Heptyl undecylenate is a chemical compound, the ester mixture resulting from the reaction of heptyl alcohol with undecenoic acid.

The name describes the structure of the molecule

• "Heptyl" refers to heptyl alcohol, a saturated alcohol with seven carbon atoms.
• "Undecylenate" is derived from undecylenic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid with eleven carbon atoms. The undecylenate indicates the salt or ester of this acid.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Castor oil. A natural source of fatty acids, notably undecylenic acid.
• Heptanol. A saturated alcohol with the chemical formula C7H16O.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process

• Preparation of Castor Oil. The castor oil is purified and readied for the reaction.
• Esterification Reaction. The undecylenic acid, derived from castor oil, is reacted with heptanol in the presence of an acid catalyst to form the ester.
• Purification. The crude product undergoes distillation or other purification techniques to remove impurities and obtain pure heptyl undecylenate.
• Quality Control. The final product is tested to ensure it meets quality specifications.

It appears in the form of a white powder.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives (1).

Medical Applications

Vehicle or Base. Due to its emollient nature, Heptyl undecylenate can be used as a vehicle in topical medical preparations.

Skin Protection. It may be used in products intended to protect the skin from irritations or dryness conditions.

Commercial Applications

Cosmetics and Skin Care. It is a light emollient and spreads easily, making it popular in creams, lotions, and skin care products.

Hair Products. It can be used in conditioners and styling products to give hair a soft feel without weighing it down.

Makeup. Due to its ability to enhance spreadability, it can be found in foundations, lipsticks, and other cosmetic products.

• Molecular Formula  C₁₈H₃₄O₂
• Molecular Weight  282.5 g/mol
• CAS   68141-27-5
• EC number   268-850-7
• UNII   W77QUB6GXO
• DTXSID9071189
• Nikkaji    J334.111I

Synonyms:

Heptyl undec-10-enoate

Heptyl 10-undecylenate

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Huynh A, Garcia AG, Young LK, Szoboszlai M, Liberatore MW, Baki G. Measurements meet perceptions: rheology-texture-sensory relations when using green, bio-derived emollients in cosmetic emulsions. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021 Feb;43(1):11-19. doi: 10.1111/ics.12661. Epub 2020 Oct 2. PMID: 32886359.