Lauric Acid 99%-100%

Brief Overview

Lauric acid, also known as dodecanoic acid, is a saturated medium-chain fatty acid found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It looks solid white and smells somewhat like bay oil. It is not soluble in water, although it can dissolve in organic solvents. Lauric acid is used as vegetable shortening in the food industry and in personal hygiene products like soap and shampoo.

Manufacturing Process

Lauric acid is naturally present in coconut oil, litsea cubeba kernel oil, palm kernel oil, and pepper kernel oil in the form of glyceride. In the industrial process, lauric acid can be obtained through the hydrolysis of natural oils and fats. The autoclave is used, where coconut oil, water, and a catalyst are combined and hydrolyzed to glycerol and fatty acid at 250℃ under a pressure of 5MPa. The content of dodecanoic acid ranges from 45% to 80%, and it can undergo further distillation to isolate dodecanoic acid.

Cosmetic Industry

Lauric acid has antibacterial and anti-acne qualities, it is utilized in skincare and cosmetic products. A surfactant found in deodorant and other cosmetic products is called monolaurin. Lauric acid serves as its base.

Soap and Detergent Industry

Saponification is the reaction that occurs when lauric acid combines with either potassium hydroxide or natrium hydroxide. Lauric acid interacts with KOH to create a solution that is used to manufacture liquid soap, but it also reacts with NaOH to create a solution that is used to make solid soap. Lauric acid also has moisturizing properties. Compared to other fatty acid compounds, lauric acid is less costly and a great foaming agent.

Other Applications

The interaction between lauric acid and methanol, facilitated by potassium hydroxide as a catalyst, can generate renewable biodiesel, serving as an alternative energy source. Lauric acid exhibits potential applications in the medical field and functions as a lubricant in the production of plastics.