Acid dodécanoïque

The n-dodécanoïque acid or Lauric acid , is a saturated Fatty-acid whose developed formula is CH₃ (CH₂) ₁₀COOH.

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Description

It is the principal fatty-acid of the Huile of copra (oil of the coconut), and it is supposed to have antimicrobic properties. The lauric acid, although slightly irritating for the mucous membranes, has a very low toxicity and is consequently used in many soaps and shampoos. The lauryl sulfate of sodium is the derivative of the lauric acid most frequently used for this use. Owing to the fact that the molecule of lauric acid has a hydrocarbon not-polar tail and a carboxylic polar head, it can react with the polar solvents (of which most important is water) as well as with greases, which makes it possible water to dissolve greases. This explains the aptitude of the shampoos to degrease the hair.

As the lauric acid is inexpensive, preserves themselves well, is not poison and without danger to be handled, it is often used in laboratory to measure the melting points. The lauric acid is solid with room temperature but bottom easily in ebullient water; it can thus be combined in liquid form with aqueous solutions varied and used to determine their molecular mass.

The reduction of the lauric acid gives the 1-dodécanol.

Properties

Physical properties

Appearance: pulverulent white solid with a low oil odor of bay-tree
Melting point: 44-46 °C
Boiling point: 225 °C to 100 mm Hg
Density of vapor: 6,91
Steam pressure: 1 mm Hg with 121 °C
Density (g/cm ³): 0,883
Not flash: > 113 °C

Stability

Stable. Fuel. Incompatible with the bases and the reducing agents or oxidizing. Although the lauric acid can burn, it tends to melt and to vaporize unless being in contact with an oxidising agent or being heated extremely quickly.

Toxicology

Ocular, épidermique and respiratory irritant.

Information for transport

Without danger to air transports, maritime and road.

See too

External bonds (in English)

Center for research one Lauric oils
Computational Chemistry Wiki

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