Palmitic Acid — CAS 57-10-3

Description

1. Product Overview

Palmitic Acid (CAS 57-10-3) is a saturated long-chain fatty acid widely used as a high-value industrial raw material derived from natural fats and oils. It serves as a key ingredient in the production of cosmetics, personal care products, lubricants, surfactants, detergents, food additives, and specialty chemicals. With excellent stability, emulsifying performance, and broad compatibility, Palmitic Acid provides manufacturers with a reliable functional ingredient for diverse industrial formulations. Its strategic importance continues to grow due to expanding demand for sustainable oleochemical-based solutions across global markets.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition: Hexadecanoic acid (C16H32O2), a saturated fatty acid with a 16-carbon chain structure
• CAS Number: 57-10-3
• Purity Level / Grade: Typically available in industrial grade, cosmetic grade, and pharmaceutical/food-compatible grades depending on application requirements
• Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid, flakes, beads, or powder form
• Odor: Mild characteristic fatty odor
• Melting Point: Approximately 61–63°C
• Molecular Weight: 256.42 g/mol
• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohols, ethers, and organic solvents
• Fatty Acid Content: High palmitic acid concentration with controlled impurity profile
• Packaging Options: 25 kg bags, 500 kg jumbo bags, or bulk shipment options according to customer requirements
• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct heat and moisture
• Shelf Life: Typically 24 months when stored under recommended conditions

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Cosmetics & Personal Care Industry: Used in creams, lotions, soaps, and skincare formulations as an emollient, thickener, and texture enhancer that improves product stability and skin feel.
• Soap & Detergent Manufacturing: Acts as a key fatty acid component in the production of sodium palmitate and other surfactant systems, supporting cleansing performance and formulation consistency.
• Lubricants & Industrial Chemicals: Used as a raw material for metal soaps, lubricating additives, release agents, and specialty chemical intermediates due to its excellent thermal stability.
• Food & Nutraceutical Applications: Utilized in approved food-grade applications as a fatty acid component, texture modifier, and processing aid.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Used as an excipient and formulation aid in selected pharmaceutical and healthcare products.
• Polymer & Plastic Industries: Serves as an additive and processing aid improving flexibility, stability, and surface properties.

Palmitic Acid offers advantages over synthetic alternatives through its natural origin, consistent chemical performance, cost efficiency, and compatibility with a wide range of industrial formulations.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Consistent Quality Performance: Manufactured under controlled processes to deliver stable purity, composition, and physical characteristics across batches.
• Reliable Global Supply: Supported by established oleochemical supply chains with dependable availability for industrial-scale requirements.
• Flexible Logistics Capability: Available in multiple packaging formats with bulk export solutions suitable for international distribution.
• Cost Competitiveness: Provides an economical fatty acid solution compared with many specialty synthetic alternatives.
• Sustainability Benefits: Bio-based sourcing options support the transition toward renewable and environmentally responsible raw materials.
• Technical Documentation Support: Available with relevant quality documentation, including Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and product specifications.
• Strategic Sourcing Value: Enables manufacturers to secure a versatile, scalable, and dependable raw material for multiple downstream applications.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): BULK 20 MT
• Loading Capacity: Approximately 20–22 MT per 20-foot container (depending on packaging configuration and shipping requirements)