12-HSA

12-HSA is a saturated hydroxy fatty acid chemically identified as 12-Hydroxystearic Acid.

12-HSA contains both a terminal carboxylic acid group and a secondary hydroxyl group positioned on carbon twelve.

12-HSA is used in lubricating greases, organogels, coatings, inks, adhesives, wax systems, rubber processing, plastics, cosmetics, and chemical synthesis.

CAS Number: 106-14-9

EC Number: 203-366-1

Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₆O₃

Molecular Weight: 300.48 g/mol

SYNONYMS

12-HSA, 12 HSA, 12HSA, 12-Hydroxystearic Acid, 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid, 12-Hydroxystearic Acid Fatty Acid, 12-Hydroxyoctadecanoic Acid, 12-Hydroxy Octadecanoic Acid, Octadecanoic Acid, 12-Hydroxy-, Octadecanoic Acid 12-Hydroxy, Stearic Acid, 12-Hydroxy-, Stearic Acid 12-Hydroxy, 12-Hydroxy-n-Octadecanoic Acid, 12-Hydroxy C18 Fatty Acid, C18 Hydroxy Fatty Acid, C18:0 12-Hydroxy Fatty Acid, Hydroxylated Stearic Acid, Hydroxystearic Acid, 12-OH Stearic Acid, 12-OH Octadecanoic Acid, 12-Hydroxy Fatty Acid, Hydrogenated Ricinoleic Acid, Hydrogenated Castor Fatty Acid Derivative, DL-12-Hydroxystearic Acid, rac-12-Hydroxystearic Acid, Racemic 12-Hydroxystearic Acid, (±)-12-Hydroxystearic Acid, (R)-12-Hydroxystearic Acid, (S)-12-Hydroxystearic Acid, 12-Hydroxyoctadecylic Acid, 12-HSA Flakes, 12-HSA Powder, 12-HSA Wax, 12-HSA Fatty Acid, Castor-Oil-Derived Hydroxy Fatty Acid, Hydroxy C18:0 Acid, Saturated Hydroxy C18 Fatty Acid, Secondary Hydroxy Fatty Acid, Bifunctional Hydroxy Fatty Acid, 12-Hydroxystearate Precursor, Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Precursor, Grease-Grade 12-HSA, Cosmetic-Grade 12-HSA, Industrial-Grade 12-HSA, High-Purity 12-HSA, CAS 106-14-9, EC 203-366-1, EINECS 203-366-1, PubChem CID 7789, UNII 933ANU3H2S, C₁₈H₃₆O₃

APPLICATIONS

12-HSA serves as a principal fatty-acid precursor for lithium 12-hydroxystearate thickeners used in lubricating greases.
12-HSA supports formation of fibrous soap networks that immobilize base oil and provide the semisolid consistency required in grease formulations.

12-HSA functions in lithium-complex greases when combined with suitable complexing acids and lithium compounds.
12-HSA contributes to grease structure, mechanical stability, oil retention, temperature performance, and controlled rheological behavior.

12-HSA supports calcium, aluminum, sodium, barium, and other metal-soap development where the selected metal chemistry is technically appropriate.
12-HSA allows metal salts to be tailored for thickening, lubrication, water resistance, or surface-modification applications.

12-HSA functions directly as a low-molecular-weight organogelator in compatible mineral, synthetic, and vegetable oils.
12-HSA creates self-assembled crystalline networks that convert liquid oils into viscoelastic gels without permanent covalent crosslinking.

12-HSA contributes to supramolecular gel lubricants requiring controlled oil immobilization and recoverable internal structure.
12-HSA can be evaluated in mineral-oil and synthetic-oil systems for friction, wear, leakage control, consistency, and thermal response.

12-HSA supports lubricant development involving renewable or biodegradable base oils after complete compatibility testing.
12-HSA organogelation efficiency depends on oil polarity, cooling rate, concentration, processing temperature, and the presence of surfactants or additives.

12-HSA serves as a lubricant and processing aid in selected natural and synthetic rubber compounds.
12-HSA can reduce friction during mixing, milling, extrusion, molding, and release operations when compatible with the elastomer formulation.

12-HSA contributes to plastics processing as an internal or external lubricant in compatible polymer systems.
12-HSA can assist melt flow, mold release, surface finish, filler dispersion, and reduction of friction between polymer and processing equipment.

12-HSA functions in wax blends requiring increased hardness, melting control, structure, or resistance to surface deformation.
12-HSA can modify crystallization and mechanical behavior when blended with paraffin, synthetic waxes, vegetable waxes, or fatty derivatives.

12-HSA supports polish formulations for metal, footwear, furniture, automotive, and household surfaces.
12-HSA can improve body, application consistency, film formation, gloss development, and resistance to excessive softening.

12-HSA contributes to solvent-borne and waterborne coatings as a rheological modifier or precursor for functional derivatives.
12-HSA can improve structure, anti-settling behavior, surface lubricity, and application consistency after formulation-specific evaluation.

12-HSA functions in paints requiring controlled pigment suspension and modification of wet-film or dry-film behavior.
12-HSA must be assessed for effects on gloss, leveling, adhesion, recoating, drying, water resistance, and long-term storage stability.

12-HSA supports printing inks requiring body, rub resistance, slip, pigment suspension, or controlled flow.
12-HSA can be incorporated directly or through ester, salt, amide, wax, or polymer derivatives selected for the ink technology.

12-HSA contributes to hot-melt adhesive formulations requiring crystalline structure, controlled viscosity, and thermal setting.
12-HSA can modify open time, set speed, hardness, heat resistance, tack, and compatibility with resin and wax components.

12-HSA can be evaluated in pressure-sensitive adhesives, sealants, and mastic systems requiring oil structuring or rheological adjustment.
12-HSA suitability depends on adhesion, cohesion, migration, flexibility, processing temperature, substrate compatibility, and aging performance.

12-HSA serves as a low-molecular-weight organogelator in experimental lipstick and color-cosmetic formulations.
12-HSA can increase oil-phase structure, modify payoff, alter bending resistance, and influence thermal and mechanical properties.

12-HSA supports anhydrous balms, sticks, pomades, and oil-rich personal-care formulations requiring a structured continuous phase.
12-HSA can create firm but thermoreversible networks when the oil composition and cooling process are properly controlled.

12-HSA contributes to organogel particles and aqueous dispersions investigated for cosmetic and dermo-cosmetic systems.
12-HSA can form gelled oil reservoirs whose particle size, texture, rheology, and stability depend on surfactants and processing conditions.

12-HSA functions in organohydrogel emulsions where self-assembled structures develop within both oily and aqueous regions.
12-HSA can provide gelling and interfacial functions in research formulations containing cosmetic oils, nonionic surfactants, and water.

12-HSA supports pharmaceutical research involving oil-based organogels for controlled delivery of lipophilic or hydrophilic substances.
12-HSA pharmaceutical use requires complete evaluation of purity, biocompatibility, administration route, release profile, degradation, and regulatory authorization.

12-HSA serves as a bifunctional intermediate for manufacturing esters used as lubricants, emollients, plasticizers, dispersants, and specialty fluids.
12-HSA provides both carboxyl and hydroxyl reaction sites that permit controlled esterification and molecular modification.

12-HSA contributes to polyester, alkyd, polyamide, and polyurethane research where hydroxyl and carboxyl functionality can participate in polymer formation.
12-HSA can introduce long hydrophobic chains, flexibility, crystallinity, pendant functionality, and renewable carbon into compatible polymer systems.

12-HSA functions as a starting material for surfactants, emulsifiers, dispersants, salts, amides, esters, and other oleochemical derivatives.
12-HSA derivative performance can be tailored through selection of alcohols, amines, metals, polymer backbones, and degree of functional conversion.

12-HSA supports research into rapid gelation and recovery of oils released onto water surfaces.
12-HSA can solidify captured oil within organogel networks when combined with suitable porous carriers and controlled deployment systems.

12-HSA serves as an analytical reference and research reagent for fatty-acid, oleochemical, tribological, and materials-science studies.
12-HSA can support chromatographic identification, purity determination, thermal analysis, spectroscopy, rheology, crystallization studies, and formulation comparison.

DESCRIPTION

12-HSA is the abbreviated name commonly used for 12-Hydroxystearic Acid.
12-HSA is identified by CAS Number 106-14-9, EC Number 203-366-1, molecular formula C₁₈H₃₆O₃, and molecular weight 300.48 g/mol.

12-HSA is an eighteen-carbon saturated fatty acid containing a terminal carboxylic acid group.
12-HSA differs from conventional stearic acid through the presence of a secondary hydroxyl group on carbon twelve.

12-HSA contains a stereogenic center at the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group.
12-HSA commercial composition can contain predominantly one stereoisomer or a stereochemical mixture depending on source and manufacturing route.

12-HSA is commonly produced through catalytic hydrogenation of ricinoleic-acid-rich castor-oil derivatives.
12-HSA hydrogenation removes the carbon-carbon double bond of ricinoleic acid while retaining the hydroxyl functionality.

12-HSA normally appears as white, off-white, or cream-colored flakes, beads, granules, or powder.
12-HSA has a wax-like character and a melting range commonly reported near 81–82°C for sufficiently pure material.

12-HSA is practically insoluble in water because the long hydrophobic carbon chain dominates its solution behavior.
12-HSA is soluble or dispersible in selected heated oils and compatible organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers, and chlorinated solvents.

12-HSA forms strong intermolecular associations through its carboxylic acid and secondary hydroxyl groups.
12-HSA hydrogen bonding promotes crystallization into fibers, ribbons, platelets, spherulites, or other self-assembled structures.

12-HSA functions as a low-molecular-weight organogelator because these crystalline structures form three-dimensional networks within compatible oils.
12-HSA organogels are generally thermoreversible and can return to a liquid state when heated above the gel-transition region.

12-HSA reacts with lithium hydroxide and other metal bases to form metal 12-hydroxystearates.
12-HSA metal soaps develop fibrous thickener structures whose morphology controls grease consistency, oil retention, shear response, and thermal behavior.

12-HSA reacts through its carboxyl group in neutralization, esterification, amidation, and polymer-forming reactions.
12-HSA hydroxyl functionality provides an additional site for esterification, urethane formation, oxidation, and derivative synthesis.

12-HSA industrial quality is commonly controlled through acid value, hydroxyl value, saponification value, iodine value, moisture, color, and melting behavior.
12-HSA exact limits vary by grade because commercial material can contain stearic acid, residual unsaturated fatty acids, and other hydrogenated castor-oil components.

12-HSA is stable under normal dry storage conditions but should be protected from excessive heat, moisture, contamination, and strong oxidizing agents.
12-HSA can oxidize, discolor, or undergo quality changes during prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures or unsuitable storage conditions.

12-HSA has low volatility at ordinary handling temperatures, although airborne dust can develop during powder transfer and mechanical processing.
12-HSA safety precautions should address dust exposure, eye contact, slippery spills, hot molten material, and the requirements of the current grade-specific Safety Data Sheet.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Name: 12-Hydroxystearic Acid

Chemical Class: Saturated Hydroxy Fatty Acid

CAS Number: 106-14-9

EC Number: 203-366-1

Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₆O₃

Molecular Weight: 300.48 g/mol

Physical Form: Flakes, Granules, Beads, or Powder

Appearance: White to Cream-Colored Wax-Like Solid

Melting Point: Commonly Approximately 81–82°C

Water Solubility: Practically Insoluble

Acid Value: Commonly Approximately 175–190 mg KOH/g, Grade Dependent

Hydroxyl Value: Commonly Approximately 150–180 mg KOH/g, Grade Dependent

Primary Functions: Grease-Thickener Precursor, Organogelator, Lubricant, Structuring Agent, and Chemical Intermediate

Main Uses: Lubricants, Greases, Coatings, Inks, Adhesives, Rubber, Plastics, Waxes, and Cosmetics

Storage: Cool, Dry, Tightly Closed, and Protected from Heat, Moisture, and Oxidizing Agents

FIRST AID

Inhalation

Move the person exposed to 12-HSA dust, fumes, or aerosol into fresh air and allow comfortable breathing.
Obtain medical attention if 12-HSA exposure causes persistent coughing, throat irritation, wheezing, or breathing difficulty.

Skin Contact

Wash skin contaminated with 12-HSA thoroughly using soap and water and remove contaminated clothing.
Cool skin exposed to molten 12-HSA with water and obtain medical attention for persistent irritation or thermal burns.

Eye Contact

Immediately rinse eyes exposed to 12-HSA with clean running water for at least 15 minutes while holding the eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses when easy to do and obtain medical attention if 12-HSA irritation, pain, redness, or visual disturbance persists.

Ingestion

Rinse the mouth after accidental ingestion of 12-HSA and do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.
Obtain medical advice after significant 12-HSA ingestion or whenever nausea, abdominal discomfort, or other symptoms develop.

Note to Physicians

Treat 12-HSA exposure symptomatically and provide appropriate supportive care.
Assess 12-HSA exposure according to physical form, temperature, purity, quantity, route, symptoms, and the current grade-specific Safety Data Sheet.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling

Handle 12-HSA using methods that minimize dust generation, uncontrolled heating, and contact with molten material.
Keep 12-HSA away from food, drink, strong oxidizing agents, excessive heat, open flames, and incompatible processing chemicals.

Ventilation

Provide effective general ventilation and local dust extraction wherever powdered 12-HSA is weighed, transferred, milled, or blended.
Provide local exhaust ventilation where 12-HSA is heated to prevent accumulation of fumes, vapors from impurities, or thermal decomposition products.

Storage

Store 12-HSA in tightly closed and moisture-resistant containers within a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Protect 12-HSA from direct sunlight, excessive heat, humidity, contamination, strong oxidizing agents, and damaged packaging.

Spill and Leak Procedures

Collect spilled solid 12-HSA using vacuum equipment or another recovery method that minimizes airborne dust.
Allow molten 12-HSA to cool before collection and prevent 12-HSA from entering drains, soil, or surface water.

Handling Precautions

Wear suitable gloves, protective clothing, and safety goggles while handling 12-HSA.
Use heat-resistant gloves, face protection, dust controls, and the current grade-specific Safety Data Sheet during heated or large-scale 12-HSA processing.