Verbio Life Chemicals business unit discusses industrial ethenolysis as a route to defined C 10 molecules from rapeseed methyl ester
The global market for oleochemical feedstocks is expected to increase from $ 42.94 billion in 2025 to $ 73.97 billion by 2034.1 This is being driven by the accelerating substitution of petrochemical raw materials, alongside rising demand from industrial and household detergents and cleaning products, personal care formulations, pharmaceuticals, food applications and polymeric materials.
As the requirements of these markets become increasingly specific, demand is increasing for molecules with defined structural and functional properties. A key structural parameter of chemical substances is the carbon chain length, which influences such characteristics of the final products foaming properties, solubility and viscosity.
C 10 molecules fall within a chain length range that is particularly relevant for numerous formulations and synthesis applications. Their medium-length carbon chains provide the hydrophobic character that significantly influences interfacial activity, emulsification and interactions with oil- or fat-based phases, making them suitable for use in surfactants, cleaning formulations, lubricant components and further performance materials.
This is particularly evident in the case of surface-active substances.
C 10
-based fatty alcohol ethoxylates produce less foam than comparable
C 12
- or C 14
-based products. Although this may limit their suitability for highly foaming rinse-off applications, it can be advantageous in machine and industrial cleaning processes, including dishwasher tablets, car washing or technical cleaning applications, where controlled or low foaming is often specifically desired.
Where the performance of the final product depends directly on molecular structure-related properties, such as foaming behaviour, solubility or viscosity, tightly defined molecular structures and narrow specification ranges are particularly important. For industrial use, these molecules must also be available through reliable supply chains, to consistent specifications, with reproducible quality and in sufficient volumes.
Limits of conventional routes
Conventional C 10 routes can only meet these requirements to a limited extent. Traditional oleochemical processes are constrained by the naturally occurring fatty acid profiles of palm
Verbio’ s ethenolysis plant in Bitterfeld