Description
Lauric acid, CAS 143-07-7, chemical formula C12H24O2, is produced as a white crystalline powder, has a slight odor of bay oil, and is soluble in water, alcohols, phenyls, haloalkanes, and acetates. It is non-toxic, safe to handle, inexpensive, and has a long shelf life. It is mainly used in the manufacture and production of soaps and other cosmetics as well as scientific laboratory uses.
Applications
Lauric acid is mainly used in the manufacturing of soaps and other cosmetics. In scientific laboratories, lauric acid is often used to investigate the molar mass of unknown substances via freezing-point depression. In industry, lauric acid is used as an intermediate and as a surface active agent. The consumer market uses lauric acid in the cleaning, furnishing, and production of personal care products. In medicine, lauric acid is known to increase total serum cholesterol more than many of the other fatty acids.
