What Is Distilled Palmitic Acid? Specifications, Production, and Uses
- Distilled palmitic acid is palmitic acid (C16:0) purified by distillation, with nominal C16 content of 95–98% at the highest grade.[1]
- The product is white flakes, granules, or powder, with molecular formula C16H32O2 and titer 61–63 °C at 98% grade.[1]
- High C16 content distinguishes it from distilled palm fatty acid, which has only 43–48% C16.[2]
- It is used for soap, candles, rubber, plastics, metallic soap, and cosmetics.[1]
- Labels written as “Palmatic” or “Distileled” are typos; the correct names are Palmitic Acid and Distilled Palmitic Acid.
Distilled palmitic acid is pure palmitic acid obtained from distillation of palm fatty acids. Its high C16 content makes it an important feedstock for soap, candles, rubber, and plastics.
Table of contents
What Is Distilled Palmitic Acid?
Distilled palmitic acid is palmitic acid (C16:0) purified by distillation. It is available in several grades, from technical cut to distilled grades with nominal 95% and 98% C16 content.[1]
The word “distilled” means the fatty acid has undergone distillation to separate it from other chain lengths, not merely distilled palm fatty acid that still contains various carbon chains.[1][2]
In the market, labels such as “Palmatic” or “Distileled” are often seen. Both spellings are typos; the correct names are Palmitic Acid and Distilled Palmitic Acid.
Product Specifications
Distilled palmitic acid specifications are set based on C16 content, acid value, saponification value, iodine value, titer, and color. Higher C16 content corresponds to higher titer and product purity.[1][3]
| Product | C16 content | Titer (°C) | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palmac 640 | Max. 65% (min. 60%) | 54–56 | Solid |
| Palmac 80-16 | Min. 80% | Min. 55 | Solid |
| Palmac 98-16 | Min. 98% | 61–63 | Solid |
| Distilled grade | Nominal 95–98% | Per grade | Flakes, granules, or powder |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acid value (mg KOH/g) | 203–209 |
| Saponification value (mg KOH/g) | 204–210 |
| Iodine value (% I2 absorbed) | 45–56 |
| Titer (°C) | 45–48.5 |
| Lovibond color (R/Y) | Max. 2.0 / 20 |
| Moisture content (%) | Max. 0.2 |
| C16 (%) | 43–48 |
| C18:1 (%) | 37–40 |
Production
Distilled palmitic acid is obtained by fat splitting of palm triglycerides at high temperature and pressure, yielding free fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acid mixture is then purified by fractional distillation.[2]
Distillation separates fatty acids by boiling point and removes unsaponifiables, metals, and odor-causing substances. This process distinguishes distilled product from technical fatty acids.[1]
High C16 content is achieved by leveraging the dominant palmitic acid content in palm oil, so Indonesia has abundant feedstock for this product.[2]
Uses
Distilled palmitic acid is used in the soap and detergent industry to increase bar hardness, improve lather profile, and enhance cleaning power.[1]
In the candle and wax industry, it is used as a blend component that provides structure and hardness. In rubber and latex industries, palmitic acid acts as a lubricant and mold release agent. Products with C16:90% or higher are also available for applications requiring stricter purity.[1][4]
In plastics, palmitic acid is used as an internal and external lubricant and as a metallic soap feedstock for heat stabilizers and slip additives. In cosmetics, high-grade product is used as an emollient and opacifier.[1]
Summary
Distilled palmitic acid is pure palmitic acid (C16:0) obtained from distillation of palm fatty acids. Distilled grades have nominal 95–98% C16 with titer 61–63 °C, much higher than ordinary distilled palm fatty acid. It is used for soap, candles, rubber, plastics, metallic soap, and cosmetics.
References
- ChemTrade Malaysia. Palmitic Acid — distilled grades and applications. https://chemtrademalaysia.com/products/palmitic-acid/
- Wilmar International. Distilled Palm Oil Fatty Acid — Wilfarin DP-1601. https://www.wilmar-international.com/oleochemicals/products/animal-nutrition/detail/distilled-palm-oil-fatty-acid
- Tennants Distribution. Palmac fatty acids — product specifications. https://www.tennantsdistribution.com/Products/Details/Fatty-Acids-Glycerine
- Mars Oleochemicals. Palmitic Acid C16:90% Min — specification and applications. https://www.marsoleo.com/palmitic-acid-c16-90-min-malaysia-mars-oleochemicals.html