2-Oxooctadecanoic acid, also known as stearic acid, is a saturated fatty acid commonly found in various foods such as meat, dairy products, and chocolate. Despite its seemingly esoteric name, this compound plays a crucial role in everyday life as a key component in the production of cosmetics, soaps, and candles. Additionally, stearic acid is utilized in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and as a lubricant in various industrial applications. Its versatile properties make it an essential ingredient in numerous consumer products, making it a relevant and integral part of daily life for many individuals.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
2-Oxooctadecanoic acid, also known as stearic acid, has several commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used in the production of candles, cosmetics, soaps, and detergents. Due to its ability to solidify at room temperature, stearic acid is utilized as a hardening agent in various products. It is also employed as a lubricant and softening agent in the manufacturing of rubber and plastics.
In terms of drug and medication applications, 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid has been studied for its potential benefits in treating certain skin conditions. It is believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Additionally, stearic acid is sometimes included in pharmaceutical formulations as an excipient to improve the stability and solubility of active ingredients. Its use in medicine is primarily focused on topical treatments for dermatological issues.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
2-Oxooctadecanoic acid, also known as stearoyl glycine, is a white, waxy solid with a faint odor. Its appearance is reminiscent of common food items such as coconut oil or shea butter.
The molar mass of 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid is approximately 299.49 g/mol, with a density of around 1.115 g/cm³. This places it in the range of common food items such as olive oil (molar mass: 282.46 g/mol, density: 0.91 g/cm³) and butter (molar mass: 322.46 g/mol, density: 0.911 g/cm³).
2-Oxooctadecanoic acid has a melting point of approximately 58-60°C and a boiling point of around 376-377°C. In comparison, common food items like cocoa butter have a melting point of 34-38°C, and olive oil has a boiling point of around 300°C.
2-Oxooctadecanoic acid is insoluble in water and exhibits high viscosity. This contrasts with common food items like sugar (soluble in water) and vegetable oil (low viscosity).
🏭 Production & Procurement
2-Oxooctadecanoic acid, also known as stearic acid, is typically produced through the oxidation of oleic acid or by hydrolyzing triglycerides found in animal or vegetable fats. This process involves the use of high temperatures and pressure, as well as catalytic agents to facilitate the conversion of the starting material into stearic acid.
To procure 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid, it can be sourced from chemical suppliers who produce it commercially through the aforementioned oxidation or hydrolysis methods. The acid is often transported in solid form, as a white powder or flakes, in sealed containers to prevent contamination or degradation during transit.
Alternatively, 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid can also be extracted from naturally occurring sources such as animal fats, cocoa butter, or palm oil. These raw materials undergo various processes, including saponification, distillation, and purification, to isolate stearic acid from the other components present in the source material.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid should be carefully noted due to its potential hazards. This compound may cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. Inhalation of the substance may also result in respiratory irritation. It is important to handle 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid with caution and use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when working with this chemical.
The hazard statements for 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid include: “Causes skin irritation,” “Causes serious eye irritation,” and “May cause respiratory irritation.” These statements highlight the potential dangers associated with exposure to this compound, emphasizing the importance of taking necessary precautions to prevent adverse health effects. It is essential to follow safety protocols and guidelines when working with 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid to minimize the risk of harm.
Precautionary statements for 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid include: “Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection,” “IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water,” and “IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.” These statements outline the recommended safety measures to be taken when handling this chemical to protect against potential hazards. It is crucial to adhere to these precautionary statements to ensure safe handling and minimize the risk of accidents or exposure to 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid is its role in lipid metabolism and potential implications for metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Investigation into the enzyme pathways involved in its synthesis and degradation could provide valuable insights into its physiological functions.
Another promising research direction is the study of 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid as a potential biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Understanding its levels in various tissues and fluids could help in early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression, paving the way for new diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions.
Furthermore, exploring the potential therapeutic applications of 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid as a novel drug target for various diseases is an exciting avenue for future research. Investigating its interactions with specific molecular targets and pathways could lead to the development of new treatment modalities for diseases with limited therapeutic options.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid is 3-Oxooctadecanoic acid, which differs by the position of the carbonyl group on the carbon chain. This compound also contains an 18-carbon chain with a ketone functional group at the third carbon position.
Another similar compound is 2-Hydroxyoctadecanoic acid, which contains a hydroxyl group at the same position as the ketone group in 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid. This compound has the same carbon chain length and similar chemical properties due to the hydroxyl group.
Additionally, a related compound is Octadecanoic acid, which is a saturated fatty acid lacking the ketone group found in 2-Oxooctadecanoic acid. This compound has a straight chain of 18 carbons with a carboxylic acid functional group at the end, making it a precursor for the synthesis of various lipid molecules.
