Heptadecanoic acid

Heptadecanoic acid (CAS 506-12-7), also known as margaric acid, is a saturated odd-chain fatty acid used as a reference standard, emulsifier, and surface-active agent across food, cosmetic, and industrial formulations.

Its odd-carbon structure makes it a reliable analytical marker and functional ingredient where even-chain fatty acids are unsuitable. In food and nutrition, it serves primarily as a certified reference standard for fatty acid profiling.

This material is essential for lipid analysis in quality control laboratories. Cosmetic formulators incorporate it into creams, balms, and waxy emulsions where it contributes to texture, emulsion stability, and skin-feel.

It provides these benefits without the melting-point limitations of shorter-chain acids. In lubricant and metalworking applications, it functions as a boundary lubricant and surface modifier, reducing friction on metal substrates.

It is frequently utilized in cutting fluids and specialty grease formulations. Its surface-active character also supports emulsification and dispersion tasks in industrial processing where precise fatty acid chain length is required.

Heptadecanoic acid is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder or flake. It is available in high-purity analytical grades suited for reference standard and laboratory use, as well as technical grades for industrial applications.

Packaging ranges from small quantities for laboratory procurement to bulk quantities for manufacturing-scale sourcing. The product meets rigorous internal specifications to ensure consistency across various batch sizes and applications.