Description

3-Methylhexadecanoic Acid is a branched-chain fatty acid with a unique methyl group substitution, offering distinct chemical and physical properties compared to its straight-chain counterparts. This structural feature makes it a valuable intermediate for synthesizing specialized surfactants, lubricants, and fine chemicals where specific branching is required to modify performance characteristics. It is primarily utilized by R&D laboratories and industrial manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and specialty chemical sectors for developing novel compounds and formulations.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate: Used in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and prodrugs, where its branched structure can influence bioavailability and metabolic stability.
• Surfactant & Detergent Precursor: Serves as a key raw material for manufacturing branched-chain anionic and nonionic surfactants, which offer improved solubility and low-temperature performance.
• Lubricant & Grease Additive: Employed in the production of synthetic esters and additives that enhance the lubricity, thermal stability, and viscosity index of industrial lubricants.
• Cosmetic & Personal Care Ingredient: Acts as an emollient or a building block for esters used in skin creams, lotions, and other personal care formulations.
• Polymer & Resin Modifier: Incorporated as a monomer or modifier to alter the flexibility, crystallinity, and processing characteristics of polymers and coatings.
• Analytical Reference Standard: Supplied as a high-purity standard for gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) in analytical laboratories for identification and quantification.
• Fine Chemical Synthesis: Utilized as a chiral building block or intermediate in asymmetric synthesis and the production of specialty chemicals for agrochemicals and flavors.

Basic Information

Product Name	3-Methylhexadecanoic Acid
CAS No.	42172-35-0
Molecular Formula	C₁₇H₃₄O₂
Molecular Weight	270.45 g/mol
Synonyms	3-Methylpalmitic Acid; 14-Methylpentadecanoic Acid; Isoheptadecanoic Acid; 3-Methylhexadecanoic Acid; 3-Methyl C16 Acid; Heptadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-; 14-Methylpentadecylic Acid
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our 3-Methylhexadecanoic Acid is produced under a strict quality management system. Each batch undergoes comprehensive analytical testing, including chromatographic purity assays and identity confirmation, to ensure it meets precise customer specifications and industry standards. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting purity, physical properties, and test results is provided with every shipment and is available upon request.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Keep away from strong oxidizers, bases, and heat sources.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline solid
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Assay (GC)	≥ 97.0%
Melting Point	Contact for details
Loss on Drying	≤ 0.5%
Heavy Metals	≤ 10 ppm

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.