| Formula / Notation | C12H24O2 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 143-07-7 |
| Molecular Weight | 200.32 |
| Melting Point | 111 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 437 °F at 100 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 0.883 (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Solubility | less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Lauric acid is a white solid with a slight odor of bay oil. (USCG, 1999) |
| Also Known As | dodecanoic acid; DODECANOIC ACID; 143-07-7; n-Dodecanoic acid; Dodecylic acid; Laurostearic acid; Vulvic acid; Dodecoic acid; Duodecylic acid; 1-Undecanecarboxylic acid |
| Category | Acids |
What is Lauric acid?
Dodecanoic acid is a straight-chain, twelve-carbon medium-chain saturated fatty acid with strong bactericidal properties; the main fatty acid in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It has a role as an antibacterial agent, a plant metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a dodecanoate. It derives from a hydride of a dodecane.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: dodecanoic acid
Other Names / Synonyms: dodecanoic acid; DODECANOIC ACID; 143-07-7; n-Dodecanoic acid; Dodecylic acid; Laurostearic acid; Vulvic acid; Dodecoic acid; Duodecylic acid; 1-Undecanecarboxylic acid
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 111 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 437 °F at 100 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 0.883 (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Molecular Weight | 200.32 |
| Solubility | less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Lauric acid is a white solid with a slight odor of bay oil. (USCG, 1999) |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Dodecanoic acid is a straight-chain, twelve-carbon medium-chain saturated fatty acid with strong bactericidal properties; the main fatty acid in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It has a role as an antibacterial agent, a plant metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a dodecanoate. It derives from a hydride of a dodecane.
Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.
Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Lauric acid is: C12H24O2