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Palmitic acid

IUPAC: hexadecanoic acid

C16H32O2 Acids CAS 57-10-3
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC16H32O2
CAS Number57-10-3
Molecular Weight256.42
Melting Point61.8 °C
Boiling Point351.5 °C
DensityDensity: 0.8527 g/cu cm at 62 °C
Solubility0.04 mg/L (at 25 °C)
AppearanceLiquid, Other Solid; Other Solid; Dry Powder; Liquid; Pellets or Large Crystals; Pellets or Large Crystals, Other Solid
Also Known Ashexadecanoic acid; Hexadecanoic acid; 57-10-3; Cetylic acid; n-Hexadecanoic acid; Hexadecylic acid; 1-Pentadecanecarboxylic acid; n-Hexadecoic acid; Hydrofol; Palmitinic acid
CategoryAcids

What is Palmitic acid?

Hexadecanoic acid is a straight-chain, sixteen-carbon, saturated long-chain fatty acid. It has a role as a plant metabolite, an EC 1.1.1.189 (prostaglandin-E2 9-reductase) inhibitor, a Daphnia magna metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a long-chain fatty acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a hexadecanoate.

Formula & Notation

C16H32O2

IUPAC Name: hexadecanoic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: hexadecanoic acid; Hexadecanoic acid; 57-10-3; Cetylic acid; n-Hexadecanoic acid; Hexadecylic acid; 1-Pentadecanecarboxylic acid; n-Hexadecoic acid; Hydrofol; Palmitinic acid

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Liquid, Other Solid; Other Solid; Dry Powder; Liquid; Pellets or Large Crystals; Pellets or Large Crystals, Other Solid. Molecular formula: C16H32O2. Molecular weight: 256.42 g/mol. Boiling point: 351.5 °C. Melting point: 61.8 °C. Density: Density: 0.8527 g/cu cm at 62 °C. Solubility: 0.04 mg/L (at 25 °C). Vapor pressure: 0.00000038 [mmHg]. LogP: 6.4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point61.8 °C
Boiling Point351.5 °C
DensityDensity: 0.8527 g/cu cm at 62 °C
Molecular Weight256.42
Solubility0.04 mg/L (at 25 °C)
AppearanceLiquid, Other Solid; Other Solid; Dry Powder; Liquid; Pellets or Large Crystals; Pellets or Large Crystals, Other Solid

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.

Safety Information

Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Palmitic acid
Formula C16H32O2
CAS Number 57-10-3
Molecular Weight 256.42
Category Acids
Synonyms hexadecanoic acid; Hexadecanoic acid; 57-10-3; Cetylic acid; n-Hexadecanoic acid; Hexadecylic acid; 1-Pentadecanecarboxylic acid; n-Hexadecoic acid; Hydrofol; Palmitinic acid

Frequently Asked Questions

Hexadecanoic acid is a straight-chain, sixteen-carbon, saturated long-chain fatty acid. It has a role as a plant metabolite, an EC 1.1.1.189 (prostaglandin-E2 9-reductase) inhibitor, a Daphnia magna metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a long-chain fatty acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a hexadecanoate.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.