Myristic Acid
Myristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid with a 14-carbon chain, naturally found in nutmeg, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and butter fat. It appears as a white crystalline solid with a faint odor. It is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, surfactants, and food additives due to its emollient and cleansing properties. Myristic Acid acts as a key intermediate in the production of esters, detergents, and lubricants.
Myristic Acid
Primary Uses
- Soap and Detergent Manufacturing
- Used as a cleansing agent and foam booster in bar soaps and liquid detergents.
- Enhances hardness and lather quality of soaps.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
- Used in creams, lotions, and hair care products as an emollient and thickening agent.
- Provides smooth texture and moisturizing properties.
- Surfactants and Emulsifiers
- Serves as a raw material for fatty acid esters used in surfactants and emulsifiers.
- Used in the production of detergents, shampoos, and cleansing products.
- Food Industry
- Used as a flavoring agent and texture enhancer in food formulations (approved as food additive E570).
Secondary UsesÂ
- Lubricants and Greases
- Utilized as a component in the synthesis of lubricants and greases for improved performance.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Used in ointments and creams as a thickener and emollient.
- Plasticizers and Additives
- Employed as an intermediate in plasticizer production.
- Industrial Chemicals
- Used in the synthesis of myristates and other chemical intermediates.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Tetradecanoic acid
- Common/Trade Name: Myristic Acid
- CAS Number: 544-63-8
- HS Code: 2915.71
- Synonyms: Tetradecylic acid
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White crystalline solid
- Color & Odor: White; faint fatty odor
- Melting Point: 54.4°C
- Boiling Point: 251°C (decomposes)
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, and oils
- Density: 0.853 g/cm³
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under normal handling
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; may cause mild skin irritation on prolonged contact
- Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture
- Container Type: Supplied in drums or bags
- Shelf Life: Typically 1–2 years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust and prolonged skin contact
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with REACH, FDA, and other relevant standards
- Approved as a food additive and cosmetic ingredient
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental risk
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves and safety goggles recommended
- Handling Guidelines: Use dust mask if handling powder; avoid inhalation and skin contact
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed; protect from moisture
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; discontinue use if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical attention if large quantities ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible solid
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚
- Special Precautions: Avoid inhalation of smoke or fumes
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides and hydrocarbons
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