Lauric acid
CAS 143-07-7
EC 205-582-1
Formula C12H24O2
MW 200.32 g/mol
Oils, Fats & Waxes Personal Care & CosmeticsLubricants & MetalworkingFood & NutritionTextile, Leather & Paper Surface Modification & WettingEmulsification & DispersionLubrication
Description
Lauric acid (CAS 143-07-7) is a saturated C12 fatty acid derived primarily from coconut and palm kernel oil, commonly referenced as C12:0, DAO, or ABL. It is also identified under FEMA 2614 and carries the EC number 205-582-1. No E-code designation applies to lauric acid in EU food additive legislation.
In personal care formulations, lauric acid reacts with alkali to form sodium or potassium laurate, a surfactant that generates dense, stable lather in bar soaps and cleansers. In metalworking and textile processing, it functions as a boundary lubricant and emulsion stabilizer, reducing friction between metal surfaces and improving fiber processing by lowering interfacial tension.
Lauric acid is available in technical, food-grade (FCC-compliant), and pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur.) specifications, supplied as a crystalline powder or flakes. The substance is fully REACH-registered and subject to standard EU chemical compliance requirements. Typical packaging includes 25 kg bags and bulk quantities for industrial procurement.
In personal care formulations, lauric acid reacts with alkali to form sodium or potassium laurate, a surfactant that generates dense, stable lather in bar soaps and cleansers. In metalworking and textile processing, it functions as a boundary lubricant and emulsion stabilizer, reducing friction between metal surfaces and improving fiber processing by lowering interfacial tension.
Lauric acid is available in technical, food-grade (FCC-compliant), and pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur.) specifications, supplied as a crystalline powder or flakes. The substance is fully REACH-registered and subject to standard EU chemical compliance requirements. Typical packaging includes 25 kg bags and bulk quantities for industrial procurement.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 44.2 °C |
| Boiling Point | 298.9 °C |
| Density | 0.883 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | white solid with a faint odour of bay oil |
| Color | White |
| Odor | at 100.00 %. mild fatty coconut bay oil |
| Form | Crystalline Powder of Flakes |
| Water Solubility | insoluble |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mm Hg ( 121 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.4304 |
| Log P | 5 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS05 GHS07
H
H315H318H319
P
P264P280P317P321P264+P265P302+P352P332+P317P337+P317P362+P364P305+P351+P338P305+P354+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29159010 |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
Dodecanoic AcidDAOABLC12:0C12:0 ACIDVulvic acid
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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