LAURIC ACID (DODECANOIC ACID)

Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon atom chain, thus having many properties of medium-chain fatty acids.
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a bright white, powdery solid with a faint odor of bay oil or soap. 
The salts and esters of Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) are known as laurates.

CAS:    143-07-7
MF:    C12H24O2
MW:    200.32
EINECS:    205-582-1

Synonyms
Emery651;Dodecanoic Acid(C12:0);Lauric acid 98%;yeuguisuan;Laurosteaic acid;Lauric acid 98-101 % (acidimetric);lauric acid, pure;LAURIC ACID, 99.5+%;lauric acid;DODECANOIC ACID;143-07-7;n-Dodecanoic acid;Dodecylic acid;Laurostearic acid;Vulvic acid;Dodecoic acid;Duodecylic acid;1-Undecanecarboxylic acid;Aliphat No. 4;Ninol AA62 Extra;Wecoline 1295;Hydrofol acid 1255;Hydrofol acid 1295;Duodecyclic acid;Hystrene 9512;Univol U-314;Lauric acid, pure;Dodecylcarboxylate;Lauric acid (natural);Laurinsaeure;Undecane-1-carboxylic acid;ABL;NSC-5026;FEMA No. 2614;laurate;C-1297;Philacid 1200;CCRIS 669;C12:0;Emery 651;Lunac L 70;CHEBI:30805;HSDB 6814;EINECS 205-582-1;MFCD00002736;UNII-1160N9NU9U;BRN 1099477;n-Dodecanoate;Kortacid 1299;Dodecanoic Acid Anion;DTXSID5021590;Prifrac 2920;AI3-00112;Lunac L 98;Univol U 314;Prifac 2920;1160N9NU9U;DAO;DTXCID801590;CH3-[CH2]10-COOH;NSC5026;EC 205-582-1;dodecylate;laurostearate;vulvate;4-02-00-01082 (Beilstein Handbook Reference);DODECANOIC ACID (LAURIC ACID);1-undecanecarboxylate;LAURIC ACID (USP-RS);LAURIC ACID [USP-RS];CH3-(CH2)10-COOH;205-582-1;8000-62-2;CAS-143-07-7;SMR001253907;laurinsaure;dodecanic acid;Nuvail;lauric-acid;Acide Laurique;3uil;Lauric acid (NF);DODECANOICACID;fatty acid 12:0;Lauric Acid, Reagent;Nissan NAA 122;Emery 650;Dodecanoic acid, 98%;Dodecanoic acid, 99%;Lauric acid (Standard);Dodecanoic (Lauric) acid;LAURIC ACID [MI];bmse000509;LAURIC ACID [FCC];LAURIC ACID [FHFI];SCHEMBL5895;NCIOpen2_009480;MLS002177807;MLS002415737;WLN: QV11;Dodecanoic acid (lauric acid);LAURIC ACID [WHO-DD];Dodecanoic acid, >=99.5%;Edenor C 1298-100;DODECANOIC ACID [HSDB];CHEMBL108766;GTPL5534;HY-Y0366R;NAA 122;NAA 312;HMS2268C14;HMS3649N06;HY-Y0366;STR08039;Dodecanoic acid, analytical standard;Lauric acid, >=98%,FCC,FG;Tox21_202149;Tox21_303010;BDBM50180948;LMFA01010012;s4726;STL281860;AKOS000277433;CCG-266587;DB03017;FA 12:0;FD16220;HYDROFOL ACID 1255 OR 1295;NCGC00090919-01;NCGC00090919-02;NCGC00090919-03;NCGC00256486-01;NCGC00259698-01;AC-16451;BP-27913;DA-64879;Dodecanoic acid, >=99% (GC/titration);LAU;Dodecanoic acid, purum, >=96.0% (GC);Lauric acid, natural, >=98%, FCC, FG;CS-0015078;L0011;NS00008441;EN300-19951;C02679;D10714;LAURIC ACID (CONSTITUENT OF SAW PALMETTO);Q422627

Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a medium-length long-chain fatty acid, or lipid, that makes up about half of the fatty acids within coconut oil. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid)’s a powerful substance that is sometimes extracted from the coconut for use in developing monolaurin. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is an antimicrobial agent that is able to fight bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and other pathogens. 
Because you can’t ingest lauric acid alone (it’s irritating and not found alone in nature), you’re most likely to get Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) in the form of coconut oil or from fresh coconuts.
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is being studied at a breakneck pace, much of the research doesn’t pinpoint what in the oil is responsible for its reported benefits. 
Because Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) contains much more than just lauric acid, it would be a stretch to credit it with all of the coconut oil benefits. 
Still, a 2015 analysis suggests that many of the benefits tied to Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) are directly linked to lauric acid. 

Among the benefits, they suggest Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) could aid weight loss and even protect against Alzheimer’s disease. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid)'s effects on blood cholesterol levels still need to be clarified.
This research suggests that the benefits of v are due to how the body uses it. 
The majority of Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is sent directly to the liver, where it’s converted to energy rather than stored as fat. 
When compared with other saturated fats, Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) contributes the least to fat storage.
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid), also known as dodecanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon atom chain, thus falling into the medium chain fatty acids, is a white crystalline carboxylic acid with a faint odor of bay oil or soap. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) has been found at high levels in coconut oil. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) induces the activation of NF-κB and the expression of COX-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and IL-1α in RAW 264.7 cells when used at a concentration of 25 μM.

Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a straight-chain, twelve-carbon medium-chain saturated fatty acid with strong bactericidal properties; the main fatty acid in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) has a role as a plant metabolite, an antibacterial agent and an algal metabolite. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a conjugate acid of a dodecanoate. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) derives from a hydride of a dodecane.
A white crystalline carboxylic acid, used as a plasticizer and for making detergents and soaps. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid)'s glycerides occur naturally in coconut and palm oils.
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a medium-chain fatty acid with the chemical formula C₁₂H₂₄O₂. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) 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 (dodecanoic acid) is known for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making it useful in several applications. 

As part of the fatty acid class of surfactants, Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is both a versatile and effective ingredient in formulations that require cleansing, foaming, and emulsification
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a saturated medium-chain fatty acid with the molecular formula C12H24O2. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is naturally found in various vegetable oils and animal fats, particularly abundant in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a saturated fatty acid commonly utilized in cosmetics for its versatile properties.
With the chemical formula C12H24O2, Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) appears as a white, powdery solid. 
Due to its emollient and cleansing characteristics, Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) serves as an ingredient in various skincare and haircare products. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid)'s ability to create a rich lather and its affinity for both water and oil make it valuable in formulations like soaps, shampoos, and cleansers. 
Additionally, its potential antimicrobial properties have led to its use in certain skincare products targeting acne-prone or problematic skin, offering a holistic approach to cosmetic care.

Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) Chemical Properties
Melting point: 44-46 °C (lit.)
Boiling point: 225 °C/100 mmHg (lit.)
Density: 0.883 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Bulk density: 490kg/m3
Vapor pressure: 1 mm Hg ( 121 °C)
Refractive index: 1.4304
FEMA: 2614 | LAURIC ACID
Fp: >230 °F
Storage temp.: 2-8°C
Solubility: 4.81mg/l
Form: Crystalline Powder of Flakes
Pka: pKa 4.92(H2O,t =25.0) (Uncertain)
Specific Gravity: 0.883
Color: White
Odor: at 100.00 %. mild fatty coconut bay oil
Odor Type: fatty
Biological source: plant
Explosive limit: 0.6%(V)
Water Solubility: insoluble
λmax: 207nm(MeOH)(lit.)
JECFA Number: 111
Merck: 14,5384
BRN: 1099477
Stability: Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with bases, oxidizing agents, reducing agents.
InChIKey: POULHZVOKOAJMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP:5
Dissociation constant: 5.3 at 20℃
CAS DataBase Reference: 143-07-7(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference: Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid)(143-07-7)
EPA Substance Registry System: Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) (143-07-7)

Colorless needle-like crystals. 
Soluble in methanol, slightly soluble in acetone and petroleum ether.
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) occurs as a white crystalline powder with a slight odor of bay oil or a fatty odor. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a common constituent of most diets; large doses may produce gastrointestinal upset.
Like many other fatty acids, Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is inexpensive, has a long shelf-life, and is non-toxic and safe to handle. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is mainly used for the production of soaps and cosmetics. 
For these purposes, Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is neutralized with sodium hydroxide to give sodium laurate, which is a soap. 
Most commonly, sodium Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is obtained by saponification of various oils, such as coconut oil. 
These precursors give mixtures of sodium laurate and other soaps.

Uses    
1. Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) Used for the preparation of alkyd resins, as well as wetting agents, detergents and pesticides
2. Used for peeling vegetables and fruits with a maximum amount of 3.0g/kg.
3. Used as defoamer; GB 2760-86 provides for the spices allowed to use; used for the preparation of other food grade additives.
4. Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is widely used in the surfactant industry and can be, according to the classification of surfactants, divided into cationic, anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric type. 
The surfactants types of Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) are listed in the attached table of this item. 
Some surfactants of the derivatives of Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) and dodecanol are also antiseptics, such as dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (geramine), dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium bromide (bromo-geramine) and dodecyl dimethyl (2-phenoxyethyl) ammonium bromide (domiphen bromide). 
The dodecyldimethyllammonium-2,4,5-trichlorophenolate in these derivatives can be used as citrus preservative. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) also has many applications in plastic additives, food additives, spices and pharmaceutical industries.

Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is used in Butter flavors and in certain Citrus flavor types, mainly in Lemon. 
The concentration used may vasy from 2 to 40 ppm, calculated upon the finished consumer product.
Given its foaming properties, the derivatives of Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) are widely used as a base in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, and lauryl alcohol. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a common constituent of vegetable fats, especially coconut oil and laurel oil. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) may have a synergistic effect in a formula to help fight against mircoorganisms. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a mild irritant but not a sensitizer, and some sources cite it as comedogenic.
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a fatty acid obtained from coconut oil and other veg- etable fats. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is practically insoluble in water but is soluble in alco- hol, chloroform, and ether. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) functions as a lubricant, binder, and defoaming agent.

Like many other fatty acids, Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is inexpensive, has a long shelf-life, is nontoxic, and is safe to handle. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is used mainly for the production of soaps and cosmetics. 
For these purposes, Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is reacted with sodium hydroxide to give sodium laurate, which is a soap. 
Most commonly, Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is obtained by saponification of various oils, such as coconut oil. 
These precursors give mixtures of sodium laurate and other soaps.
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a precursor to dilauroyl peroxide, a commercial initiator of polymerizations.
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) finds multifaceted uses in cosmetics and personal care. 
Its emollient properties make it a valuable ingredient for moisturizing and softening the skin, enhancing the sensory experience of products like lotions and creams. 
Moreover, its cleansing abilities contribute to creating rich lather in soaps, shampoos, and cleansers, effectively removing dirt and impurities. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid)'s compatibility with both water and oil aids in thorough cleansing. 
This dual nature makes Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) a versatile addition, offering a balanced approach to skincare and personal hygiene, ultimately elevating the effectiveness and appeal of cosmetic formulations.

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

Cosmetics and Skin Care:
Moisturizers and Emollients: Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) 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 (dodecanoic acid) is also included in formulations to help protect the skin from bacterial infections and reduce acne.

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

Pharmaceutical Applications    
pharmaceutical applications Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) has also been examined for use as an enhancer for topical penetration and transdermal absorption, rectal absorption, buccal delivery,(14) and intestinal absorption. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is also useful for stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) has also been evaluated for use in aerosol formulations.

Production methods    
1. Industrial production methods can be grouped into two categories: 
1) derived from the saponification or high temperature and pressure decomposition of natural vegetable oils and fats; 
2) separated from the synthetic fatty acid. 
Japan mainly uses coconut oil and palm kernel oil as the raw materials for the preparation of Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid). 
The natural vegetable oils used to produce Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) include coconut oil, litsea cubeba kernel oil, palm kernel oil and mountain pepper seed oil. 
Other plants oil, such as palm kernel oil, tea tree seed oil and camphor tree seed oil, can also service industry to produce dodecanoic acid. 

The residual C12 distillate from the extraction of Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid), containing a large number of dodecenoic acid, can be hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure, without catalyst, to convert into dodecanoic acid with a yield of more than 86%.
Derived from the separation and purification of coconut oil and other vegetable oil.
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) naturally exists in coconut oil, litsea cubeba kernel oil, palm kernel oil and pepper kernel oil in the form of glyceride. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) can be derived from the hydrolysis of natural oils and fats in industry. 
The coconut oil, water and catalyst are added into the autoclave and hydrolyzed to glycerol and fatty acid at 250 ℃ under the pressure of 5MPa. 
The content of Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is 45%~80%, and can be further distilled to obtain dodecanoic acid.

Production Methods    
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a fatty carboxylic acid isolated from vegetable and animal fats or oils. 
For example, coconut oil and palm kernel oil both contain high proportions of Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid). 
Isolation from natural fats and oils involves hydrolysis, separation of the fatty acids, hydrogenation to convert unsaturated fatty acids to saturated acids, and finally distillation of the specific fatty acid of interest.

Production and reactions
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is mainly isolated from natural sources.
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid)'s reactions are representative of those of similar long chain, saturated fatty acids. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) can be converted to the symmetrical fatty ketone called laurone (O=C(C11H23)2).
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) transesterifies with vinyl acetate.
Treatment with sulfur trioxide gives the α-sulfonic acid.

Reactivity Profile    
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) is a carboxylic acid. 
Carboxylic acids donate hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. 
They react in this way with all bases, both organic (for example, the amines) and inorganic. 
Their reactions with bases, called "neutralizations", are accompanied by the evolution of substantial amounts of heat. 
Neutralization between an acid and a base produces water plus a salt. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid)'s in aqueous solution and liquid or molten carboxylic acids can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. 
Such reactions occur in principle for solid Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid)'s as well, but are slow if the solid acid remains dry. 
Even "insoluble" Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) may absorb enough water from the air and dissolve sufficiently in Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) to corrode or dissolve iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers. 

Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid), like other acids, react with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. 
The reaction is slower for dry, solid Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid). 
Insoluble Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) react with solutions of cyanides to cause the release of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. 
Flammable and/or toxic gases and heat are generated by the reaction of Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid), especially in aqueous solution, also react with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. 
Their reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates generates a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) but still heat. 
Like other organic compounds, Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. 
These reactions generate heat. 
A wide variety of products is possible. 
Like other acids, Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) may initiate polymerization reactions; like other acids, they often catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions. 
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) can react with oxidizing materials.