What is the difference between lauryl alcohol and lauric acid

1. Chemical structure and source

Lauryl alcohol (C10H22O) is a glycol compound whose structure consists of a ten-carbon bisphenol-based chain. It is usually derived from the dried seeds of the laurel tree (Cajeas, of the Lauraceae family) and is produced by distillation and chemical synthesis. Lauryl alcohol has a symmetrical bisphenol group, which makes it chemically stable.

Lauric acid (C10H20O2) is a carboxylic acid compound whose structure is a diol containing a carboxylic acid group. Lauric acid is also derived from the seeds of the laurel tree, but its chemical structure is different from that of lauryl alcohol, containing a carboxylic acid group, which makes it different in reactivity.

2. Physical and chemical properties

Physical properties:

• Lauryl alcohol has a low density, about 0.815g/cm³, and is a colorless liquid or white solid.
• Lauric acid has a higher density, about 1.004g/cm³, the same colorless liquid or white solid.

Chemical properties:

• Lauryl alcohol in acidic conditions prone to esterification, but in alkaline conditions more stable.
• Lauric acid is more acidic, in aqueous solution can be dissociated to produce lauric acid salt and hydrogen ions, prone to neutralization reaction.

3. Main purpose

Lauryl alcohol:

• Commonly used in spices and cosmetics spice base, with unique aroma and solubility.
• In the food industry as a preservative and stabilizer.
• Also used in the pharmaceutical field, as some drug intermediates.

Lauric acid:

• Sodium laurate (its salt) is a common detergent ingredient with detergency and detergency effects.
• In the pharmaceutical industry it is used as an intermediate for certain antibiotics.
• In the environmental protection field, lauric acid aqueous solution can be used as biodegradable materials preparation raw materials.

4. Difference and Choice

The choice of lauryl alcohol or lauric acid depends on the specific application needs:

• If you need to have a special aroma or as a fragrance, choose lauryl alcohol.
• If used in detergents or pharmaceutical intermediates, select lauric acid.

Summary

There are significant differences between lauryl alcohol and lauric acid in chemical structure, properties and uses. Lauryl alcohol is mainly used in perfumes and cosmetics, while lauric acid is commonly used in detergents and pharmaceuticals. Understanding these distinctions helps to make the right choices and applications in industrial production and scientific research.