Dodecanoic

Dodecanoic refers to a chemical substance or property related to dodecanoic acid. Dodecanoic acid, also known as lauric acid, is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon chain. Its chemical formula is CH3(CH2)10COOH. It is a common component of many vegetable oils, particularly coconut oil and palm kernel oil. In its pure form, dodecanoic acid is a white, crystalline solid. It has a characteristic soapy smell.

Dodecanoic acid is widely used in the production of soaps and detergents due to its surfactant properties. When reacted with a base, it forms dodecanoate salts, which are effective cleaning agents. It is also used in the cosmetic industry as an emollient, emulsifier, and opacifier in lotions, creams, and shampoos. Furthermore, it finds applications in the food industry as a food additive, often used as a flavoring agent or as a component in edible oils. In pharmaceutical applications, it can be used as an excipient or as a precursor in the synthesis of certain drugs.

The term "dodecanoic" can also appear in the names of esters or other derivatives of dodecanoic acid, indicating that the dodecanoic acid moiety is part of a larger molecule. For example, dodecyl dodecanoate is an ester formed from dodecanoic acid and dodecanol.