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Palmitic Acid, Hexadecanoic Acid, Pentadecanecarboxylic Acid, 57-10-3

Palmitic Acid, Hexadecanoic Acid, Pentadecanecarboxylic Acid, 57-10-3

PALMITIC ACID (HEXADECANOIC ACID)

PRODUCT IDENTIFIER INFORMATION

Parameter Information
Product Name Palmitic Acid
Chemical Name (IUPAC) Hexadecanoic Acid
CAS Number 57-10-3
EC Number (EINECS) 200-312-9
FEMA Number 2832
Molecular Formula C₁₆H₃₂O₂
Molecular Weight 256.42 g/mol

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

        O
        ||
CH₃-(CH₂)₁₄-C-OH

Palmitic Acid (C₁₆H₃₂O₂)
Hexadecanoic Acid
Saturated Fatty Acid (C16:0)

Palmitic Acid Molecular Structure

Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₂O₂
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)O
InChI: 1S/C16H32O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16(17)18/h2-15H2,1H3,(H,17,18)
InChIKey: IPCSVZSSVZVIGE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
MDL Number: MFCD00002747
BRN Number: 607489
JECFA Number: 115

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

Parameter Information
Product Name Palmitic Acid
Chemical Name (IUPAC) Hexadecanoic Acid
Synonyms (English) Palmitic Acid, Hexadecanoic Acid, Hexadecan Acid, 1-Hexadecanoic Acid, Pentadecanecarboxylic Acid, NAA 160, Lunac P95, Neo-Fat 16, Kortacid 1698, Industrene 4516, Loxiol EP278
CAS Number 57-10-3
EC Number (EINECS) 200-312-9
Molecular Formula C₁₆H₃₂O₂ (CH₃(CH₂)₁₄COOH)
Molecular Weight 256.42 g/mol
Chemical Class Saturated fatty acid; long-chain carboxylic acid
Physical State (20°C) White crystalline waxy solid
Odor Characteristic slight fatty odor
Taste Characteristic fatty taste (not for consumption)
Occurrence One of the most widely distributed fatty acids in nature; found in palm oil, tallow, butter, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, corn oil, fish oil, and animal fats

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value Test Method / Note
Appearance White crystalline waxy solid (pearly phosphorescent scales) Visual
Color White or almost white Visual
Odor Characteristic slight fatty odor Olfactometric
Molecular Weight 256.42 g/mol Calculated
Density (25°C) 0.852 g/cm³ ASTM D4052
Relative Density 0.8388 -
Melting Point 61 - 62.5 °C (lit.) DSC
Boiling Point 351.5 °C ASTM D86
Flash Point > 230°F (> 110°C) ASTM D93
Vapor Pressure 10 mm Hg at 210°C -
Refractive Index 1.4273 Refractometry
Solubility in Water Insoluble General Method
Solubility in Cold Ethanol Insoluble General Method
Solubility in Hot Ethanol Soluble General Method
Solubility in Ether Soluble General Method
Solubility in Acetone Soluble General Method
Solubility in Chloroform Soluble General Method
Solubility in Acetic Acid Soluble General Method
Solubility in Petroleum Ether Slightly soluble General Method
pKa (Predicted) 4.78 ± 0.10 -
Hygroscopicity Easily absorbs moisture (hygroscopic) -
Stability Stable; combustible; incompatible with bases, oxidizing agents, reducing agents -

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

Parameter Information
Chemical Character Saturated long-chain fatty acid; weak acid (pKa ~4.78); carboxylic acid functionality
Stability Stable under normal conditions; stable to heat and light; may oxidize slowly upon prolonged exposure to air
Reactivity Reacts with bases to form salts (palmitates); reacts with alcohols to form esters; can be hydrogenated; undergoes esterification, saponification, and amidation reactions
Incompatible Materials Strong bases (NaOH, KOH), strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents
Polymerization Does not polymerize
Decomposition Products (Heating) Carbon monoxide (CO), Carbon dioxide (CO₂), acrolein, other fatty acid decomposition products
Hazardous Reactions Combustible; can react violently with strong oxidizing agents; contact with strong bases may generate heat
Esterification RCOOH + R'OH → RCOOR' + H₂O (forms esters with alcohols)
Saponification RCOOH + NaOH → RCOONa + H₂O (forms sodium palmitate - soap)
Acid-Base Reactions Reacts with bases to form metal salts (palmitates)

SECTION 4: COMMON FATTY ACIDS COMPARISON TABLE

Property Palmitic Acid (C16:0) Stearic Acid (C18:0) Myristic Acid (C14:0) Oleic Acid (C18:1)
CAS Number 57-10-3 57-11-4 544-63-8 112-80-1
Formula C₁₆H₃₂O₂ C₁₈H₃₆O₂ C₁₄H₂₈O₂ C₁₈H₃₄O₂
Molecular Weight 256.42 284.48 228.37 282.46
Melting Point 61 - 62.5 °C 69 - 70 °C 53 - 54 °C 13 - 14 °C
Degree of Saturation Saturated Saturated Saturated Unsaturated (one double bond)
Density (g/cm³) 0.852 0.847 0.862 0.891
Solubility in Water Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble
Primary Use Soap, cosmetics, surfactants Candles, rubber, cosmetics Cosmetics, soaps, esters Soap, surfactants, lubricants

SECTION 5: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

Property Description
Surfactant Acts as a surfactant; when neutralized, forms palmitate salts (soaps) with excellent surface-active properties
Emulsifier Serves as an emulsifier in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food formulations; sorbitan monopalmitate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate are widely used
Lubricant Provides lubricating properties in plastic processing, metalworking, and textile applications
Thickening Agent Used to increase viscosity and provide body in cosmetic and industrial formulations
Solvent Acts as a solvent for certain organic compounds and waxes
Binder Used as a binding agent in solid formulations and tablets
Coating Agent Provides protective coating on surfaces; used as a waterproofing agent
Defoamer Effective as a defoaming agent in food processing, papermaking, and industrial applications
Ester Precursor Raw material for producing various esters (isopropyl palmitate, methyl palmitate, butyl palmitate, chloramphenicol palmitate, etc.)
Metal Salt Precursor Raw material for producing metal salts (sodium palmitate, zinc palmitate, aluminum palmitate, etc.)

SECTION 6: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

Industry / Application Function Typical Use
Soap and Detergent Industry Surfactant / saponification Production of fatty acid soaps (sodium palmitate, potassium palmitate); synthetic detergents; emulsifiers for various formulations
Cosmetics and Personal Care Emulsifier / thickener / emollient Lipsticks, creams, lotions, hair oils, hair pastes; used in all types of cosmetics and toiletries; lipophilic emulsifier
Pharmaceutical Industry Emulsifier / coating agent Production of chloramphenicol palmitate (odorless antibiotic); tablet coatings; pharmaceutical emulsions; surfactants in drug delivery
Plastic and Polymer Industry Lubricant / slip agent PVC slip agents, processing aids; plastic emulsifiers; internal and external lubricants for polymer processing
Food Industry Emulsifier / defoamer / additive Production of fatty acid glycerides, sorbitan fatty acid esters, sugar esters; food defoaming agents; permitted food additive (FEMA 2832); maximum usage in seasonings 1.0 mg/kg
Candle and Wax Industry Raw material Production of candles, wax products; greases and wax formulations
Textile Industry Lubricant / emulsifier Fabric softening agents; textile lubricants; fiber processing aids
Paint and Coating Industry Additive / emulsifier Paint and coating formulations; pigment wetting agents; dispersant for pigment inks
Rubber Industry Processing aid / lubricant Rubber processing; mold release agents; rubber additives
Leather Industry Lubricant / fatliquoring agent Leather processing and fatliquoring; leather finishing
Metalworking Lubricant / anti-corrosion Metalworking fluids; rust preventive additives; lubricating oil additives
Chemical Synthesis Intermediate / raw material Production of isopropyl palmitate (cosmetic oil phase), methyl palmitate (lubricating oil additives), butyl palmitate, amine compounds, chlorides, etc.; organic synthesis intermediates
Waterproofing Water repellent Waterproofing agents for paper, textiles, and building materials
Laboratory Reagent / standard Chemical reagent; analytical standard; precipitating agent; gas chromatography reference material; hardness determination of water (calcium, magnesium, barium, lead, mercury, zinc)

SECTION 7: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL GRADE)

Parameter Specification Test Method
Appearance White crystalline waxy solid (pearly phosphorescent scales) Visual
Assay (Palmitic Acid) ≥ 95.0 % GC-FID
Acid Value 218 - 222 mg KOH/g Titrimetric
Saponification Value 220 - 224 mg KOH/g Titrimetric
Iodine Value ≤ 2.0 g I₂/100 g Titrimetric
Melting Point 58 - 65 °C DSC
Moisture Content ≤ 1.0 % Karl Fischer Titration
Unsaponifiable Matter ≤ 1.5 % Gravimetric
Ash Content ≤ 0.1 % Gravimetric
Color (Lovibond) ≤ 3.0R / 20.0Y Colorimeter
Heavy Metals (as Pb) ≤ 0.001 % AAS / ICP
Arsenic (As) ≤ 0.0003 % AAS / ICP
Peroxide Value ≤ 5.0 meq/kg Titrimetric

SECTION 8: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

Parameter Value
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) > 5,000 mg/kg (low toxicity)
Acute Dermal Toxicity (LD50, Rabbit) > 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity)
Acute Intravenous Toxicity (LD50, Mouse) 57 ± 3.4 mg/kg (Or, Wretlind)
Skin Irritation May cause irritation; repeated exposure may cause dermatitis
Eye Irritation Irritating to eyes (R36)
Respiratory Irritation Dust may cause respiratory irritation (R36/37/38)
Carcinogenicity Not classified (IARC, NTP)
Mutagenicity Negative in standard tests
Reproductive Toxicity No known adverse effects at occupational exposure limits
Sensitization Low potential for sensitization
Target Organs Skin, eyes, respiratory system
Occupational Exposure Limit (8h TWA) Not established (generally considered safe)
Special Toxicity Note Naturally occurring fatty acid; considered safe for food and cosmetic use (FDA, §172.860); low toxicity; natural fatty acid, non-toxic

SECTION 9: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (according to 1272/2008/EC and UN GHS):

Hazard Class Category H-Statement
Skin Irritation Category 2 H315
Eye Irritation Category 2 H319
Specific Target Organ Toxicity - SE Category 3 H335

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

Code Statement
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H335 May cause respiratory irritation

Risk Codes:

Code Statement
R36 Irritating to eyes
R36/38 Irritating to eyes and skin
R36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin

Safety Descriptions:

Code Statement
S26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice
S36 Wear suitable protective clothing
S37/39 Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

Health Flammability Reactivity Special
1 1 0 -
(Slight health hazard) (Slightly flammable) (Stable) (None)

SECTION 10: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

Code Statement
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray
P264 Wash thoroughly after handling
P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
P280 Wear protective gloves / protective clothing / eye protection / face protection
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water
P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing
P312 Call a POISON CENTER / doctor if you feel unwell
P332+P313 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention
P337+P313 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention
P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations

SECTION 11: FIRST AID MEASURES

Exposure Route Action to Take
Inhalation Move to fresh air. Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact Remove contaminated clothing. Wash with plenty of soap and water. If irritation develops, seek medical attention.
Eye Contact Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs.

SECTION 12: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Parameter Information
Fire Hazard Combustible solid; flash point > 110°C
Hazards During Fire Thermal decomposition produces irritating and toxic fumes (CO, CO₂, acrolein)
Suitable Extinguishing Media Dry chemical powder, CO₂, alcohol-resistant foam, water fog
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media Water jet (may spread the fire)
Special Protective Equipment Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing
Special Precautions Keep away from strong oxidizing agents; cool exposed containers with water fog; prevent runoff water from entering drains and waterways

SECTION 13: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Parameter Information
Storage Conditions Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; away from heat, sparks, and open flames; protect from moisture and oxidizing agents
Container Requirements Tightly closed, properly labeled containers; use moisture-resistant packaging; store away from oxidizing agents and bases
Materials to Protect From Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases (NaOH, KOH), strong reducing agents, moisture
Shelf Life 24 months (in unopened original packaging, under proper storage conditions)
Stability Note Stable under normal conditions; may oxidize slowly upon prolonged exposure to air; protect from moisture to prevent caking; keep away from heat

SECTION 14: PACKAGING OPTIONS

Packaging Type Quantity Material
Paper Bag 25 kg Multi-layer kraft paper with plastic liner
Plastic Bag 25 kg, 50 kg PE bag
Fiber Drum 25 kg, 50 kg Fiberboard with PE liner
Plastic Drum 100 kg, 200 kg HDPE / Polypropylene
Bulk Bag (FIBC) 500 kg, 1000 kg Woven PP with PE liner

SECTION 15: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number Not regulated (not classified as dangerous goods)
Hazard Class Not applicable
Packing Group Not applicable
ADR/RID Not regulated
IMDG Code Not regulated
IATA (Air) Not regulated
Marine Pollutant No
Transport Temperature Ambient; protect from moisture and heat
HS Code 29157015

SECTION 16: REGULATORY STATUS

Region / Authority Status
European Union REACH registered; approved for food and cosmetic applications
USA (TSCA) Listed
USA (FDA) Approved for food use (FDA, §172.860); Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)
USA (USP) Monograph for palmitic acid
Europe (Ph. Eur.) Monograph for palmitic acid
Cosmetics (EU) Approved for use in cosmetics (Cosing database)
Food Additives Approved as food additive in many countries (FEMA 2832)
Turkey Industrial chemical; subject to KKDIK regulation; approved for food contact applications
IARC Not classified as carcinogenic
OSHA Not specifically regulated
RTECS RT4550000
WGK Germany Not classified

SECTION 17: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

Type Name
English Synonyms Palmitic Acid, Hexadecanoic Acid, Hexadecan Acid, 1-Hexadecanoic Acid, Pentadecanecarboxylic Acid, NAA 160, Lunac P95, Neo-Fat 16, Kortacid 1698, Industrene 4516, Loxiol EP278, Palmitic Acid Tech, Pure Palmitic Acid, Palmitic Acid (1.00509)
Chemical Names Hexadecanoic Acid; 1-Hexadecanoic Acid; Pentadecanecarboxylic Acid; C16 Fatty Acid
CAS Number 57-10-3
EC Number 200-312-9
FEMA Number 2832
MDL Number MFCD00002747
BRN Number 607489
RTECS RT4550000

SECTION 18: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Direct Extraction from Palm Oil

  • Directly extracted from palm fruit and palm oil

  • Hydrolysis of palm oil to obtain mixed fatty acids

  • Fractionation and separation of palmitic acid

Method 2: From Natural Oils and Fats

  • Oils and fats (tallow, palm oil, cottonseed oil, wood wax) hydrolyzed at high temperature (250°C) and high pressure (50.67 × 10⁵ Pa)

  • Mixed fatty acids are obtained

  • Fractionation and pressing separation of unsaturated fatty acids

  • Recrystallization to obtain palmitic acid

Method 3: From Oleic Acid

  • Alkali fusion at 350°C

  • Double bond isomerization to conjugated position

  • Catalytic oxidation to decompose into palmitic acid

Method 4: Vacuum Fractionation

  • Mixed fatty acids from rice bran oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, etc.

  • Vacuum fractionation to isolate palmitic acid

SECTION 19: DOWNSTREAM PRODUCTS

Product Application
Isopropyl Palmitate Cosmetic oil phase raw material; lipsticks, creams, hair oils, hair pastes
Methyl Hexadecanoate Lubricating oil additives; surfactant raw materials; PVC slip agents
Chloramphenicol Palmitate Odorless antibiotic; pharmaceutical formulations
Sorbitan Monopalmitate Cosmetic emulsifier; pharmaceutical emulsifier; food emulsifier; pigment ink dispersant; defoaming agent
Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monopalmitate (Polysorbate 40) Lipophilic emulsifier; cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications
Sodium Palmitate Fatty acid soap; plastic emulsifier; surfactant raw material
Zinc Palmitate Cosmetic and plastic stabilizer
Butyl Palmitate Esters; plasticizers; lubricants
Palmitic Amides Surfactants; amide compounds

SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE

Parameter Value
Product Palmitic Acid (Hexadecanoic Acid)
CAS Number 57-10-3
Molecular Formula C₁₆H₃₂O₂
Molecular Weight 256.42 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline waxy solid (pearly phosphorescent scales)
Density (25°C) 0.852 g/cm³
Melting Point 61 - 62.5 °C
Boiling Point 351.5 °C
Solubility Insoluble in water; soluble in hot ethanol, ether, acetone, chloroform, acetic acid
Primary Function Surfactant, emulsifier, lubricant, intermediate
Main Applications Soap, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, plastics, food additives, candles, textiles, chemical synthesis
Shelf Life 24 months
GHS Signal Word WARNING
UN Number Not regulated

SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

  • Causes skin and eye irritation (H315/H319). Wear protective gloves and eye protection.

  • May cause respiratory irritation (H335). Use adequate ventilation.

  • Combustible solid; keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.

  • Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong oxidizing agents and strong bases.

  • Hygroscopic: Absorbs moisture from air; store in tightly closed containers.

  • May oxidize slowly upon prolonged exposure to air; protect from excessive heat.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Soap and Detergent Industry: Use as a raw material for soap production; saponification with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide; control reaction temperature and conditions for optimal product quality.

  • Cosmetic Industry: Use as an emulsifier and thickener in creams, lotions, and lipsticks; typical usage 1-5%; can be used to produce isopropyl palmitate for cosmetic oil phase formulations.

  • Pharmaceutical Industry: Use as an excipient and coating agent; produce chloramphenicol palmitate for antibiotic formulations; use as emulsifier in pharmaceutical emulsions.

  • Plastic Industry: Use as a lubricant and slip agent in PVC processing; improves flow properties and surface finish; typical usage 0.5-2%.

  • Food Industry: Use as permitted food additive (FEMA 2832); maximum usage in seasonings 1.0 mg/kg; use as food defoamer and emulsifier.

  • Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; wear protective gloves and safety goggles; avoid creating dust; handle with care to prevent spills.

  • Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; keep containers tightly closed; protect from moisture and oxidizing agents; store away from heat and open flames.

  • Spill Response: Sweep up and place in sealed containers for disposal; avoid creating dust; clean area thoroughly.

  • Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; may be incinerated in appropriate facilities.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability of the product for their specific applications. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.

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