Dimyristyl phosphate

Dimyristyl phosphate (CAS 6640-03-5), also sold as ditetradecyl phosphate, is a phosphate ester of myristic alcohol used as an emulsifier and surface-active agent in specialty formulations. It functions by stabilizing oil-water interfaces and modifying surface charge, enabling formulators to control emulsion structure and ingredient delivery across various industrial applications.

In personal care, it is used to build stable emulsions in creams and lotions, where its phosphate head group contributes to skin-feel and texture control for high-end cosmetic products. Pharmaceutical formulators incorporate it into lipid-based drug delivery systems, including liposomal and vesicular carriers, where it helps define membrane structure and encapsulation efficiency.

In biotechnology, it is used to engineer lipid bilayer models and cell membrane mimics for research and assay development, providing critical stability for sensitive experimental environments. Surface modification applications include treatment of particulate systems where controlled charge and wettability affect dispersion stability in complex suspension formulations and industrial coatings.

Dimyristyl phosphate is typically supplied as a white to off-white powder or waxy solid. It is available in research-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications for diverse manufacturing needs. Purity levels are commonly at 98% or higher for technical and formulation use. Packaging ranges from small quantities for laboratory use to bulk formats for commercial production.