Preparation
Docosanoic acid can be prepared in several ways, the most common being direct extraction, specifically from shea butter and palm kernel oil. The preparation process mainly consists of two parts: First, raw material extraction: shea butter or palm kernel oil is refined and hydrogenated to remove impurities, then purified by distillation or extraction. Second, refining: the extracted Docosanoic acid is further purified using vacuum distillation and crystallization techniques.
Chemical Properties
white to cream crystals or powder
Uses
Docosanoic acid is a long-chain fatty acid,it has the following purposes: Waxes, textiles, pharmaceuticals, emulsifiers, and personal care products, lubricants, esters, chemical synthesis, and specialties.
Description
Docosanoic acid is a straight-chain, C22, long-chain saturated fatty acid. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a long-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a behenate.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Source
Docosanoic acid is present in some oils and oil-bearing plants, including rapeseed (canola) and peanut oil and skins. It is estimated that one ton of peanut skins contains 13 pounds (5.9 kg) of docosanoic acid.
Purification Methods
Crystallise the acid pKEst from ligroin. [Francis & Piper J Am Chem Soc 61 577 1939, Beilstein 2 IV 1290.]
