What Is Lauric Acid? Sources, Specifications, and Uses
- Lauric acid (laurate, C12:0) is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid with formula C12H24O2, CAS 143-07-7, and melting point 43.2–44.8 °C.[1]
- Lauric acid accounts for about 45–50% of coconut and palm kernel oil (PKO) fatty acids, making PKO the main laurate source in Indonesia.[2]
- In palm kernel oil, lauric acid is recorded at 48.2%, followed by myristic acid 16.2% and palmitic acid 8.4%.[2]
- Pure grade (Lauric Acid 99%) has minimum C12 content of 99%, with C10 and C14 each maximum 1%.[3]
- It is used as a feedstock for surfactants (SLS and SLES), antimicrobials, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.[1]
Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid found abundantly in coconut and palm kernel oils. Its high C12 content makes it an important feedstock for the surfactant and antimicrobial industries.
Table of contents
What Is Lauric Acid?
Lauric acid or laurate is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid with 12 carbon atoms, written C12:0, and systematic name dodecanoic acid. It is solid at room temperature with melting point 43.2–44.8 °C and boiling point 298.9 °C.[1]
Chemically, lauric acid has a 12-carbon aliphatic chain that is hydrophobic with a hydrophilic carboxyl group, making it amphiphilic. This chain balances water solubility and micelle-forming ability, which underpins its use as a surfactant feedstock.[1]
Lauric acid is the saturated fatty acid most active against Gram-positive bacteria, and its monoglyceride derivative (monolaurin) shows significant antimicrobial activity.[1]
Palm Kernel Oil Sources and Composition
Lauric acid is abundant in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, known as lauric oils. In Indonesia, palm kernel oil is the most important lauric acid source because of its large production volume.[2]
| Fatty acid | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Laurate (C12:0) | 48.2 |
| Myristate (C14:0) | 16.2 |
| Palmitate (C16:0) | 8.4 |
| Caprate (C10:0) | 4.3 |
| Caprylate (C8:0) | 3.3 |
| Stearate (C18:0) | 2.5 |
| Oleate (C18:1) | 15.3 |
| Linoleate (C18:2) | 1.2 |
Product Specifications
Commercial lauric acid is available in various grades, from C8–C18 chain blends to pure grades with minimum 99% C12. Pure product is used for applications requiring high purity.[3]
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| C10 | Max. 1% |
| C12 | Min. 99% |
| C14 | Max. 1% |
| Other | Max. 0.5% |
Uses
Lauric acid is used as a feedstock for anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) via sulfation of lauryl alcohol produced by reduction of lauric acid. It is used in detergents, shampoos, toothpaste, and cleaning products.[1]
Nonionic derivatives such as lauric acid ethoxylate (PEG-20 laurate) are used as emulsifiers in oil-in-water emulsions, with HLB 10–16. Cationic derivatives such as lauric arginate ethyl ester (LAE) show stronger antimicrobial activity than lauric acid.[1]
In cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, lauric acid is used as an antimicrobial and anti-acne active, while monolaurin is used as a food preservative and feed additive. Biomedical research investigates lauric acid for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor applications.[1][4]
Summary
Lauric acid (C12:0) is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid accounting for about 48% of palm kernel oil fatty acids. Pure grade has minimum 99% C12, and the product is used as a surfactant, antimicrobial, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical feedstock.
References
- PMC/NIH. Lauric Acid and Surfactant Performance. https://eureka.patsnap.com/materials/lauric-acid-surfactant
- University of Lampung. Palm kernel oil fatty acid content and antimicrobial properties. https://digilib.unila.ac.id/12333/3/BAB%20II.pdf
- Wilmar International. Lauric Acid 99% — Wilfarin. https://www.wilmar-international.com/oleochemicals/products/animal-nutrition/detail/lauric-acid-99
- PMC/NIH. Biomedical Applications of Lauric Acid: A Narrative Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11260118/