Specification of Lauric Acid
Lauric acid
Lauric acid or dodecanoic acid is a medium-chain
saturated fatty acid (Ing. Middle-chained fatty acid, MCFA) which is composed
of 12 C atoms.The main source of this fatty acid is coconut oil, which can
contain 50% lauric acid, and palm kernel oil. (palm kernel oil). Another source
is cow's milk.
Lauric acid has a melting point of 44 ° C
and a boiling point of 225 ° C so that at room temperature it is a white solid,
and easily melts when heated. Chemical formula: CH3 (CH2) 10COOH, molecular
weight 200.3 g.mol-1. This acid is soluble in polar solvents, such as water, it
is also soluble in fat due to the hydrocarbon (methyl) group at one end and the
carboxyl group at the other. This behavior is exploited by the washing
industry, for example in shampoo. Sodium laurylsulfate is the derivative most often
used in the soap and shampoo industry.
In the Cosmetics Industry, Lauric Acid
functions as a thickener, moisturizer and softener.
