Cis-11-Eicosenoic Acid Methyl Ester: Material Insights and Specifications

What is Cis-11-Eicosenoic Acid Methyl Ester?

Cis-11-Eicosenoic Acid Methyl Ester stands out as a specialized raw material in both chemical and industrial circles. People working in the chemical manufacturing space encounter this compound during synthesis, testing, and product formulation. This ester, derived from cis-11-eicosenoic acid, belongs to the family of long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids and appears under different product names, depending on manufacturer preference and regional labeling. Granularity matters when handling this material, so those in the business of commodity chemicals watch properties such as density, molecular structure, and safety data.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Every time I have encountered Cis-11-Eicosenoic Acid Methyl Ester, it came as a pale yellow liquid, with a slight oily character and a faint odor not unlike other fatty acid derivatives. Its molecular formula, C₂₁H₄₀O₂, reflects a balance of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, signifying a moderately long hydrocarbon chain bonded with a single methyl ester group. The melting point hovers just below room temperature, usually around 14-17°C, placing this material in a borderline liquid-solid state in moderate climates. Density typically ranges near 0.87–0.89 g/cm³ at 20°C, which can signal a purity issue if readings fall outside these numbers. Chemical structure offers a cis double bond at the eleventh carbon, rendering a kink in the otherwise straight chain, which impacts reactivity and behavior under thermal stress or during esterification.

Material Forms and Handling

Producers ship Cis-11-Eicosenoic Acid Methyl Ester as a liquid in drums or intermediate bulk containers suited for hazardous goods. Watching the crystal clear separation from flakes, pearls, or powder becomes critical, because this ester wants to stay in liquid form unless exposed to colder conditions. It does not crystallize easily at ambient temperatures, but over time or if left stagnant, it may form a cloudy precipitate that must be remixed prior to use. From a handling perspective, safety glasses and gloves provide adequate protection in most laboratory or factory settings, while local exhaust or fume hoods prevent the accumulation of oily vapors. Because this compound behaves as a mild irritant, direct skin or eye contact can produce mild discomfort; experienced chemical workers factor this into material safety protocols.

Applications and Functions

Cis-11-Eicosenoic Acid Methyl Ester finds regular application in industries requiring intermediate fatty acid derivatives. Specialty lubricants, cosmetic raw materials, and surfactant bases frequently utilize its unique structure. In biochemistry labs, it serves as a reference standard or as a building block for further synthesis. Researchers benefit from this molecule's subtle balance of hydrophobicity and chemical reactivity, which supports its inclusion in blending, film formation, and tailored reactivity profiles. Its presence in wax blends, protective coatings, and select plasticizers derives from its long methyl ester tail and the stabilizing effect of the double bond. People familiar with raw materials for organic synthesis recognize that structure determines function; the cis-configuration imparts a different texture, and melting range compared to saturated or trans analogs.

Specification Highlights

Typical specifications for Cis-11-Eicosenoic Acid Methyl Ester mark purity at ≥98%, acid value less than 1 mg KOH/g, and iodine value in the approximate 80-90 range. The product must demonstrate low moisture content—usually below 0.15%—which ensures limited hydrolysis and a longer shelf life when compared to less refined esters. Viscosity may vary from batch to batch, although consistently falls near 28-35 mm²/s at 40°C. Customers rely on clear COA documentation derived from gas chromatography and FTIR analysis, since adulteration noticeably shifts these key data points. Packed using compatible materials to prevent leaching or contamination, the drums or containers carry a United Nations number suitable for safe transport of hazardous chemicals.

HS Code and Regulatory Information

Customs and regulatory environments recognize Cis-11-Eicosenoic Acid Methyl Ester using the Harmonized System (HS) Code: 2916.14, classifying it as a methyl ester of a fatty acid. International trade requires accurate labeling and adherence to chemical safety standards, especially when shipped over international borders. Manufacturers and distributors keep Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) up to date to remain compliant, and track regulatory notifications in the EU, US, and Asia. In practice, this process ensures responsible use and secure transport, limiting hazardous spills, losses, or environmental exposure.

Hazards and Environmental Considerations

As far as harmful properties go, Cis-11-Eicosenoic Acid Methyl Ester does not present acute toxicological risk under normal industrial use, yet releases oily film if spilled, which introduces slip hazards and complicates clean-up. Unlike high-reactivity solvents or strong acids, this ester does not produce corrosive or highly toxic gases, although improper incineration can generate smoke containing carbon monoxide and other irritants. Chemical operators who care about environmental stewardship ensure collection and recycling or safe destruction of waste. Leaching into the water stream concerns facility managers due to the slow breakdown of fatty acids in aquatic environments, so responsible wastewater management and containment plans are essential.

Perspectives and Solutions

I have found that process optimization can reduce waste and improve the resource use efficiency of Cis-11-Eicosenoic Acid Methyl Ester. Implementing closed-loop transfer systems not only minimizes worker exposure but also cuts down on product loss and environmental release. Investing in accurate purity testing, batch tracking, and audit trails enhances product safety and supports claims made to downstream customers. For people exploring biotechnology or green chemistry, research into enzymatic transesterification methods offers sustainable alternatives to traditional processing routes. As demand for clean-label cosmetic and personal care ingredients grows, manufacturers who publish source traceability and low-impact production methods gain trust and return business.