Manganese laurate is a metal-organic compound with the chemical formula C24H48MnO4. It is a chemical compound that combines manganese with lauric acid. The compound is classified as a metallic soap, i.e. a metal derivative of a fatty acid (lauric acid). Lauric acid is a fatty acid found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, and it’s known for its antimicrobial properties. Manganese is a trace element important for various biological functions.
Manganese laurate is typically a solid at room temperature. It may appear as a white or off-white powder, similar to other metal soaps. It can act as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions and may be used in various industrial applications due to its properties as a metal soap.
Preparation
Reaction of sodium laurate with manganese chloride.
- Preparation of Manganese Salt Solution: Dissolve the manganese salt (e.g., manganese chloride or manganese acetate) in a suitable solvent like water or ethanol to make a manganese salt solution.
- Preparation of Lauric Acid Solution: Dissolve lauric acid in a suitable organic solvent like ethanol or acetone to create a lauric acid solution.
Properties
Manganese laurate forms pale pink chrystalline powder. It is insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol. It is slightly soluble in decane. It is generally insoluble in water but may dissolve in organic solvents depending on its form. It tends to be stable under normal conditions but can react with strong acids or bases.
- Chemical formula: C24H48MnO4
- Molar mass: 455.582 g·mol−1
- Appearance: pale pink powder
- Density: 0.376
- Melting point: 104.95 °C (220.91 °F; 378.10 K)
- Solubility in water: Insoluble
Applications
- Industrial Use: Manganese laurate is used in various industrial processes, including as a drier in paints and coatings. Metal soaps, including manganese laurate, are often employed to enhance the drying time of paints.
- Catalysis: In some chemical reactions, manganese laurate can serve as a catalyst due to the catalytic properties of manganese.
Natural Occurrence
Manganese laurate is not commonly found in nature in its pure form. Instead, manganese and lauric acid are found separately in various minerals and biological sources. Lauric acid occurs naturally in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, while manganese is found in minerals such as pyrolusite.
