Title: Isopropyl Myristate
CAS Registry Number: 110-27-0
CAS Name: Tetradecanoic acid 1-methylethyl ester
Molecular Formula: C17H34O2
Molecular Weight: 270.45
Percent Composition: C 75.50%, H 12.67%, O 11.83%
Line Formula: CH3(CH2)12COOCH(CH3)2
Literature References: The commercial product usually appears as a mixture of myristate with small amounts of esters of palmitic and other satd fatty acids. Physical properties: Bonhorst
et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. 40, 2379 (1948).
Properties: Liquid of low viscosity, practically odorless. mp ~3°. bp2 140.2°; bp20 192.6°; dec 208°. d20 0.8532; d99 0.7942.
nD25 1.432-1.434. Withstands oxidation and does not readily become rancid. Sol in castor oil, cottonseed oil, acetone, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, toluene, and mineral oil. Practically insol in water, glycerol, propylene glycol. Dissolves many waxes, cholesterol, lanolin.
Melting point: mp ~3°
Boiling point: bp2 140.2°; bp20 192.6°
Index of refraction: nD25 1.432-1.434
Density: d20 0.8532; d99 0.7942
Use: In cosmetic and topical medicinal prepns where good absorption through the skin is desired. A jellied isopropyl myristate was marketed as
Estergel (Merck & Co.) .