Product Details

CasNo： 142-91-6

MF： C19H38O2

Appearance： liquid

Delivery Time： 15 days

Packing： 200kg/drum

Purity： 99%

1. Basic Information

• Chemical Name: Isopropyl Palmitate
• Synonyms: Palmitic Acid Isopropyl Ester; Hexadecanoic Acid Isopropyl Ester; Isopropyl Hexadecanoate; Hexadecanoic Acid 1 - methylethyl Ester
• CAS Number: 142 - 91 - 6
• EINECS Number: 203 - 751 - 4
• Molecular Formula: C19​H38​O2​
• Molecular Weight: 298.50 g/mol

2. Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance: It is a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid at room temperature. It is clear and transparent, with a faint, characteristic odor similar to that of light oils.
• Density: The density ranges from 0.850 to 0.855 g/cm³ at 25 °C. This density value makes it less dense than water, which is important in applications where its mixing and layering properties are considered, such as in emulsion - based products.
• Melting Point: The melting point is typically in the range of 11 - 13 °C. This relatively low melting point allows it to exist as a liquid under normal ambient conditions, facilitating its handling and incorporation into various formulations.
• Boiling Point: It boils at approximately 340.7 °C at 760 mmHg. However, due to its relatively high boiling point, it is not prone to rapid evaporation at normal temperatures, which is beneficial for maintaining the integrity of products over time.
• Flash Point: The flash point is around 162.2 °C. This indicates that it has a relatively high resistance to ignition and is considered a low - flammability substance under normal usage and storage conditions.
• Refractive Index: The refractive index (nD20​) is about 1.439. This property is useful for quality control purposes, as it can be used to identify and verify the purity of the product. Deviations from the standard refractive index value may indicate the presence of impurities.
• Solubility: It is insoluble in water and glycerol. But it shows excellent miscibility with a wide range of organic solvents, including ethanol, ether, methylene chloride, and various natural and synthetic oils. This solubility profile enables it to be easily incorporated into formulations that contain these solvents, making it highly adaptable in different industrial applications.
• Stability: Under normal conditions, isopropyl palmitate is quite stable. It does not readily oxidize in air at room temperature, and it is resistant to hydrolysis. This stability ensures that products formulated with it maintain their quality and performance over an extended period, reducing the need for frequent reformulation or addition of stabilizers in many cases.

3. Production Process

The most common method for producing isopropyl palmitate is through the esterification reaction.

• Raw Materials: The main raw materials are palmitic acid (C16​H32​O2​) and isopropyl alcohol (C3​H8​O). Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid that can be derived from various natural sources such as palm oil, coconut oil, or animal fats. Isopropyl alcohol is a widely available and relatively inexpensive alcohol.
• Reaction Conditions: The reaction is typically carried out in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid or p - toluenesulfonic acid. The reaction mixture is heated to an appropriate temperature, usually in the range of 80 - 120 °C, to drive the esterification reaction forward. The reaction equation is as follows:
  C16​H32​O2​+C3​H8​Oacid catalyst⇌Δ​​C19​H38​O2​+H2​O
• Purification: After the reaction is complete, the resulting mixture contains the desired isopropyl palmitate, unreacted starting materials, and the catalyst. First, a neutralization step is performed to remove the acidic catalyst, usually using a base such as sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide. Then, the mixture is washed with water to remove any water - soluble impurities, such as salts formed during neutralization. Subsequently, distillation is often employed to separate isopropyl palmitate from unreacted palmitic acid and isopropyl alcohol based on their different boiling points. In some cases, further purification steps like filtration through activated carbon may be carried out to remove any remaining color or trace impurities, resulting in a high - purity product.

4. Applications

• Cosmetics Industry:
  • Skin - Care Products: It is highly valued as an emollient in creams, lotions, and serums. It forms a thin, non - greasy film on the skin, which helps to lock in moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple. Its ability to enhance the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin makes it an ideal carrier for substances like vitamins, antioxidants, and anti - aging compounds. For example, in anti - wrinkle creams, it can improve the delivery of retinol or peptides to the deeper layers of the skin, increasing their effectiveness.
  • Makeup Products: In lipsticks, it provides a smooth texture, improves color adhesion, and prevents the lipstick from drying out the lips. In eyeshadows and blushes, it acts as a binder, helping to hold the pigment particles together and ensuring even application. In mascaras, it serves as a good solvent for pigments, allowing for better dispersion and a more intense color payoff.
  • Hair - Care Products: Added to shampoos, conditioners, and hair styling products, it helps to moisturize the hair, reduce frizz, and improve manageability. It can also enhance the shine of the hair, making it more lustrous and attractive.
• Pharmaceutical Industry:
  • Topical Preparations: It is used as a vehicle or carrier in ointments, creams, and gels for topical medications. Its emollient properties make the formulation more spreadable and comfortable on the skin. Additionally, it can enhance the penetration of active pharmaceutical ingredients through the skin, improving the efficacy of drugs such as corticosteroids used for treating skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
  • Oral Medications (less common): In some cases, it may be used as a non - toxic solvent or co - solvent in certain oral liquid formulations, although its use in oral medications is relatively limited compared to topical applications. However, in specific formulations where solubility enhancement of lipophilic drugs is required, isopropyl palmitate can play a role in improving the drug's bioavailability.

5. Storage and Handling

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well - ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The recommended storage temperature is between 5 - 25 °C. Keep the containers tightly sealed to prevent oxidation and contamination. Under proper storage conditions, the shelf life of isopropyl palmitate is typically 2 years. Oxidation can cause the product to develop an off - odor and may affect its performance in formulations.
• Handling: When handling isopropyl palmitate, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, to avoid direct skin and eye contact. In case of skin contact, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. If it gets into the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Although it is generally considered to have low toxicity, it is still important to follow good handling practices to ensure safety in the workplace.