Isotridecyl laurate is a chemical compound, the ester resulting from the reaction of branched-chain tridecyl alcohol with the lauric acid.
The name describes the structure of the molecule:
- "Isotridecyl" indicates an alkyl chain derived from isotridecanol. It's a fatty alcohol with a chain of 13 carbon atoms.
- "Laurate" indicates an ester of lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid with 12 carbon atoms.
Description of raw materials used in production and their functions.
- Lauric acid. A 12-carbon fatty acid mainly derived from plant oils such as coconut oil or palm kernel oil.
- Isotridecyl alcohol. An aliphatic alcohol used as the reactive component in the formation of the ester.
- Acid catalysts. Often used to accelerate the esterification reaction between acids and alcohols.
Form. Oily liquid at room temperature.
Color. Ranges from colorless to pale yellow.
Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.
- Reagent preparation. Lauric acid and isotridecyl alcohol are purified and readied for the reaction.
- Mixing. Ingredients are mixed in a reactor.
- Esterification. The reaction takes place in the presence of an acid catalyst at a controlled temperature to form the desired ester.
- Separation. The produced ester is separated from any by-products or residuals.
- Purification. The ester is purified through distillation or other suitable methods.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
Skin conditioning agent - Occlusive. This ingredient has the task of modifying the condition of the skin when it is damaged or dry by reducing flaking and restoring elasticity. It has a strong lipophilic character and is identified as an occlusive ingredient; it is generally composed of oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce trans epidermal water loss.
Hair conditioning agent. A large number of ingredients with specific purposes can co-exist in a hair shampoo: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, mattifying agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersing agents that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioners includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners.
CAS: 94134-83-5
Commercial Applications
Cosmetics and Personal Care. Isotridecyl laurate is employed as an emollient in various cosmetic formulations. Its primary function is to soften and smoothen the skin.
Hair Care Products. It might also be used in hair products, where it provides a smooth feel and can help in reducing frizz.
