Lauric Acid 99%

LAURIC ACID

N-Dodecanoic Acid

Anionic Surfactant 

Technical Grade

Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid with the chemical formula C₁₂H₂₄O₂. It is a saturated fat that is naturally found in various plant oils and animal fats, most notably in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. Lauric acid is known for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making it useful in several applications. As part of the fatty acid class of surfactants, it is both a versatile and effective ingredient in formulations that require cleansing, foaming, and emulsification

Uses of Lauric Acid:

1. Soap and Detergent Production:

   • Saponification: Lauric acid is commonly used in soap-making due to its ability to produce a hard bar of soap with a rich lather. It reacts with alkalis, such as sodium hydroxide, to form soap.
   • Cleansing Agents: In detergents, lauric acid is used for its cleansing and foaming properties, making it a key ingredient in personal care products like body washes, shampoos, and facial cleansers.

2. Cosmetics and Skin Care:

   • Moisturizers and Emollients: It is often used in skincare products as an emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
   • Antimicrobial Agent: Due to its antimicrobial properties, lauric acid is also included in formulations to help protect the skin from bacterial infections and reduce acne.

3. Industrial Uses:

   • Plastics and Lubricants: In industrial applications, lauric acid is used in the production of plastics, rubber, and lubricants. It is a raw material for esters and surfactants.
   • Biodiesel Production: Lauric acid is sometimes used as a feedstock in the production of biodiesel due to its chemical properties.

Benefits of Lauric Acid:

• Antimicrobial Properties: Lauric acid can disrupt microbial cell membranes, making it effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Mild and Non-Toxic: It is gentle on the skin and non-toxic, making it a popular ingredient in personal care and cosmetic products.

Chemical Properties:

1. Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₂₄O₂
2. Molar Mass: 200.32 g/mol
3. IUPAC Name: Dodecanoic acid
4. Functional Groups:
   • Carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end, making it a carboxylic acid.
   • Saturated alkyl chain with 12 carbon atoms.
5. Acidity: Lauric acid has a pKa of approximately 5.3, making it a weak acid in aqueous solutions.
6. Reactivity:
   • Esterification: Reacts with alcohols to form esters.
   • Saponification: Reacts with bases (e.g., sodium hydroxide) to form soap (e.g., sodium laurate).
   • Combustibility: Lauric acid can combust in the presence of heat or a flame, as with most organic compounds.

Physical Properties:

1. Appearance: White, crystalline solid or powder.
2. Odour: Faint, typical fatty acid odor.
3. Melting Point: 43.8°C (110.8°F)
4. Boiling Point: 298.9°C (570°F) at 760 mmHg.
5. Density: 0.883 g/cm³ at 20°C.
6. Solubility:
   • In Water: Very low solubility in water (~0.06 g/L at 20°C).
   • In Organic Solvents: Soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, chloroform, and benzene.