Dodecanoic Acid
Synonyms
Lauric acid;
n-Dodecanoic acid;
1-Undecanecarboxylic acid;
Category
Anionic Surfactant
> Carboxylate
>> Chain Carboxylate
>>> Alkyl Carboxylate
>>>> Linear Alkyl Carboxylate
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 143-07-7
EINECS: 205-582-1
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C12H24O2
Molecular Weight: 200.32
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), white solid.
Solubility insoluble in water. soluble in ethanol.
Physical - chemical properties
|
Water solubility, mg/L |
4.81 (25°C)[1] |
|
Melting point, °C |
43.8[1] |
Stability stable.
Risk Solid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
rat oral LD50 |
12000mg/kg[2] |
|
mouse intravenous LD50 |
131mg/kg[2] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent cleansing, emulsifying, dispersing, solubilizing, foaming abilities. Nonresistant to hard water.
Synthesis
(1), The crude fatty acids are obtained by saponifying hydrolysis reaction of fats (for example: coconut oil or palm-kernel oil).
(2), Crude fatty acids are washed, distilled and decolored, then obtain finished product.
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
GB/T 5173 Surface active agents and detergents -- Determination of anionic-active matter by direct two-phase titration procedure
ISO 2271 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Determination of anionic-active matter by manual or mechanical direct two-phase titration procedure
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), GB 1886.81 Food safety national standard -- Food additive -- Lauric acid
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances; or furtherly test for microorganisms.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as cleansing agent.
Use as emulsifying agent, dispersing agent.
2, Household detergents
Use as cleansing agent. For example: laundry detergent.
3, Personal care products
Cleansing agent, emulsifying agent in personal care products.
4, Machinery industry
Lubricant in metal processing, powder molding.
5, Food
Food additive (perfume), processing aids in food industry.
6, Organic synthesis
Widely used in preparation of lauric acid esters. Lauric acid esters can be used in personal care products, food, medicine, etc.
Widely used in preparation of lauric acid salts. Lauric acid salts can be used in personal care products, household cleaning products, fabricated metal products, plastic products, etc.
7, Pets
Use as cleansing agent, emulsifying agent.
Manufacturers
References
[1]: HSDB. 143-07-7, Dodecanoic acid
[2]: ChemIDplus. 143-07-7, Dodecanoic acid
Update: 20131102(1); 20180106(2);