Overview
Palmitic acid (CAS 57-10-3 ), a saturated C16 fatty acid derived primarily from palm oil and animal fats, is a foundational raw material across food, personal care, and industrial manufacturing.
FEMA 2832 status confirms its recognized use as a flavoring agent. It functions as an emulsifier, lubricant, and surface-active agent depending on the specific requirements of the end application.
In personal care, this material is used to produce soaps, cleansers, and skin-conditioning emollients where it contributes to lather quality and skin feel for high-end cosmetic formulations.
Food manufacturers use it as a flavoring component and as a building block for emulsifier synthesis, including mono- and diglycerides used in various baked goods and margarines.
Metalworking and industrial lubricant formulators incorporate it into cutting fluids and greases, where its fatty acid chain provides boundary lubrication and metal surface adhesion.
It also serves as a chemical intermediate in the production of surfactants, esters, and fatty acid derivatives for detergent and coating applications across several industrial sectors.
Palmitic acid is supplied as white flakes or powder, with purity levels typically ranging from technical grade to food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications for diverse manufacturing needs.
FCC and USP grades are available for regulated food and pharmaceutical applications. Minimum purity of 98% is standard for most commercial grades, with higher-purity fractions available.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 61.8 °C |
| Boiling Point | 351.5 °C |
| Density | 0.8527 g/cm³ @ Temp: 62 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | white chips, crystals or powder |
| Color | White or almost white |
| Odor | at 100.00 %. slightly waxy fatty |
| Form | Flakes |
| Water Solubility | insoluble |
| Vapor Pressure | 10 mm Hg ( 210 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.4273 |
| Log P | 7.170 |
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 | 29157015 |
| Storage Class | 13 - Non Combustible Solids |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 57-10-3
- EC Number
- 200-312-9
- Mol. Weight
- 256.42
- HS Code
- 29157015
- Category
- Organic Acids