Heptadecanoic acid
CAS 506-12-7
EC 208-027-1
Formula C17H34O2
MW 270.45 g/mol
Oils, Fats & Waxes Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & NutritionLubricants & Metalworking LubricationEmulsification & DispersionSurface Modification & Wetting
Description
Heptadecanoic acid (CAS 506-12-7) is a saturated odd-chain fatty acid also known as margaric acid, with common abbreviations C17:0 and 17:0. It carries no assigned E-code and is not a standard food additive, though it occurs naturally in ruminant fats and certain dairy lipids.
In personal care formulations, it functions as an emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer by orienting at oil-water interfaces to reduce surface tension and prevent phase separation. In metalworking and lubricant applications, it forms a boundary film on metal surfaces, reducing friction and wear under load conditions.
Heptadecanoic acid is supplied as off-white shiny flakes or crystalline powder and is available in technical and high-purity grades compliant with REACH registration requirements. Procurement teams should confirm grade suitability against Ph.Eur. or FCC standards depending on end-use. Standard packaging formats include 25 kg bags and fiber drums. HS code 29159000 applies.
In personal care formulations, it functions as an emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer by orienting at oil-water interfaces to reduce surface tension and prevent phase separation. In metalworking and lubricant applications, it forms a boundary film on metal surfaces, reducing friction and wear under load conditions.
Heptadecanoic acid is supplied as off-white shiny flakes or crystalline powder and is available in technical and high-purity grades compliant with REACH registration requirements. Procurement teams should confirm grade suitability against Ph.Eur. or FCC standards depending on end-use. Standard packaging formats include 25 kg bags and fiber drums. HS code 29159000 applies.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 61.3 °C |
| Boiling Point | 344.70 °C |
| Density | 0.8532 g/cm³ @ Temp: 60 °C |
| Flash Point | 227°C/100mm |
| Appearance | off-white powder |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Form | Shiny Flakes or Crystalline Powder |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in ether. Slightly soluble in alcohol. Insoluble in water |
| Refractive Index | 1.4348 (589.3 nm 40℃) |
| Log P | 7.320 (est) |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Warning GHS07
H
H315H319H335
P
P261P264P271P280P319P321P405P501P264+P265P302+P352P304+P340P332+P317P337+P317P362+P364P403+P233P305+P351+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29159000 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
17:0C17:0Margaratemargaric acidheptadecanoicmargarinicacid
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