Myristic acid

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Synonym(s)

C13H27COOH; CAS No.: 544-63-8; Tetradecanoic acid

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Myristic acid (from Latin Myristica fragrans = nutmeg) is a naturally occurring, saturated carboxylic acid. At normal temperature myristic acid is a colourless mass which is soluble in ether, chloroform and benzene, but insoluble in water. Its salts and esters are called myristates or (chemically) tetradecanoates.

As triglyceride (triester of glycerine) the product is found in nutmeg and coconut, as cetyl ester in spermaceti and wool fat. Glyceryl myristate (INCI) is a glycerol ester which is used in cosmetics.

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer