Lauric acid
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Description
A fatty acid with a 12 carbon chain. Lauric acid occurs naturally in Coconut oil and Laurel oil. At room temperature, lauric acid is a solid. The waxy compound is used to make alkyd resins, wetting agents, soaps, detergents, and insecticides.
Synonyms and Related Terms
dodecanoic acid; laurostearic acid; dodecoic acid
Risks
- Combustible. Flash point = 112 C.
- Contact may cause skin and eye irritation
- CDH Fine Chemicals: SDS
Physical and Chemical Properties
Soluble in benzene and ether. Slightly soluble in ethanol. Insoluble in water.
| Composition | CH3(CH2)10COOH |
|---|---|
| CAS | 143-07-7 |
| Melting Point | 44 C |
| Density | 0.869 g/ml |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 200.31 |
| Boiling Point | 160-165 C |
Resources and Citations
- The Merck Index, Susan Budavari (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Whitehouse Station, NJ, 12th Edition, 1996 Comment: entry 5396
- Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993