Amid the wave of green and integrated transformation in the chemical industry, mid-chain alcohols (C12–C14 alcohols, 1214 alcohol) have seen continuously rising market demand as a core feedstock for oleochemical production. 1214 alcohol is a mixture of dodecanol (C12) and tetradecanol (C14) at an approximate mass ratio of 7:3. It is a colorless oily liquid at room temperature, combining excellent surfactant and emulsification properties, and serves as a key intermediate connecting basic chemicals with fine chemicals. In 2026, China’s 1214 alcohol industry has leveraged upstream and downstream coordination to overcome the bottlenecks of natural oil hydrogenation processes, achieving stable mass production with a capacity utilization rate above 85%. This effectively reduces dependence on imported high-end products and provides precise supply for surfactants, detergents, and other applications, supporting high-quality development of the chemical industry.
1. Upstream raw material integration establishes a solid foundation for mass production supply.
The mid-chain alcohol industry has vertically integrated upstream resources, building a raw material security system centered on natural oils. Mainstream production relies on plant oils such as palm kernel oil and coconut oil, processed via hydrogenation. Leading companies secure Southeast Asian supply through long-term contracts to mitigate price volatility, and recover by-products from oil processing, reducing per-ton costs by over 18% compared to traditional processes. Some enterprises are exploring biobased raw material alternatives, optimizing feedstock composition to align with green development goals, laying a solid foundation for stable mass production.
2. Process iteration and upgrading enhance production stability and quality.
Domestic collaborations between industry, academia, and research institutes have upgraded 1214 alcohol production from batch hydrogenation to continuous and intelligent manufacturing. Improved high-pressure hydrogenation combined with molecular distillation ensures precise control of carbon chain distribution, achieving product purity above 99%, hydroxyl value stable at around 290 mg KOH/g, and impurity levels at ppm range, meeting international standards. In early 2026, East China market quotations were 24,500–24,800 RMB/ton, supporting industry profitability with benchmark-level energy efficiency.
3. Downstream application expansion absorbs released production capacity.
Stable mass production of 1214 alcohol empowers downstream industries and broadens application scenarios. It is mainly used for synthesizing AEO-series surfactants, widely applied in shampoos, body washes, and other daily chemical products, accounting for 52% of usage. In textiles and leather, it functions as an additive to enhance wetting and dust-proof properties, suitable for high-end fabric processing. Additionally, it serves as a pharmaceutical intermediate and mechanical lubricant, with annual demand growth in marine additive applications reaching 30%, efficiently absorbing released production capacity.
4. Supply chain collaboration builds an integrated development ecosystem.
The industry is advancing full-chain coordination across “raw materials–production–applications.” Leading enterprises establish deep-processing facilities to extend the industrial chain and reduce intermediate costs. Through industry-academia-research platforms, carbon chain ratios and purity are customized to meet daily chemical and textile requirements, forming a “produce-on-demand, precise supply” model. Relying on the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta clusters, logistics and warehousing are optimized, improving supply chain efficiency and industrial competitiveness.
5. Policy and market drivers expand industry growth potential.
Energy-saving and carbon reduction policies have driven the exit of inefficient hydrogenation capacity; by 2026, substandard capacity will be nearly eliminated, with leading enterprises expected to hold over 50% market share, benefiting from consolidation. Global market expansion continues, and domestic upgrades in daily chemicals and textiles are driving high-end demand. The industry growth rate in 2026 is expected to exceed 8%, with strong export performance and steadily increasing import substitution in high-end surfactants, while green policies provide long-term momentum.
Conclusion
The mid-chain alcohol industry has achieved a virtuous cycle of mass production and diversified supply through supply chain integration and process upgrades, aligning with the industry’s green and integrated transformation trend. In the future, with further process optimization, deepening downstream demand, and policy support, its position as a core feedstock will be further consolidated, empowering supply chain security and downstream upgrading, and driving the industry toward a new stage of high-quality development.
