HEPTADECANOIC ACID

Synonym(s):C17:0;Heptadecylic acid;Margaric acid;NSC 3743

CAS NO.：506-12-7
Empirical Formula: C17H34O2
Molecular Weight: 270.45
MDL number: MFCD00002751
EINECS: 208-027-1
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-03-13 23:13:44

What is HEPTADECANOIC ACID?

Description

Heptadecanoic acid, or margaric acid, is a saturated fatty acid. Its molecular formula is CH₃(CH₂)₁₅COOH. It occurs as a trace component of the fat and milkfat of ruminants, but it does not occur in any natural animal or vegetable fat at concentrations over half a percent. Salts and esters of heptadecanoic acid are called heptadecanoates.

Chemical properties

off-white powder

The Uses of HEPTADECANOIC ACID

Heptadecanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid and occurs as a trace component of the fat in ruminants.

The Uses of HEPTADECANOIC ACID

Margaric acid (Heptadecanoic acid, C17) may be used as a reference during the analysis of medium-chain fatty acids from biomaterials such as seed oils and plant and animal oils.

The Uses of HEPTADECANOIC ACID

Heptadecanoic acid is used as a reference during the analysis of medium-chain fatty acids from biomaterials such as seed oils and plant and animal oils.

Definition

ChEBI: A C17 saturated fatty acid and trace component of fats in ruminants.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Synthetic Communications, 20, p. 3359, 1990 DOI: 10.1080/00397919008051571

Purification Methods

Crystallise the acid from MeOH or pet ether. [Beilstein 2 IV 1193.]

Properties of HEPTADECANOIC ACID

Melting point:	59-61 °C(lit.)
Boiling point:	227 °C100 mm Hg(lit.)
Density	0,853 g/cm³
refractive index	1.4348 (589.3 nm 40℃)
Flash point:	227°C/100mm
storage temp.	room temp
solubility	Chloroform (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly)
pka	4.78±0.10(Predicted)
form	Shiny Flakes or Crystalline Powder
color	White to off-white
Water Solubility	Soluble in ether. Slightly soluble in alcohol. Insoluble in water
Merck	14,5751
BRN	1781004
Stability:	Stable. Incompatible with bases, oxidizing agents, reducing agents.
CAS DataBase Reference	506-12-7(CAS DataBase Reference)
EPA Substance Registry System	Heptadecanoic acid (506-12-7)

Safety information for HEPTADECANOIC ACID

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P261:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P304+P340:IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing. P405:Store locked up.