Decanedioic

Decanedioic acid, commonly known as sebacic acid, is a ten-carbon dicarboxylic acid with the formula HOOC-(CH2)8-COOH. It is a colorless crystalline solid at room temperature, with a melting point around 131–132 °C and limited water solubility. The molecule features two carboxyl groups at each end of an eight-methylene chain, giving it dibasic character and reactivity typical of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids.

Occurrence and production: Sebacic acid occurs in trace amounts in castor oil and can be produced industrially by the oxidative cleavage of ricinoleic acid or other fatty-acid derivatives from vegetable oils. It can also be obtained via related oxidation routes of fatty acids to yield dibasic acids of this length.

Applications: Sebacic acid is used as a monomer in the production of polyamides, notably nylon 610, which is formed from sebacic acid and hexamethylenediamine. It also serves as a precursor to polyesters and to sebacate plasticizers, such as di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, which are employed to impart flexibility to plastics and elastomers. In addition, sebacic acid derivatives find use in coatings and lubricants.

Safety and handling: In concentrated form, decanedioic acid can be irritating to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. It should be handled with appropriate protective equipment and accordance with standard chemical hygiene practices. It is generally regarded as having low acute toxicity in typical laboratory contexts.