Overview
Heptadecanoic acid (CAS 506-12-7 ), also known as margaric acid, is a saturated odd-chain fatty acid used as a reference standard, emulsifier, and surface-active agent across food, cosmetic, and industrial formulations.
Its odd-carbon structure makes it a reliable analytical marker and functional ingredient where even-chain fatty acids are unsuitable. In food and nutrition, it serves primarily as a certified reference standard for fatty acid profiling.
This material is essential for lipid analysis in quality control laboratories. Cosmetic formulators incorporate it into creams, balms, and waxy emulsions where it contributes to texture, emulsion stability, and skin-feel.
It provides these benefits without the melting-point limitations of shorter-chain acids. In lubricant and metalworking applications, it functions as a boundary lubricant and surface modifier, reducing friction on metal substrates.
It is frequently utilized in cutting fluids and specialty grease formulations. Its surface-active character also supports emulsification and dispersion tasks in industrial processing where precise fatty acid chain length is required.
Heptadecanoic acid is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder or flake. It is available in high-purity analytical grades suited for reference standard and laboratory use, as well as technical grades for industrial applications.
Packaging ranges from small quantities for laboratory procurement to bulk quantities for manufacturing-scale sourcing. The product meets rigorous internal specifications to ensure consistency across various batch sizes and applications.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 61.3 °C |
| Boiling Point | 344.70 °C |
| Density | 0.8532 g/cm³ @ Temp: 60 °C |
| Flash Point | 227°C/100mm |
| Appearance | off-white powder |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Form | Shiny Flakes or Crystalline Powder |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in ether. Slightly soluble in alcohol. Insoluble in water |
| Refractive Index | 1.4348 (589.3 nm 40℃) |
| Log P | 7.320 (est) |
Safety & Handling
Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29159000 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 506-12-7
- EC Number
- 208-027-1
- Mol. Weight
- 270.5
- HS Code
- 29159000
- Category
- Organic Acids