Palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid in IUPAC nomenclature) is a fatty acid with a 16-carbon chain. It is the most common saturated fatty acid found in animals, plants and microorganisms. Its chemical formula is CH3(CH2)14COOH, and its C:D ratio (the total number of carbon atoms to the number of carbon-carbon double bonds) is 16:0. It is a major component of palm oil from the fruit of Elaeis guineensis (oil palms), making up to 44% of total fats. Meats, cheeses, butter, and other dairy products also contain palmitic acid, amounting to 50–60% of total fats.
Palmitic acid was discovered by Edmond Frémy (in 1840) in the saponification of palm oil, which process remains today the primary industrial route for producing the acid. Triglycerides (fats) in palm oil are hydrolysed by high-temperature water and the resulting mixture is fractionally distilled.
Palmitic acid is produced by a wide range of plants and organisms, typically at low levels. Among common foods it is present in milk, butter, cheese, and some meats, as well as cocoa butter, olive oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil.
Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly found in animals and plants. It is the main component of palm oil and is also found in meat, dairy products and some vegetable oils. Palmitic acid is also available in powder form and has a wide range of applications in various industries.
Palmitic acid powder is commonly used in the cosmetics and personal care industries. It is known for its emollient properties, which help soften and smooth the skin. It is commonly used in the formulation of creams, lotions, and moisturizers. Palmitic acid powder is also used in hair care products to help condition and nourish hair.
Palmitic acid can be applied in these fields:
Surfactant
Palmitic acid is used to produce soaps, cosmetics, and industrial mold release agents. These applications use sodium palmitate, which is commonly obtained by saponification of palm oil. To this end, palm oil, rendered from palm trees (species Elaeis guineensis), is treated with sodium hydroxide (in the form of caustic soda or lye), which causes hydrolysis of the ester groups, yielding glycerol and sodium palmitate.
Foods
Because it is inexpensive and adds texture and “mouthfeel” to processed foods (convenience food), palmitic acid and its sodium salt find wide use in foodstuffs. Sodium palmitate is permitted as a natural additive in organic products.
Pharmaceuticals
Palmitic acid powder is used as an excipient in various drug and supplement formulations. It is frequently used as a lubricant in the production of tablets and capsules. Palmitic acid powder can also be used as a carrier for active pharmaceutical ingredients, helping to improve their stability and bioavailability.
Agriculture
Palmitic acid powder is used as an ingredient in animal feed. It is often added to livestock feed to improve nutritional content and palatability. Palmitic acid powder can also be used as a coating for agricultural inputs, helping to improve their dispersion and effectiveness.
Military
Aluminium salts of palmitic acid and naphthenic acid were the gelling agents used with volatile petrochemicals during World War II to produce napalm. The word “napalm” is derived from the words naphthenic acid and palmitic acid.
Overall, palmitic acid powder has a wide range of applications across various industries, making it a versatile and valuable ingredient. Its emollient properties, stability and versatility make it a popular choice among formulators and manufacturers looking to improve product quality and performance.
Post time: Apr-09-2024
