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Tetradecanoic

Tetradecanoic acid, commonly known as myristic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C₁₄H₂₈O₂ and the systematic name tetradecanoic acid. It consists of a straight‑chain of fourteen carbon atoms terminating in a carboxyl group. At room temperature it is a white, odorless solid that is slightly soluble in water but readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform.

The compound occurs naturally in a variety of plant and animal sources. It is a major constituent

In industry, tetradecanoic acid is employed as a feedstock for the production of surfactants, lubricants, and

Safety data indicate that tetradecanoic acid has low acute toxicity, but it may cause skin and eye

of
nutmeg
butter,
palm
kernel
oil,
and
coconut
oil,
where
it
can
account
for
up
to
10 %
of
total
fatty
acids.
Myristic
acid
is
also
present
in
certain
dairy
products
and
animal
fats,
and
it
is
synthesized
by
microorganisms
during
lipid
metabolism.
plasticizers.
Its
derivatives,
such
as
methyl
myristate
and
myristoyl
chloride,
are
used
in
the
manufacture
of
cosmetics,
soaps,
and
as
intermediates
in
pharmaceutical
synthesis.
The
acid
also
serves
as
a
model
substrate
in
biochemical
research
on
fatty‑acid
metabolism
and
enzyme
specificity.
irritation
in
concentrated
forms.
Standard
handling
precautions
include
the
use
of
gloves
and
protective
eyewear.
Environmental
impact
is
modest,
as
the
substance
is
readily
biodegradable
under
aerobic
conditions.