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Palmitic Acid (Hexadecanoic Acid)

PA
CAS 57-10-3 · Formula C16H32O2 · MW 256.42 g/mol

A saturated C16 fatty acid feedstock for metallic soaps, palmitate esters, lubricants and release agents. Established uses include the manufacture of metallic palmitates and palmitate esters such as isopropyl palmitate, soaps and cosmetics, lubricating oils and waterproofing, mold-release in plastics, and service as a surfactant and chemical intermediate.

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HS Code
2915.70
At a Glance
Material Family
Acids & Salts
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Emolliency · Surfactancy
Solubility
0.04 mg/L (at 25 °C)
Functional Roles
Emolliency Surfactancy Thickening / Rheology Synthesis Intermediate
INCI Name
PALMITIC ACID
CosIng Functions
SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENTSURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Industries Served
Beauty & Personal Care HI&I Cleaning Water Treatment
Applications & Use Cases
  • ▸ Metallic soaps: manufacture of metallic palmitates such as aluminum palmitate
  • ▸ Ester synthesis: feedstock for esters such as isopropyl palmitate
  • ▸ Soaps and surfactants: raw material for soaps and surface-active agents
  • ▸ Plastics processing: mold-release agent in plastics
  • ▸ Lubrication and waterproofing: lubricating oils and waterproofing applications
Physical Properties
Melting Point
61.8 °C
Boiling Point
351.5 °C
Density
Density: 0.8527 g/cu cm at 62 °C
Solubility
0.04 mg/L (at 25 °C)
Vapor Pressure
0.00000038
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2915 . 70
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.15
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2915.70
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
57-10-3
Molecular Formula
C16H32O2
Molecular Weight
256.42 g/mol
IUPAC Name
hexadecanoic acid
INCI Name
PALMITIC ACID
PubChem CID
985
InChI Key
IPCSVZSSVZVIGE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
palmitic acid Hexadecanoic acid Cetylic acid n-Hexadecanoic acid Hexadecylic acid 1-Pentadecanecarboxylic acid n-Hexadecoic acid Hydrofol Palmitinic acid Pentadecanecarboxylic acid hexaectylic acid Industrene 4516 Emersol 140 Emersol 143 Hystrene 8016 1-Hexyldecanoic Acid Hystrene 9016 hexadecoic acid Palmitinsaeure
Full Description

Palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid, CAS 57-10-3; C16H32O2) is a saturated C16 fatty acid. Established uses include the manufacture of metallic palmitates and palmitate esters such as isopropyl palmitate, soaps and cosmetics, lubricating oils and waterproofing, mold-release in plastics, and service as a surfactant and chemical intermediate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is palmitic acid used for?

Palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid, CAS 57-10-3; C16H32O2) is a saturated C16 fatty acid used to make metallic palmitates such as aluminum palmitate, palmitate esters such as isopropyl palmitate, soaps and surfactants, mold-release agents in plastics, and lubricating and waterproofing products.

What is another name for palmitic acid?

Its systematic name is hexadecanoic acid; it is a saturated C16 fatty acid under CAS 57-10-3, supplied industrially as a free fatty acid.

What is palmitic acid made from?

Industrially it is obtained by hydrolysis (splitting) of vegetable and animal fats and oils that are rich in the C16 saturated fatty acid, followed by fractionation to the desired purity.

What is the HS code for palmitic acid?

Palmitic acid is classified under HS heading 2915.70 (palmitic/stearic acids and their salts and esters). Verify the national tariff line with your customs broker.

What is the cost of bulk palmitic acid?

Bulk palmitic acid pricing depends on grade, volume, packaging (bags/drums/bulk), and freight. Send your quantity and delivery point for a current landed quote rather than a fixed list price.

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Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.
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