Undecanoic acid, also known as undecylenic acid, is a saturated fatty acid commonly found in various natural sources such as castor oil and coconut oil. It is utilized in the production of personal care products, including soaps, lotions, and creams, due to its antimicrobial properties. Additionally, undecanoic acid is used in the medical field as an antifungal agent to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. Overall, undecanoic acid plays a pertinent role in everyday life by contributing to the efficacy of hygiene and healthcare products.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Undecanoic acid, also known as undecylenic acid, has several commercial and industrial applications. It is primarily used in the manufacturing of plastics, lubricants, and various chemicals. Undecanoic acid is also used as a flavoring agent in the production of perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics due to its pleasant aroma.
In the realm of drug and medication applications, undecanoic acid is used as an antifungal agent. It is commonly found in over-the-counter antifungal creams and powders for the treatment of athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. Undecanoic acid works by inhibiting the growth of fungi, making it an effective treatment for such conditions.
Additionally, undecanoic acid is utilized in the production of certain medications for the treatment of acne. Its antimicrobial properties make it a valuable ingredient in topical treatments that target bacteria on the skin. Undecanoic acid’s ability to combat acne-causing bacteria contributes to its effectiveness in these medications.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Undecanoic Acid is a long-chain fatty acid that appears as a white crystalline solid with a faint, unpleasant odor. It is birefringent under a polarizing microscope, giving it a distinctive appearance.
The molar mass of Undecanoic Acid is approximately 186.29 g/mol, with a density of about 0.92 g/cm3. Compared to common household items like water (molar mass of 18.02 g/mol, density of 1 g/cm3) and table salt (molar mass of 58.44 g/mol, density of 2.16 g/cm3), Undecanoic Acid has a higher molar mass and lower density.
Undecanoic Acid has a melting point of approximately 28-30°C and a boiling point of around 281°C. In comparison, common household items like butter (melting point of 32-35°C, boiling point higher than 100°C) and sugar (melting point of 160-186°C, no specific boiling point) have different melting and boiling points.
Undecanoic Acid is sparingly soluble in water, forming a cloudy solution, and has a viscosity similar to vegetable oil. Compared to common household items like salt (highly soluble in water, low viscosity) and sugar (highly soluble in water, moderate viscosity), Undecanoic Acid shows different solubility and viscosity properties.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Undecanoic Acid, also known as undecylic acid, is primarily produced through the oxidation of castor oil or by the fractional distillation of coconut oil. The process involves refining and purifying the raw materials to obtain a high-purity form of Undecanoic Acid. This method ensures the production of a high-quality product suitable for various industrial applications.
Undecanoic Acid can be procured from specialized chemical suppliers or manufacturers who produce and distribute the compound in bulk quantities. The transportation of Undecanoic Acid typically involves the use of sealed containers or drums to prevent contamination and ensure safe handling during transit. Some suppliers may offer customized packaging options based on the specific requirements of the customers.
The procurement of Undecanoic Acid may also involve the use of intermediaries or brokers who facilitate the sourcing and delivery of the compound to end-users. These intermediaries play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient supply chain management and timely delivery of Undecanoic Acid to customers worldwide. Additionally, regulatory compliance and safety measures are essential considerations in the procurement and transportation of Undecanoic Acid to prevent any harm to human health or the environment.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for Undecanoic Acid include its potential to cause skin and eye irritation. When handling this compound, it is crucial to wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat to prevent contact with skin or eyes. Undecanoic Acid should only be used in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation of vapors, which may cause respiratory irritation.
Undecanoic Acid acts as a fatty acid derivative that possesses antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products for its ability to inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms. When ingested, Undecanoic Acid is metabolized in the body to produce decanoic acid, which may contribute to its antimicrobial activity. Studies have shown that Undecanoic Acid may also have potential anti-inflammatory effects in certain applications.
The hazard statements for Undecanoic Acid include “Causes skin irritation” and “Causes serious eye irritation.” These warnings highlight the importance of handling this compound with caution to avoid skin and eye contact. In case of skin or eye exposure, it is recommended to rinse the affected area with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists. Undecanoic Acid should be stored in a secure location away from incompatible materials to prevent accidental spills or reactions.
Precautionary statements for Undecanoic Acid include “Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection” and “Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.” These precautions emphasize the need for proper personal protective equipment and ventilation when handling this compound to minimize the risk of exposure. It is also important to keep Undecanoic Acid away from heat, sparks, and open flames to prevent the potential for fire or explosion. Additionally, proper storage and handling procedures should be followed to ensure the safe use of Undecanoic Acid in various applications.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Research on undecanoic acid could explore its potential as a precursor in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals due to its carboxylic acid functional group. Another avenue of study could involve investigating its antimicrobial properties and potential use as an antibacterial or antifungal agent. Additionally, the potential for undecanoic acid to be used as a surfactant or lubricant in industrial applications is an area that warrants further exploration.
Furthermore, the role of undecanoic acid in modulating lipid metabolism and its potential as a dietary supplement for improving lipid profiles in individuals with metabolic disorders could be a fruitful area for investigation. Research could also focus on the development of novel materials or coatings using undecanoic acid as a building block, taking advantage of its amphiphilic nature and ability to form self-assembled structures. Additionally, exploring the impact of undecanoic acid on biological systems, such as its effects on inflammation or cell signaling pathways, could provide valuable insights into its potential therapeutic applications.
Lastly, research on the environmental fate and biodegradability of undecanoic acid could contribute to our understanding of its impact on ecosystems and potential use in bioremediation processes. Investigating the toxicological profile of undecanoic acid and its byproducts to assess potential risks to human health and the environment is another important research direction. Furthermore, exploring the feasibility of utilizing undecanoic acid as a renewable resource or bio-based building block in the development of sustainable materials or fuels could provide innovative solutions to current challenges in the chemical industry.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Undecanoic Acid is Decanoic Acid. Decanoic Acid has a molecular structure similar to Undecanoic Acid, but with one less carbon atom in its chain. It is a saturated fatty acid commonly found in various plant and animal fats.
Another similar compound to Undecanoic Acid is Dodecanoic Acid. Dodecanoic Acid has a molecular structure similar to Undecanoic Acid, but with one more carbon atom in its chain. It is also known as lauric acid and is commonly found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
Additionally, Tridecanoic Acid is a similar compound to Undecanoic Acid. Tridecanoic Acid has a molecular structure similar to Undecanoic Acid, but with two more carbon atoms in its chain. It is a fatty acid that can be found in small amounts in certain plant oils and animal fats.
