Aluminium laurate is a metal-organic compound with the chemical formula C36H69AlO6. It’s a type of metal salt of lauric acid, which is a saturated fatty acid found in various natural fats and oils. The compound is classified as a metallic soap, i.e. a metal derivative of a fatty acid (lauric acid).
Aluminium laurate forms white powder and soluble in water. It is not very soluble in water but can dissolve in organic solvents such as alcohols and some oils. It is relatively stable under normal conditions, though it can decompose at high temperatures. It may react with strong acids or bases, and its stability can be affected by the pH of the environment.
Properties
- Chemical formula: C36H69AlO6
- Molar mass: 624.9
- Appearance: White powder
- Boiling point: 296 °C (565 °F; 569 K)
- Solubility in water: Soluble
Use
Aluminium laurate is used as an anticaking agent, free-flow agent, or emulsifier.
- Industrial Uses: It is used in various industrial applications. It can be used as a lubricant or a stabilizer in some manufacturing processes.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care: It can be found in some cosmetic products, such as creams and lotions, where it might serve as an emulsifier or thickening agent.
- Chemical Industry: It is used in the synthesis of other aluminium compounds and in research applications.
- Natural Sources: While aluminium laurate itself is not typically found in nature, lauric acid, from which it is derived, is present in natural fats and oils such as coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
