Sebacic acid: what is the compound and where is it found?

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Sebacic acid: what is the compound and where is it found?
Sebacic acid: what is the compound and where is it found?
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Sebacic acid (decandioic acid) is a representative of carboxylic acids. There are several names for this compound, one of them is decandioic acid. What is it made of, and what properties does this substance have?

Connection in a nutshell

Sebacic acid formula C10H18O4. This compound is a limiting acid that exists in crystalline form. Sebacic acid crystals are colorless. Get the compound from castor oil.

Chemical properties

Since sebacic acid is a carboxylic acid, it follows that it has all the characteristics typical of them. These include, for example, interaction with basic compounds, as a result of which s alts are obtained. Also esterification reactions, for which the starting materials are alcohol and acid. The product of this interaction are ethers. In order to form the correct names for the reaction products of a given acid, one should know that its s alts and esters are called sebacates.

sebacic acid
sebacic acid

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Where is sebacic acid found? In what plant objects can it be found? This compound has been found in castor beans. This is the plant from which castor oil is made. The extraction of acid from this oil is complicated by the fact that it contains a mixture of various carboxylic acids. But at the same time, the yield of sebacic acid can reach from 30 to 40%. Which is the most profitable for most industries.

The substance is sold in the form of a piece, the purchase is by weight.

Castor oil and castor oil
Castor oil and castor oil

Other properties

Sebacic acid is used in the production of various products, including household ones. This means that there is a direct contact of this compound with a person. Therefore, it is worth knowing whether this acid poses a danger to humans. Substances are divided into different hazard groups, this compound belongs to 4. This indicates that decandioic acid belongs to low-hazard compounds.

castor bean plant
castor bean plant

Production

The manufacturer of sebacic acid is NIZHGORODKHIMPRODUKT. The supply of this compound is not presented in the form of small lots, it usually occurs in bulk purchase and delivery. It should be noted that the production supplies not only the finished product, but also the raw materials from which sebacic acid is obtained. In the Russian Federation, it is possible to obtain acid from imported raw materials.

One more important property of decandioic acid is worth noting. This connection burns in the form of a candle. This suggests thatevaporation of the substance from the surface of the crystals. Sebacic acid is an explosive substance. An explosion can occur if a large amount of dust accumulates in the air, which contains various pollutants, and a spark appears. Therefore, you should take precautions when working with the connection.

Application

Sebacic acid has a wide range of applications. In the chemical industry, it is used as a stabilizing agent in the manufacture of nylon. Also, it is not dispensed with in the production of various polyester fibers. Most often, sebacic acid is used as a stabilizer of various substances and materials. In addition to the use of the acid itself, derivatives of this compound are also of great use. For example, esters of sebacic acid are used as plasticizers.

This acid is also used in household chemicals, which a person uses, if not every day, then quite often. Also used in the manufacture of decorative cosmetics.

The cost of sebacic acid may change, as it is formed by the availability of raw materials for production. The initial raw material is castor, which is most often found in the tropical part of the Earth. Suppliers of this plant are countries such as India, Argentina, and some others.

Sebacic acid bags
Sebacic acid bags

The value is formed based on how much castor beans were grown and what is the price for the import supply. It is because the plantgrows in a tropical climate, sebacic acid, which is produced by Russian enterprises, is obtained from raw materials of imported origin. The packaging of the substance can be different, but most often bags are used that weigh 25 kg.

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