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Methyl myristate does not often make the news, but anyone who spends time around chemistry labs, fragrance houses, or food labs has likely run across it. Years ago, chemists extracted myristic acid from nutmeg oil. They learned it brought a smooth, waxy texture when turned into esters. The story of methyl myristate started there, in early research labs in the nineteenth century, as scientists looked for stable, versatile compounds for flavor and fragrance work. For decades, researchers kept finding new ways to use this simple ester, moving it from natural isolation to synthetic production as demand for purity grew. Industrial applications took off in the twentieth century, and it became a quiet workhorse in labs and on production lines.
At first glance, methyl myristate — the methyl ester derivative of myristic acid — looks like a clear, colorless liquid, not so different from the common solvents and intermediates that line shelves in basic chemistry labs. Its formula, C15H30O2, gives it a straight chain that slides into both water-resisting and oil-loving environments. This makes the compound interesting for people trying to solve real-world problems. Anyone looking to blend flavors, adjust cosmetics to feel just right, or design lubricants that ignore cold weather finds methyl myristate quietly useful. Its faint, waxy odor, trace sweetness, low freezing point, and oil solubility turn it into more than a bystander. If you’ve used scented candles, lotions, or synthetic lubes, there’s a reasonable chance methyl myristate played a supporting role.
What's most striking about methyl myristate is not just its chemical formula, but how it behaves. It pours as a clear liquid, holds its form in the cold, and doesn’t freeze until temperatures hit nearly −20°C. Lab workers respect how it keeps from breaking down in everyday conditions. Unlike some similar esters, methyl myristate resists hydrolysis reasonably well, so it avoids turning back into myristic acid and methanol in humid air. Chemists value its flash point around 160°C, striking a balance between safety and workable volatility for different processes. Its density sits around 0.87 g/cm³, and once you catch that faint fatty odor, it’s hard to forget in a busy lab setting.
People buying or handling methyl myristate rely on purity as the main criteria. Genuine commercial material turns up with purity over 98%, lacking significant water or acid residue. Labels often list boiling points, specific gravity, and chemical identification numbers like CAS: 124-10-7. While technical sheets exist, actual users care most about reliable consistency, especially if the product gets used in fine fragrances, food flavors, or research into new materials. For many applications, safe storage and accurate concentration matter as much as any claim of high grade.
Making methyl myristate looks simple on paper. The industrial route goes straight from vegetable oils rich in myristic acid—think coconut or palm kernel oil. Chemists take myristic acid, then run it through esterification with simple methanol using acid catalysts. That old trick—mixing acid and alcohol with a bit of heat—turns fatty acids into their esters, which can be pulled off and cleaned up. In practice, distillation and washing steps help strip out unwanted leftovers, getting the clearest compound for special uses. For labs, smaller batches follow much the same process, focusing on high purity or unique isotopic labeling if needed for research.
Methyl myristate takes part in classic organic chemistry. It survives most handling in neutral or mild conditions, but reacts with strong acids or bases, especially in water. With sodium hydroxide, it breaks back to its parent acid and methanol—a reaction called saponification that lies behind old-fashioned soap making. With hydrogen, catalytic reduction can trim its double bonds in related esters. For anyone looking to tweak its properties, chemists might add functional groups or tweak the alkyl chain. The flexibility of the ester group invites scientists to play, making it a building block for more complex synthetic chemistry, and even as a tag in mass spectrometry studies.
Like many chemicals, methyl myristate can be found under a list of names. Chemists know it as methyl tetradecanoate, and it appears in some catalogs as myristic acid methyl ester. You can see it numbered as CAS 124-10-7, and on older English-language papers, it’s just called “tetradecanoic acid, methyl ester.” No matter the name, a regular in research circles recognizes the waxy, faintly sweet scent drifting from any bottle marked with variations of these names.
Handling methyl myristate does not bring drama, but smart practice is non-negotiable. Despite low acute toxicity, it shouldn’t splash on skin or get in eyes. Good gloves, goggles, and solid ventilation fit the bill. If a spill hits the ground, mop it up and avoid flame—its flash point is higher than many solvents, but the vapor can still catch fire under the wrong conditions. In the workplace, clear labeling and ethanol-resistant gloves usually cover most labs' baseline protocols. Waste goes into organics collection, never straight into drains. Compared to many organic chemicals, methyl myristate rarely causes trouble, but keeping up with safety sheets and updates never feels like wasted time.
Industry turns to methyl myristate for practical reasons. Fragrances and flavors rely on its smooth volatility — letting fruity or nutty notes linger instead of vanishing fast. In cosmetics, it steps in as an emollient, giving lotions a slick, non-greasy feel. Some surfactants and cleaning agents get a boost in solubility from small tweaks involving methyl myristate. In the old-school world of lubricants, especially those used in cold-weather gear, methyl myristate helps keep machines running when unprotected greases freeze solid. Research chemists, especially those working in lipid analysis, sometimes use it as a standard for chromatography. Even specialty biofuels work with methyl esters like this one, looking for renewable sources that handle like traditional fossil fuel blends.
Research on methyl myristate comes in waves. Some work focuses on synthesizing it better, reducing waste and energy needs in the esterification process. Others take cues from biology, designing tagged versions for lipidomics or using it as a delivery agent in controlled-release pharmaceuticals. Analytical chemists spot it in food and environmental samples. Crop scientists explore methyl esters as biopesticides or growth regulators, though here, the data shifts rapidly as new alternatives hit the scene. In the last few years, with a surge in bio-based fuels and biodegradable inputs, methyl myristate stands as a benchmark for how plant-derived fats can move toward bigger commercial goals.
Toxicity studies over the years suggest methyl myristate ranks low for danger compared to many industrial chemicals. Short-term tests in rats and mice show limited acute toxicity. Skin irritation rates sit at the bottom end of standard scales, though anyone with sensitive skin could see mild contact reactions. Long-term studies continue in fits and starts, linking it with broader research into food flavoring additives, surfactants, and biolubricants. People who handle it daily keep a close eye on regulatory shifts, especially with changes in food safety protocols. In a world favoring transparency about what goes into consumer goods, clear documentation of methyl myristate’s safety record remains essential.
People working in industry, research, and regulation often talk about sustainable chemistry. Methyl myristate fits this conversation well, since it can be synthesized from renewable oils rather than petroleum. With the world’s appetite for green lubricants, biodegradable surfactants, and safer, gentler emollients rising every year, this ester’s appeal keeps growing. Researchers keep building more efficient, less polluting methods for its production. Advances in biotechnology—think enzyme catalysis, green solvents, and microbe-based synthesis—promise even cleaner processes. The next decade may see methyl myristate shifting out of the background and into the spotlight for a new generation of sustainable products, especially if regulatory agencies open new doors based on its strong safety and environmental profile.
Methyl myristate comes from myristic acid, which is found in nutmeg, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil. Chemists give it the code C15H30O2. In everyday language, it looks like a clear, oily liquid with a faint, not-unpleasant scent. On a shelf, it doesn’t attract much attention, but dig into lists on bottles, jars, and tubes at the store and it starts turning up everywhere.
Pick up a moisturizer or a creamy sunscreen and scan the ingredients. Many contain methyl myristate. Formulators like it because it softens skin without leaving greasy residue. It moves through skin layers easily, bringing other ingredients along for the ride. In simpler terms, it helps lotions soak in so they feel lighter, and skin feels smooth, not sticky.
I remember using cheap hand creams and always feeling slick and shiny afterward. It wasn’t until I switched to higher-end brands that absorbed instantly that I started noticing names like methyl myristate tucked in with the hard-to-pronounce chemicals. There’s a good reason for that: it makes formulas feel pleasant, so people use them more often. That’s important for products meant to protect from sun or pollution.
Outside cosmetics, small factories depend on methyl myristate in specialty lubricants and rust preventers. Machine parts last longer when things glide instead of grind. Few home mechanics realize this, but a number of “non-drip” spray lubes owe their clean finish to esters like methyl myristate instead of old-school petroleum oils. These synthetic oils stick around and protect even delicate parts like fishing reels or sewing machines, where kitchen grease would only gum up the works with time.
Perfumers use methyl myristate as a fixative. During summer, lighter perfume notes tend to disappear fast, and this compound keeps scents sticking around longer. In small doses, it also imparts softness to the overall fragrance blend.
In food, regulatory agencies like the FDA rule that methyl myristate is “generally recognized as safe” in tiny amounts. Food chemists use it to bring out a creamy mouthfeel in fat-free products — though it shows up more in processed foods than anything grown or cooked at home. Its job isn’t flavor exactly, but to mimic the smoothness of real fats in low-fat cookies or dairy alternatives.
Consumers and technologists both want ingredients that are safe for the skin, lungs, and water supply. Studies show that methyl myristate breaks down easily in nature, and toxicity sits well below worrying levels for both humans and aquatic life. Still, watchdog groups request regular reviews, since demand keeps rising in emerging economies, and large-scale palm oil harvesting still damages forests and habitats.
Smart brands source this compound from sustainable crops and recycle waste oils, easing pressure on forests. Some smaller lab suppliers now offer methyl myristate made from algae or bioreactors, taking pressure off traditional plantations.
More folks pay attention to what they put on their skin and send down the drain. Methyl myristate works quietly behind the scenes, making creams absorb quickly or keeping tools running smoothly, without carrying the health baggage of some older chemicals. Choosing products from ethical companies and reading ingredient labels can support both wellness and a lighter ecological footprint.
Ingredients with chemical names often sound more intimidating than they deserve. Methyl myristate falls into that group. It’s an ester formed from myristic acid, a fatty acid found naturally in things like nutmeg, coconut oil, and palm oil. Manufacturers appreciate its ability to add a silky, lightweight texture to lotions, creams, and even some makeup removers. Even if you have never watched a scientist make it, you’ve probably used products with methyl myristate more than once.
Most big skincare brands include methyl myristate because it helps spread creams smoothly, prevents stickiness, and boosts absorption. The real question comes down to whether it’s safe on all skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin. Regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel have already examined methyl myristate, reviewing toxicity, irritation, and sensitization studies. Data show it rarely causes allergic reactions or irritation when used as intended in everyday cosmetics.
I’ve worked in cosmetic retail and seen customers struggle with breakouts after using products that feel oily. Methyl myristate can create a lightweight film on the skin, giving a soft finish without a heavy, greasy residue. Dermatologists sometimes say it’s non-comedogenic in low concentrations, but people who react to esters or have a track record of clogged pores sometimes report more issues. Peer-reviewed studies don’t link methyl myristate specifically to breakouts, but it has a reputation among acne forums as “pore-clogging” in higher concentrations—especially in thick foundations or heavy creams.
Irritation or allergic reactions from methyl myristate show up rarely in clinical trials. Most reports of discomfort center on use of pure methyl myristate or mixtures with other irritants. Patch testing on healthy volunteers rarely turns up redness or swelling. That doesn’t mean everyone gets a free pass: those who react to coconut oil derivatives might want to patch-test new products, since cross-reactions can happen.
Cosmetic chemists weigh up the purity, concentration, and what else sits in the jar alongside methyl myristate. Added fragrances and certain preservatives increase the risk of reactions, not the ester itself. If you have no history of fragrance allergy or sensitivity to fatty acids, odds remain low you’ll notice any difference when switching to a product with methyl myristate. Still, the best habit involves paying attention any time you swap routines—see how skin behaves, especially if you’ve gone through cycles of breakouts or eczema.
Consider reading labels and patch-testing as your personal insurance policy. Focus on concentration—the more methyl myristate sits near the top of the ingredient list, the more important a patch test becomes. Some brands put their commitment to transparency front and center, publishing full safety files or working directly with dermatologists. Those usually get my vote. Ask about the rest of the formula: Does it carry heavy fragrances or sensitizers? Does your dermatologist already frown on coconut-based ingredients in your routine?
Science keeps evolving, but so far, methyl myristate maintains a low hazard score on respected databases like the EWG Skin Deep database. European and American regulatory agencies allow its use, capping concentrations if evidence suggests stronger exposure causes problems. If your concern centers on breakouts, you might keep a skin diary and note reactions to different products. That method trumps any online review or manufacturer’s claim.
Any ingredient deserves scrutiny when it spends hours sitting on your skin. For methyl myristate, the balance of evidence from both scientists and long-term users leans toward safety, with sensitive skin types checking for individual reactions. Better information, accessible ingredient lists, and consumer awareness offer the strongest tools for anyone standing in front of a shelf, wondering about a hard-to-pronounce chemical.
Methyl myristate lands on a short list of compounds most people rarely think about, but quietly influences everyday products. On paper, it’s just a methyl ester of myristic acid, often coming from natural fats like coconut oil or nutmeg. In many labs I’ve been in, the clear, almost oily liquid arrives in glass, faintly smelling of wax if you lean close. Its molecular weight sits at 242.39 g/mol, not too high, managing to remain light enough to flow but heavy enough to carry a presence in formulations.
One thing that stands out: this ester stays liquid at room temperature. A melting point around 18°C lets it pour and blend in environments much cooler than the average workspace. That liquid range—paired with a low boiling point of about 250°C—means methyl myristate blends smoothly with other oils and doesn’t evaporate away as quickly as lighter solvents. Chemists appreciate its stability; left in a container, it doesn’t go rancid or turn solid until it gets too cold.
Solubility plays a role in how it gets used. Water and methyl myristate don’t mix, but toss this into alcohol or ether and it spreads out without fuss. Because of this, it winds up as a carrier in cosmetics and flavorings, part of the backstage crew enabling smoother lotions, easier mixing, and richer oil blends.
Products meant for skin often reach for methyl myristate because it carries a soft, silky texture that fans out without sticky residue. I’ve found this quality invaluable in creams and sprays needing quick absorption. Perfumers also turn to it; the neutral scent means it won’t overpower other fragrances, but it provides staying power and helps anchor volatile notes. It’s this textural and olfactory “blank canvas” effect driving its demand in personal care.
Lab technicians prize methyl myristate’s mild, consistent behavior. In typical storage, it doesn’t decompose fast and resists air and light for months on the shelf. The backbone of its popularity grows out of this trustworthiness. Safety sheets classify it as low-toxicity. Hands-on work rarely leads to irritation unless someone already knows their skin acts up around esters. That said, no lab ignores the importance of gloves and fume hoods. Though low risk, unventilated fumes can still cause discomfort.
Animal studies have shown low bioaccumulation and easy breakdown in the body, making it less likely to create health concerns compared to heavier synthetic esters. Still, responsible management—labeling, correct storage, and disposal—keeps risks in check and matches the standards both workers and regulators want to see.
Industries searching for biodegradable, sustainable options turn more often to compounds like methyl myristate. Compared to petrochemical-based softeners or solvents, this ester leaves a lighter mark on the environment and comes from renewable sources. It’s no silver bullet; large-scale production still needs oversight and careful supply chains to avoid deforestation or over-harvesting coconut and palm crops.
A bigger push for transparency benefits everyone: ingredient lists that clearly spot methyl myristate make it easier for consumers to assess potential sensitivities or ethical concerns. Researchers developing greener synthesis methods—perhaps using enzymatic approaches—could further lower the footprint and build circular models for chemical reuse.
Methyl myristate shows up as a clear, oily liquid made by combining myristic acid (from nutmeg, coconut oil, and some animal fats) with methanol. Folks in cosmetic labs have used it because it slides on the skin for lotions and creams and helps products go on smooth. There’s always interest in stretching the usefulness of these ingredients, so questions pop up asking if it makes sense for food or medicine. Before pitching methyl myristate into a new arena, there’s wisdom in asking — is it safe, and is it helpful?
Trust in a food or drug ingredient doesn’t grow overnight. Agencies like the FDA look at mountains of data before giving a nod. For methyl myristate, food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade status hasn’t landed in the United States or Europe. In labs, the parent fatty acid (myristic acid) naturally appears in foods like butter and coconut oil, so eating some in your yogurt or ice cream isn’t new. Methyl myristate flips around the chemistry by attaching a methanol group, which changes how the body deals with it. No solid studies have covered the effects of ingesting this modified version for humans, especially over months or years.
Food manufacturers live and die by regulatory tables. The GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list is public. Aspiring ingredients climb this ladder by offering studies on long-term safety, metabolic effects, and chance of allergic reactions. Scanning the GRAS register, methyl myristate isn’t there. EFSA, the big food safety watchdog in Europe, also skips over this ester for food use. For pharmaceuticals, the U.S. FDA’s inactive ingredient database acts as the north star. Methyl myristate doesn’t appear in any approved formulations. Until more research steps up, it sits off both tables.
Food innovation brings wild ideas, but history shows risk isn’t evenly spread. The road to approval has a reason. Methanol byproducts in the body can cause problems at certain levels, and modified esters sometimes act differently than their parent fats. Long before anyone thumbs through recipes or experiments, they need strong proof that these new chemicals won’t trip up human metabolism or build up in tissues in ways that cause harm. There’s no secret shortcut.
Current market needs have plenty of solutions for texture and shelf-life in food formulations. Glycerides and other esters with long GRAS records work just fine. For pharmaceuticals, excipients already exist that don’t pose new unknowns for patients. Chasing methyl myristate as an alternative feels like reinventing the wheel with an unproven compound.
For an ingredient to cross over into food or medicine, researchers must put it through the wringer: absorption, metabolism, toxicity, and real-user studies. For now, methyl myristate lacks that foundation. If anyone’s interested in opening the door, work starts with lab testing and then careful human studies. Until then, the path stands closed for good reason.
Instead of pushing untested compounds, it makes sense to invest time and cash into what’s already proven or launch proper studies for new ingredients. Meaningful food and drug advances come from trust built on data, not hype. Rushing it risks safety and trust, and those aren’t easy to rebuild.
The first time I saw a drum labeled “Methyl Myristate,” I didn’t think much of it. Turns out, even a compound with such a simple name can trip you up if storage and handling slide. Many folks in labs and production rooms cross paths with methyl myristate, especially in cosmetics, lubricants, or certain flavors. Its use keeps expanding, but handling it right keeps everyone safe and the process efficient.
Temperature plays a key role. I always keep it in a cool, well-ventilated area, far from sunlight or any open flames. Even though methyl myristate doesn’t catch fire like some low-boiling chemicals, it’s flammable above a certain point. OSHA and industrial guidelines recommend isolated chemical storage. I always use steel or HDPE containers, tightly sealed. Air exposure leads to slow degradation, forming unpleasant odors and sometimes hazardous byproducts. It’s not paranoia—it’s learning from near-misses and industry recalls.
Humidity also matters. Water in the storage area can seep in, leading to hydrolysis, which spoils the product. Every spill or leak has taught me that labeling spills as “inevitable” is just a shortcut to danger. Regular checks for leaks, container strength, and labeling stop surprises before they start.
Handling any chemical sounds straightforward until a distraction changes the game. In my own work, gloves, goggles, and lab coats feel like second nature because skin and eye contact cause irritation. Direct inhalation of its vapors, while rare in well-ventilated labs, causes distress. The right personal protection gear doesn’t just tick boxes, it keeps you out of urgent care.
Dispensing takes a steady hand. Pouring quickly just to save a minute never pays off. Clean tools, dry work surfaces, and routine equipment checks prevent both contamination and spills. I never use glass containers with chipped rims—one small flaw leads to a big mess and unexpected cost.
Waste chemicals don’t just disappear. For methyl myristate, I separate the waste and send it for hazardous waste treatment. Pouring unused liquid down the drain isn’t just against the rules; it hurts the water supply and local wildlife. My lab keeps printed guidelines from environmental agencies as reminders near every disposal point.
These steps take time, but they save on fines and environmental blowback. Whenever we collect waste, someone logs the volume and source, making it easier to discuss with chemical waste handlers.
After years on the floor and behind lab benches, I’ve watched attitudes shift. Years ago, chemical storage felt like a box-checking routine; now it’s a core part of daily work. Real injuries and real product losses reset perspectives. Respect for these materials—methyl myristate included—doesn’t mean living in fear, it means understanding boundaries. Explaining to new hires how a small storage mistake snowballs into a lost batch, or why a short lapse in PPE brings a doctor’s call, matters more than any lecture.
Every safe day adds to a record you want to keep. Adopting strong routines around chemical storage, clear communication, and proper disposal doesn’t just satisfy regulations—it looks after people, product quality, and the environment.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | methyl tetradecanoate |
| Other names |
Myristic acid methyl ester Tetradecanoic acid methyl ester Methyl tetradecanoate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈmɛθɪl maɪˈrɪsteɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 124-10-7 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `CCCCC(=O)OCCCCCCCCCCCC` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1722050 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:23981 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL140331 |
| ChemSpider | 5916 |
| DrugBank | DB08284 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 18d4e1c7-42f6-4a94-8c67-b98ec6633b0c |
| EC Number | 203-714-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8485 |
| KEGG | C14826 |
| MeSH | D008777 |
| PubChem CID | 8121 |
| RTECS number | OA2450000 |
| UNII | FN646C2F96 |
| UN number | UN3272 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C15H30O2 |
| Molar mass | 242.39 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Faint, pleasant, oily |
| Density | 0.860 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 5.3 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.021 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | Esters have pKa values around 25. |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -77.5e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4300 |
| Viscosity | 10 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 3.92 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 487.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -826.05 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -8978.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D11AX |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS labelling for Methyl Myristate: "Not a hazardous substance or mixture according to the Globally Harmonised System (GHS). |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | No signal word |
| Hazard statements | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. |
| Flash point | 169°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 420 °C |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): > 5 g/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | TRN2462000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | No PEL established |
| REL (Recommended) | 200 mg/L |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Myristic acid Octyl myristate Methyl palmitate Methyl laurate Ethyl myristate |
