Tridecyl Trimellitate: properties, uses, pros, cons, safety

Tridecyl Trimellitate Is a chemical compound, tritridecyl ester of trimellitic acid.

The name describes the structure of the molecule

• "Tridecyl" si riferisce a un gruppo alchilico con 13 atomi di carbonio.
• "Trimellitate" è un estere derivato dall'acido trimellitico. "Tri" indica che ci sono tre gruppi tridecilici legati all'acido trimellitico.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Trimellitic acid - Serves as the fundamental building block for production.
• Tridecyl alcohol - A fatty alcohol used for esterification.
• Catalyst agents - Usually strong acids like sulfuric acid which expedite the esterification process.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process

• Raw material preparation - Trimellitic acid and tridecyl alcohol are purified and prepared.
• Esterification Reaction - Trimellitic acid reacts with tridecyl alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst to form Tridecyl Trimellitate.
• Neutralization - Any residues of acid catalysts are neutralized, typically with a base.
• Purification - The product is purified from impurities through methods like distillation.
• Quality Control - The produced Tridecyl Trimellitate is tested to ensure it meets the desired specifications.

It occurs as a yellowish, viscous liquid.

What it is for and where

Plastics industry

Tridecyl Trimellitate is a chemical compound used as a plasticizer in industrial applications, particularly in the production of resins and plastics. 

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.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Commercial applications

Cosmetics. Used to enhance product texture and spreadability, making them creamier and smoother.

Skincare Products. Added to creams and lotions as an emollient, imparting softness and smoothness to the skin.

Makeup Products. Employed in products such as lipsticks and lip glosses to provide a creamy and glossy feel.

Haircare Products. Incorporated into conditioners and hair treatments to boost hair softness and manageability.

Plasticizers. Utilized in some industrial applications as a plasticizer.

• Molecular Formula  C₄₈H₈₄O₆
• Molecular Weight  757.2 g/mol
• CAS  94109-09-8
• UNII    
• EC Number   302-446-4
• DTXSID60240602
• Nikkaji   J318.761F

Synonyms:

Tri(tridecyl) benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylate

References_____________________________________________________________________

Bährle-Rapp, M., & Bährle-Rapp, M. (2007). Tridecyl Trimellitate. Springer Lexikon Kosmetik und Körperpflege, 563-563.

Imperante, J. A. (2006). 21 Esters in Pigmented. Surfactants in Personal Care Products and Decorative Cosmetics, 135, 405.