Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid), is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon atom chain, thus having many properties of medium-chain fatty acids.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a bright white, powdery solid with a faint odor of bay oil or soap.
The salts and esters of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) are known as laurates.
CAS Number: 143-07-7
IUPAC Name: Dodecanoic acid
EC Number:205-582-1
Chemical formula: C12H24O2
Other names: Lauric acid, DODECANOIC ACID, 143-07-7, n-Dodecanoic acid, Dodecylic acid, Vulvic acid, Laurostearic acid, Dodecoic acid, Duodecylic acid, 1-Undecanecarboxylic acid, Aliphat No. 4, Ninol AA62 Extra, Wecoline 1295, Hydrofol acid 1255, Hydrofol acid 1295, Dodecanoate, Duodecyclic acid, Hystrene 9512, Univol U-314, Lauric acid, pure, Dodecylcarboxylate, Laurinsaeure, Undecane-1-carboxylic acid, ABL, NSC-5026, FEMA No. 2614, laurate, C-1297, Philacid 1200, CCRIS 669, C12:0, Emery 651, Lunac L 70, CHEBI:30805, HSDB 6814, EINECS 205-582-1, UNII-1160N9NU9U, BRN 1099477, n-Dodecanoate, Kortacid 1299, DTXSID5021590, Prifrac 2920, AI3-00112, Lunac L 98, Univol U 314, Prifac 2920, 1160N9NU9U, MFCD00002736, DAO, DTXCID801590, CH3-[CH2]10-COOH, NSC5026, EC 205-582-1, dodecylate, laurostearate, vulvate, 4-02-00-01082, CH3-(CH2)10-COOH, 8000-62-2, CAS-143-07-7, SMR001253907, laurinsaure, dodecanic acid, Nuvail, lauric-acid, Acide Laurique, n-Dodecanoicacid, 3uil, Lauric acid (NF), DODECANOICACID, fatty acid 12:0, Lauric Acid, Reagent, Nissan NAA 122, Emery 650, bmse000509, SCHEMBL5895, NCIOpen2_009480, MLS002177807, MLS002415737, WLN: QV11, Edenor C 1298-100, CHEMBL108766, GTPL5534, NAA 122, NAA 312, HMS2268C14, HMS3649N06, HY-Y0366, STR08039, Tox21_202149, Tox21_303010, BDBM50180948, LMFA01010012, s4726, AKOS000277433, CCG-266587, DB03017, FA 12:0, HYDROFOL ACID 1255 OR 1295, NCGC00090919-01, NCGC00090919-02, NCGC00090919-03, NCGC00256486-01, NCGC00259698-01, AC-16451, BP-27913, CS-0015078, FT-0625572, FT-0695772, L0011, NS00008441, EN300-19951, C02679, D10714, A808010, Q422627, SR-01000838338, J-007739, SR-01000838338-3, F0001-0507, Z104476194, 203714-07-2, 7632-48-6, InChI=1/C12H24O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12(13)14/h2-11H2,1H3,(H,13,14
Occurrence
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid), as a component of triglycerides, comprises about half of the fatty-acid content in coconut milk, coconut oil, laurel oil, and palm kernel oil (not to be confused with palm oil), otherwise, it is relatively uncommon.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is also found in human breast milk (6.2% of total fat), cow's milk (2.9%), and goat's milk (3.1%).
Uses
Like many other fatty acids, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is inexpensive, has a long shelf-life, is nontoxic, and is safe to handle.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used mainly for the production of soaps and cosmetics.
For these purposes, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is reacted with sodium hydroxide to give sodium laurate, which is a soap.
Most commonly, sodium laurate is obtained by saponification of various oils, such as coconut oil. These precursors give mixtures of sodium laurate and other soaps.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a precursor to dilauroyl peroxide, a common initiator of polymerizations.
Nutritional and medical aspects
Although 95% of medium-chain triglycerides are absorbed through the portal vein, only 25–30% of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is absorbed through it.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) induces apoptosis in cancer and promotes the proliferation of normal cells by maintaining cellular redox homeostasis.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) increases total serum lipoproteins more than many other fatty acids, but mostly high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
As a result, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) has been characterized as having "a more favorable effect on total HDL than any other fatty acid, either saturated or unsaturated".
In general, a lower total/HDL serum lipoprotein ratio correlates with a decrease in atherosclerotic incidence.
Nonetheless, an extensive meta-analysis on foods affecting the total LDL/serum lipoprotein ratio found in 2003 that the net effects of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) on coronary artery disease outcomes remained uncertain.
A 2016 review of coconut oil (which is nearly half Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid)) was similarly inconclusive about the effects on cardiovascular disease incidence.
Molar mass: 200.322 g·mol−1
Appearance: White powder
Odor: Slight odor of bay oil
Density: 1.007 g/cm3
Melting point: 43.8 °C
Boiling point: 297.9 °C
XLogP: 34.2
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 2
Rotatable Bond Count: 10
Exact Mass: 200.177630004 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass: 200.177630004 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area: 37.3Ų
Heavy Atom Count: 14
Complexity: 132
Isotope Atom Count: 0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is the main fatty acid in coconut oil and in palm kernel oil, and is believed to have antimicrobial properties.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a white, powdery solid with a faint odor of bay oil.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid), although slightly irritating to mucous membranes, has a very low toxicity and so is used in many soaps and shampoos.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a straight-chain, twelve-carbon medium-chain saturated fatty acid with strong bactericidal properties; the main fatty acid in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) has a role as a plant metabolite, an antibacterial agent and an algal metabolite.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a conjugate acid of a dodecanoate. It derives from a hydride of a dodecane.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is an inexpensive, non-toxic and safe to handle compound often used in laboratory investigations of melting-point depression.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a solid at room temperature but melts easily in boiling water, so liquid Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) can be treated with various solutes and used to determine their molecular masses.
Consumer Uses
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, finger paints, polishes and waxes, air care products and plant protection products.
Other release to the environment of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and outdoor use.
Article service life
Release to the environment of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) can occur from industrial use: industrial abrasion processing with high release rate (e.g. sanding operations or paint stripping by shot-blasting) and industrial abrasion processing with low release rate (e.g. cutting of textile, cutting, machining or grinding of metal).
Other release to the environment of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is likely to occur from: indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment), outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials), outdoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. tyres, treated wooden products, treated textile and fabric, brake pads in trucks or cars, sanding of buildings (bridges, facades) or vehicles (ships)) and indoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. release from fabrics, textiles during washing, removal of indoor paints).
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) can be found in complex articles, with no release intended: vehicles and machinery, mechanical appliances and electrical/electronic products (e.g. computers, cameras, lamps, refrigerators, washing machines).
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) can be found in products with material based on: plastic (e.g. food packaging and storage, toys, mobile phones), fabrics, textiles and apparel (e.g. clothing, mattress, curtains or carpets, textile toys), leather (e.g. gloves, shoes, purses, furniture) and paper used for packaging (excluding food packaging).
Widespread uses
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, polishes and waxes, adhesives and sealants, cosmetics and personal care products and laboratory chemicals.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used in the following areas: formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging and municipal supply (e.g. electricity, steam, gas, water) and sewage treatment.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used for the manufacture of: textile, leather or fur.
Release to the environment of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures and in processing aids at industrial sites.
Other release to the environment of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and outdoor use.
Formulation
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used in the following products: polymers, pH regulators and water treatment products, leather treatment products, coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, finger paints, inks and toners, cosmetics and personal care products, lubricants and greases and textile treatment products and dyes.
Release to the environment of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures and formulation in materials.
Uses at industrial sites
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, leather treatment products, polymers, textile treatment products and dyes, pH regulators and water treatment products and lubricants and greases.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used in the following areas: formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging and municipal supply (e.g. electricity, steam, gas, water) and sewage treatment.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used for the manufacture of: textile, leather or fur.
Release to the environment of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) can occur from industrial use: in processing aids at industrial sites, in the production of articles, as processing aid and as processing aid.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a type of medium-chain fatty acids that is dominant in coconut oil.
In the body, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) will change its form to monolaurin to make it more functional in maintaining health.
Several studies have shown that Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) and other fatty acids such as capric acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid can inhibit the growth of Pneumococcus, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Candida, S. aureus, S. epidermis.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) only requires a concentration of 0.062 micro mol/mL to inhibit Pneumococcus.
As for capric acid and myristic acid, respectively, 1.45 and 0.218 micro mol/mL are needed to inhibit the same microbes.
The results of the Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) antibacterial activity test from coconut endosperm showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) against Salmonella sp., E. Coli, and Staphylococus aureus bacteria was at a concentration of 3.13%.
As for Micrococcus 10%, Bacillus stearothermophilus 30%, and Pseudomonas 50%.
Several studies have suggested that some medium-chain fatty acids disrupt the bacterial cell wall or membrane to protect host cells against infection.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a medium-chain fatty acid that makes up 21%–49% of the lipid found in BSFL oil, depending on the feeding program.
Many medium-chain fatty acids have antimicrobial activity and may be able to be used as health-promoting supplements in poultry.
In vitro experiments on the effect of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) on Clostridium perfringens suggest that medium-chain fatty acids enter a bacterial cell and disrupt the cytoplasmic structure while leaving the membrane intact.
Gram-positive bacteria appear to be more susceptible to medium-chain fatty acid inhibitory and bactericidal effects than are gram-negative bacteria.
In vivo, broiler chickens challenged with C. perfringens and supplemented with mixed medium-chain fatty acids (mainly Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid)) had significantly fewer cases of necrotic enteritis lesions in the small intestine, likely due to the medium-chain fatty acid’s effects.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is found in many vegetable fats and in coconut and palm kernel oils.
People also use it as medicine.
People use Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) for viral infections such as the flu, common cold, genital herpes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Coconut oil is all the rage in natural beauty and health regimens. Countless blogs and natural health websites tout it as a miracle product, able to do everything from soothe cracked skin to reverse cavities.
However, when you break coconut oil down into its active parts, things start to look less miraculous and more like science.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is one of those active parts.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a medium-length long-chain fatty acid, or lipid, that makes up about half of the fatty acids within coconut oil.
Where to find Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid)
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a powerful substance that’s sometimes extracted from the coconut for use in developing monolaurin.
Monolaurin is an antimicrobial agent that’s able to fight pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts.
Because it’s irritating and not found alone in nature, you can’t ingest Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) on its own. You’re most likely to get it in the form of coconut oil or from fresh coconuts.
What the research says
Though coconut oil is being studied at a breakneck pace, much of the research doesn’t pinpoint what in the oil is responsible for its reported benefits. Because coconut oil contains much more than just Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid), it would be a stretch to credit Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) with all of coconut oil’s benefits.
Still, a 2015 analysis proposed that many of the benefits tied to coconut oil are directly linked to Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid). They suggest that Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) could aid in weight loss and protect against Alzheimer’s disease, among other benefits. Its effects on blood cholesterol levels still need to be clarified.
This research suggests that the benefits of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) are a result of how the body uses the acid.
The majority of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is sent directly to the liver, where it’s converted to energy rather than stored as fat. When compared with other saturated fats, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) contributes the least to fat storage.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) for psoriasis
Bloggers and natural health websites often recommend coconut oil as a treatment for dry skin and conditions such as psoriasis.
Again, because Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is only part of what makes up coconut oil, it’s difficult to say if the fatty acid alone or a combination of coconut oil components is responsible for these benefits.
Coconut oil is highly moisturizing and considered safe to apply to skin, making it beneficial for treating abnormally dry skin.
A 2013 study found that merely adding virgin coconut oil to an existing skin lotion resulted in an increase in both hydration and skin elasticity.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) for acne
Because Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) has antibacterial properties, it’s been found to effectively combat acne.
The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes are found naturally on the skin.
When they overgrow, they lead to the development of acne.
The results of a 2009 study found that Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) could reduce inflammation and the number of bacteria present.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) worked even better than benzoyl peroxide, a common acne treatment.
A 2016 study also reconfirmed the acne-fighting properties of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid).
This doesn’t mean you should put coconut oil on your acne.
The researchers used pure Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) and suggested that it could be developed into an antibiotic therapy for acne in the future.
How to use Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid)
To reap the topical benefits of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) and coconut oil, apply it directly to your skin.
While this isn’t recommended for people with acne, the risks are minimal when it comes to addressing issues such as skin hydration and psoriasis.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon atom chain.
The powdery, white crystalline acid has a slight odor of oil of bay and occurs naturally in various plant and animal fats and oils.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a major component of coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used as an intermediate and surface active agent in industry and in the manufacture of personal care products in the consumer market.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid), CAS 143-07-7, chemical formula C12H24O2, is produced as a white crystalline powder, has a slight odor of bay oil, and is soluble in water, alcohols, phenyls, haloalkanes, and acetates.
It is non-toxic, safe to handle, inexpensive, and has a long shelf life.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is mainly used in the manufacture and production of soaps and other cosmetics as well as scientific laboratory uses.
Applications
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is mainly used in the manufacturing of soaps and other cosmetics.
In scientific laboratories, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is often used to investigate the molar mass of unknown substances via freezing-point depression.
In industry, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used as an intermediate and as a surface active agent.
The consumer market uses Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) in the cleaning, furnishing, and production of personal care products.
In medicine, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is known to increase total serum cholesterol more than many of the other fatty acids.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a saturated fat.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is found in many vegetable fats, particularly in coconut and palm kernel oils.
People use it as medicine.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used for treating viral infections including influenza (the flu); swine flu; avian flu; the common cold; fever blisters, cold sores, and genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV); genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV); and HIV/AIDS.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is also used for preventing the transmission of HIV from mothers to children.
Other uses for Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) include treatment of bronchitis, gonorrhea, yeast infections, chlamydia, intestinal infections caused by a parasite called Giardia lamblia, and ringworm.
In foods, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used as a vegetable shortening.
In manufacturing, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used to make soap and shampoo.
A 12 carbon length fatty acid that can be found naturally in coconut milk, coconut oil, laurel oil, and palm kernel oil. It is also in breast milk.
As a skincare ingredient, it can be used as an emulsifier or as a cleansing agent.
What's more, there is emerging research about Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) being a good anti-acne ingredient.
A 2009 study found that the lowest concentration to prevent evil acne-causing P. acnes growth of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is over 15 times lower than that of gold standard anti-acne ingredient benzoyl peroxide.
Though the studies are only in-vitro (made in the lab, not on real people), and it also has a high comedogenicity index, it might be worth a try if you are prone to inflamed acne (the type that's caused by P. acnes bacteria).
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is a saturated fat, it is found in many vegetable fats, especially in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used to treat viral infections such as the flu, and to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Other uses of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) include treating bronchitis, gonorrhea, yeast infections, chlamydia, intestinal infections caused by parasites called Giardia lamblia, and ringworm.
In foods, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used as a vegetable.
In Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) manufacturing, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used to make soaps and shampoos.
Currently, Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid)'s mechanism of action as a drug is still an unanswered question.
Some research suggests that Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) may be a safer fat than trans fats in food preparations.
Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) is used to treat viral infections including:
Flu Common cold Bird flu Bronchitis Fever blisters, cold sores, and genital herpes caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission Dermatitis yeast infection (candida) Chlamydia Intestinal infection caused by a parasite called Giardia lamblia Ringworm
The appropriate dose of Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid) depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions.
At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate dose for Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic acid).
Remember that natural products are not necessarily always safe, and dosage can be important.
Be sure to follow the relevant instructions on the product label and consult your pharmacist or doctor or other healthcare professional before use.