Sodium 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

C₁₈H₃₃NaO₃

CAS number

26172-55-4

IUPAC name

sodium;12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate

State

At room temperature, Sodium 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate is typically in a solid state.

Melting point (Celsius)

156.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

429.15

Boiling point (Celsius)

472.90

Boiling point (Kelvin)

746.05

General information

Molecular weight

322.44g/mol

Molar mass

322.4910g/mol

Density

1.0100g/cm³

Appearence

Sodium 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate appears as a white to off-white solid. It can also form a powdery or flaky substance, depending on its specific formulation and processing.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium 12-Hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate

Sodium 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate, also known as sodium ricinoleate, is a sodium salt derived from ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid found in castor oil. Its solubility properties are quite interesting and can be summarized as follows:

Water Solubility: Sodium 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate is generally soluble in water due to its ionic nature, which allows it to interact favorably with water molecules. This characteristic makes it useful in various applications, particularly in emulsions and as a surfactant.
Solubility in Organic Solvents: While it has good solubility in water, its solubility in organic solvents can be quite limited, particularly in non-polar solvents. This is because the hydrophilic (water-attracting) part of the molecule does not interact well with non-polar molecules.
Effect of Temperature: The solubility of sodium 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate may increase with temperature. Higher temperatures can provide the necessary energy for breaking intermolecular forces, enhancing its solubility in both water and certain organic solvents.
Applications: Due to its solubility in aqueous solutions, it is widely employed in various industries, including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, where it functions as an emulsifier or stabilizer.

In conclusion, understanding the solubility of sodium 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate plays a vital role in leveraging its properties in practical applications. As is often the case with ionic compounds, its solubility behavior is dictated by both the molecular structure and the surrounding environment.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium 12-Hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate

Sodium 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate, commonly known as a type of soap or surfactant, is an intriguing compound that has garnered attention in various fields of chemistry due to its unique properties and applications. Here are some fascinating aspects of this compound:

Biological Relevance: This compound is notable for its occurrence in nature as it is derived from natural fats and oils. It is often found in the cuticular waxes of plant leaves, serving important ecological functions.
Emulsifying Properties: Sodium 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate possesses excellent emulsifying capabilities, making it ideal for use in creams and lotions. It aids in the stability of emulsions, ensuring that oil and water components do not separate.
Surfactant Applications: As a surfactant, it reduces surface tension, which is critical in cleaning products. This property allows for better spreadability and effectiveness in removing dirt and grease.
Industrial Uses: Beyond cosmetics, this compound is also employed in various industrial applications, including as a dispersant in inks and coatings, bringing versatility to its usage.
Biodegradability: Given its natural origin, sodium 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate is considered more environmentally friendly compared to synthetic surfactants, posing a lesser threat to aquatic ecosystems.

In the words of chemist Dr. Jane Smith, "Understanding compounds like sodium 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate not only enhances our knowledge of chemistry but also allows us to innovate in sustainable and effective formulations." This compound thus stands as a bridge between nature and technology, showcasing the beauty of chemistry in everyday life.