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Palmitoleic acid, known in scientific circles as 9-hexadecenoic acid, shows up as a monounsaturated omega-7 fatty acid. Folks working in chemistry or nutrition sometimes see it tagged with the chemical formula C16H30O2. This molecule has one double bond placed at the ninth carbon from the carboxylic acid end, which shapes the way it behaves both in the lab and out in the real world. You’ll often find palmitoleic acid tucked in the triglycerides of marine animals and plants like macadamia nuts and sea buckthorn. I’ve spent years studying lipid compounds and the way they move through food systems, so it’s always caught my eye how palmitoleic acid manages to turn up just where humans seek healthier fats and raw bio-materials.
Palmitoleic acid shakes up the familiar fatty acid structure with its unsaturated carbon chain. Sixteen carbons link up, and at the ninth carbon, a double bond interrupts the run, giving it that characteristic “kink.” This impacts melting behavior and solubility, which chemists like to track. The molecular weight hits 254.41 g/mol. In standard lab notes, the acid takes the form of a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, although it can crystallize at lower temperatures, proving itself as a solid or even forming flakes, pearls, or powders in processed formats. Density measures around 0.89 g/cm3, which stands just below water and lines up with most fatty acids in this chain length. Whether measured in liters of stock solution or weighed out as raw material, these physical properties anchor its value in industrial and research settings.
Trading physical chemicals across borders means that every compound, from the routine to the niche, gets a harmonized system (HS) code. Palmitoleic acid fits within the broader classification for fatty acids, which typically lands at HS Code 2916.19. This designation hits import and export documents of chemical suppliers, making it possible to track large-scale movement of this fatty acid. Given my background navigating regulatory compliance, documenting the proper HS code always feels necessary for legal trade and for the end-user looking to verify supply chain transparency. Product listings, safety data sheets, and customs paperwork cite this code, and mistakes can slow down even the most straightforward shipment.
Manufacturers and researchers work with palmitoleic acid in several physical forms. As a neat compound, it often appears as a clear to slightly yellow oil under standard conditions. If processed, palmitoleic acid may present itself as a powder or flakes, which make handling simpler for certain syntheses or formulations. Pearls and crystals pop up more rarely, usually when purity and controlled handling matter—think cosmetics, lab-scale research, or micro-dosing in pharmaceuticals. Liquid palmitoleic acid dissolves easily in most organic solvents but only sparingly in water, reflecting its long hydrophobic tail. These properties push the compound forward as a key ingredient in cosmetics, soap manufacturing, and surfactant chemistry.
Anyone who works with pure chemicals learns early on that a simple molecular formula hides a world of safety details. Palmitoleic acid usually does not set off major alarms compared to more hazardous substances. Still, it can act as an irritant on direct contact or if inhaled as a powder or mist. Standard chemical handling protocols—gloves, eye protection, and good ventilation—help keep risks low. As its melting point hovers just above room temperature, palmitoleic acid in flakes or solid can sometimes shift back to liquid during shipping or storage, which may catch unprepared users by surprise. While not classified as acutely harmful, large-scale spills or improper disposal still impact the environment, as with any fatty acid. Disposal always respects local regulations for non-hazardous industrial chemicals.
As raw material, palmitoleic acid meets high demand in several fields. Soapmakers want fatty acids with mid-length chains and unsaturated bonds for softer, skin-friendly bars. Food technologists care about its presence in plant oils, viewing it as a possible alternative to less healthy fats. Specialists in biochemistry and pharmacology look at its structure when mimicking or modifying lipid molecules for advanced formulations. Industrial manufacturers value its stability and easy blending, which tie into the rise of eco-friendly surfactants and biodegradable products. In every format—liquid, powder, flake, or crystalline—palmitoleic acid moves from one industry to the next as a basic input with high adaptability.
In my own experience with sourcing and handling specialty lipids, most headaches don’t come from the compound itself but from changing environmental or safety regulations. Companies want solutions that maintain product quality, protect workers, and minimize ecological impact. One practical step is shifting toward plant-based palmitoleic acid, reducing reliance on animal oils and avoiding overfishing concerns. Encouraging transparency from the supply end—listing full traceability of source, regular purity testing, and providing honest safety documentation—makes a difference. Moving to bulk handling systems that prevent spills and contact lowers the hazard profile for everyone along the line. From small lab users to massive producers, staying up to date with safety training and regulatory requirements goes a long way to responsible use.
Palmitoleic acid, defined by the chemical formula C16H30O2 and molecular weight of 254.41 g/mol, offers flexibility in forms—liquid, flakes, powder, and crystals. Its density sits close to 0.89 g/cm3, its melting point hovers near 0–1°C, and its hazardous profile is low but worth respecting. Palmitoleic acid slots into HS Code 2916.19 under most regulatory frameworks. This fatty acid’s structure underpins its unique role in industrial chemistry, cosmetics, and nutrition.
West Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China
