Undecanoic acid

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Synonym(s)

1-Undecanoic acid; CAS number: 112-37-8; n-undecanoic acid; undecanoic acid; Undecrylic acid

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please login to access all articles, images, and functions.

Our content is available exclusively to medical professionals. If you have already registered, please login. If you haven't, you can register for free (medical professionals only).

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please complete your registration to access all articles and images.

To gain access, you must complete your registration. You either haven't confirmed your e-mail address or we still need proof that you are a member of the medical profession.

Finish your registration now

HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.

Undecanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid with the molecular formula: C11H22O2. The monocarboxylic acid is nearly insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents. Undecanoic acid has a melting point of 29 °C, so at room temperature it is a (white) solid. Undecanoic acid is found in some vegetable essential oils.

Synthetically, the acid can be produced by hydrogenation from the monounsaturated undecylenic acid. The methyl and ethyl esters are used in perfumery.

General informationThis section has been translated automatically.

Undecanoic acid is used in cosmetic formulations under the INCI designation"Undecanoic acid". It acts as emulsifier (changes the interfacial tension of liquids like water and oil so that they can be mixed together) and skin cleansing agent (cleans the body surface). Furthermore, the acid has an antiseborrhoeic effect (helps to inhibit sebum production).

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer