Mellisic acid (inci)

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

CAS number: 506-50-3; Mellissic acid; myricic acid; Myricylic acid; N-triacontanoic acid; triacontanoic acid

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Mellisic acid is a saturated fatty acid (wax acid) with the molecular formula: C30H60O2 or the structural formula CH3-(CH2)27- CH2-COOH. The salts/esters of mellision acid (triacontanoic caid) are called tricontanoates. Mellisic acid occurs together with cerotic acid as cerine in the wax of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) (about 12%). It is present there both in free form and with long-chain acids and alcohols in ester form. Mellisic acid is also found in plant waxes, e.g. as components of the cell walls. Mellisic acid can also be extracted from shellac and fossil montan wax. The acid is also found in wool wax and carnauba wax.
The fatty acid acts as viscosity regulator (increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetic products).

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer