Palmitic acid
CAS 57-10-3
EC 200-312-9
Formula C16H32O2
MW 256.42 g/mol
Surfactants Personal Care & CosmeticsLubricants & MetalworkingFood & Nutrition LubricationEmulsification & DispersionSurface Modification & Wetting
Description
Palmitic acid (CAS 57-10-3) is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid derived from animal fats or vegetable oils, commercially available under trade names including Prifac 2960 and PA 900, and referenced under FEMA 2832. It carries no E-number designation in the EU.
In personal care formulations, palmitic acid functions as an emulsion stabilizer by increasing interfacial film rigidity between oil and water phases, improving long-term cream stability. In metalworking lubricants, it reacts with metal surfaces to form friction-reducing soap layers, lowering tool wear under high-pressure conditions.
Palmitic acid is supplied in flake form and available in food-grade (FCC-compliant) and cosmetic-grade specifications meeting Ph.Eur. standards, with REACH registration in place for EU supply. Standard packaging includes 25 kg bags and bulk options. Buyers should confirm grade suitability against application purity requirements.
In personal care formulations, palmitic acid functions as an emulsion stabilizer by increasing interfacial film rigidity between oil and water phases, improving long-term cream stability. In metalworking lubricants, it reacts with metal surfaces to form friction-reducing soap layers, lowering tool wear under high-pressure conditions.
Palmitic acid is supplied in flake form and available in food-grade (FCC-compliant) and cosmetic-grade specifications meeting Ph.Eur. standards, with REACH registration in place for EU supply. Standard packaging includes 25 kg bags and bulk options. Buyers should confirm grade suitability against application purity requirements.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 61.8 °C |
| Boiling Point | 351.5 °C |
| Density | 0.8527 g/cm³ @ Temp: 62 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | white chips, crystals or powder |
| Color | White or almost white |
| Odor | at 100.00 %. slightly waxy fatty |
| Form | Flakes |
| Water Solubility | insoluble |
| Vapor Pressure | 10 mm Hg ( 210 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.4273 |
| Log P | 7.170 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Warning GHS07
H
H315H319H335
P
P261P264P271P280P319P321P405P501P264+P265P302+P352P304+P340P332+P317P337+P317P362+P364P403+P233P305+P351+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29157015 |
| Storage Class | 13 - Non Combustible Solids |
Other Names
Hexadecanoic Acidcetylic acidC16 fatty acidpalmitoic acidPA 900Prifac 2960
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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