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Erucic Acid stands out in the world of industrial and specialty chemicals thanks to its unique character as a long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid. Found mainly in the oils of rapeseed and some species of mustard, this compound shows up in chemical formula C22H42O2 and carries a molecular weight of 338.57 g/mol. Its structure consists of a straight 22-carbon chain with a single double bond at the 13th carbon. This places it in a unique spot among fatty acids, offering both flexibility and strength for industrial formulations. With its unique carbon backbone and unsaturation, Erucic Acid presents important functionality for both traditional and innovative applications. The code used by customs for trading this material is typically HS Code 29161990, which classifies it squarely under other saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with a non-aromatic character, except for stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids.
Known for its waxy and semi-solid appearance at room temperature, Erucic Acid typically appears as off-white flakes, crystalline powder, or small pearls, depending on how it’s processed and stored. In the lab, it impresses with a density close to 0.85 g/cm³ and a melting point in the range of 32°C to 34°C, making it easily distinguishable from similar fatty acids like oleic acid, which remains liquid under the same conditions. Some processing plants deliver Erucic Acid in solid form, packing flakes or powder into lined drums to avoid moisture and contamination. Others prefer the material in liquid state after gentle heating, with a lighter viscosity that makes it workable for emulsification or direct reaction in synthesis. As a solution, it dissolves best in organic solvents like ethanol, chloroform, and ether, resisting water and brine, which broadens its use for chemical synthesis, lubricants, plastics, and even some cosmetic formulations. Molecularly, Erucic Acid's large carbon chain gives unique lubricity and stability under demanding processing conditions.
Selection of Erucic Acid often centers on purity, which generally falls between 85% and 92% for technical grade and above 98% for pharmaceutical or food grades. The acid value, iodine value, and saponification value stand out as key indicators of suitability for each application. A higher acid value points to increased reactivity, which matters for alkyd resins and plasticizers, while the iodine value signals the level of unsaturation, allowing processors to fine-tune cure rates during polymerization. Saponification value typically hovers around 170–180 mgKOH/g, which chemists rely on when estimating ingredient ratios for soap or ester production. The unique structure also gives Erucic Acid high thermal and oxidative stability, carving out a niche as a reliable raw material in greases and lubricants, particularly for applications involving high friction and extreme temperatures.
Working with Erucic Acid brings safety considerations into sharp focus. The European Food Safety Authority and regulatory agencies in North America set limits on dietary intake to prevent potential harm, citing risks from high exposure such as myocardial lipidosis or concerns found in lab animals during toxicology evaluation. This acid counts as hazardous if inhaled as dust or fine powder; it may cause skin irritation or mild burns when handled without proper protection. Chemical processors always use gloves, goggles, and good ventilation in production areas to limit exposure risk. Storage requires cool, dry rooms to keep the acid from hydrolyzing or degrading, with containers sealed tight to avoid picking up moisture from air. Emergency instructions for employees include thorough washing for skin contact and prompt ventilation for any respiratory exposure. Companies trading internationally should pay attention to the HS Code for correct customs declaration and quick tracking of shipments during audits.
Erucic Acid has a long history as a raw material for transforming basic chemistry into useful products. In my own experience working with specialty chemical manufacturers, I’ve seen how vital this acid is for making slip agents in plastics, flexible coatings, and nylon-based materials. These industries count on the acid’s unique carbon chain to add durability without giving up flexibility. Producers of surfactants and lubricants rely on Erucic Acid’s blend of hydrophobicity and single-bond unsaturation, giving products low pour points and high oxidative resistance. In rubber processing, the material plays a role in stretchable, tear-resistant compounds. These solutions trace back to the chemical’s fatty backbone, which lets formulators develop innovations for new markets and product functionality.
Despite its versatility, issues come up when handling Erucic Acid both as a product and as a material upstream. Producers face pressure to prove every supply batch is safe and traceable, especially since some crops yield mixed fatty acids or are genetically engineered for different oil contents. To tackle this, analytical labs run constant checks on fatty acid profile by gas chromatography, catching any impurities before mixing downstream. Environmental groups focus on the effects of monoculture rapeseed farming, so companies source from farms using crop rotation or sustainable practices. Certification and proper labeling—including molecular formula and chemical identifiers—let processors and end-users make clear, informed choices about product safety, origin, and handling. While Erucic Acid drives innovation in industry, its raw material role calls for adherence to safety standards, strict process controls, and regular training for everyone working with the chemical—from handlers to researchers to customs officials. A balanced approach to risk, integrity, and environmental care will keep this key chemical relevant and reliable both in established and emerging markets.
West Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China
