© 2026 Nanjing Finechem Holdings Co., Ltd,
All Right Reserved
Product Name: Undecanoic Acid Chemical Formula: C11H22O2 Other Names: Undecylic acid CAS Number: 112-37-8 Undecanoic acid comes from the fatty acid series, forming a white to off-white crystalline solid that holds a slight, fatty odor. Commercial uses range from fragrance chemistry to cosmetic additives, sometimes surfacing in food flavor formulations in strict, regulated concentrations. Its solid state at room temperature and relatively high boiling point help reduce volatility compared to shorter-chain fatty acids.
Main Hazards: Skin irritation, eye irritation, possible respiratory irritation Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, eye or skin contact, ingestion Undecanoic acid acts as a mild irritant, and those working near powders or processing dust can end up breathing it in or dealing with redness on the eyes or hands. Cases of severe harm seem rare, yet lax handling could lead to avoidable discomfort. Eye contact creates more acute concern thanks to its acidity. There’s no sign of carcinogenicity or chronic toxicity in common practice, but risk grows if workers neglect gloves or fume protection during use.
Chemical Identity: Undecanoic Acid Purity: Usually above 98 percent This material usually shows up in pure, isolated form rather than as a mixed ingredient, keeping surprises low for those who read labels. Trusted suppliers keep purity high, which keeps both performance and predictability intact for downstream users in labs, factories, or small-scale workshops.
Inhalation: Get to fresh air quickly. Persistent discomfort from inhalation exposure can call for medical evaluation if symptoms linger. Skin Contact: Wash off with plenty of water and non-abrasive soap to remove residue. Eye Contact: Rinse well with gentle water flow for at least several minutes. Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid inducing vomiting, and check with medical staff if large quantities enter the body. Immediate steps after exposure can make a big difference for comfort and safety, so workplaces need clear signage and trained staff ready to help if a spill or splash occurs.
Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers. Combustion Products: May give off carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide Specific Hazards: Heating leads to smoke and possibly harmful vapors. Firefighting Gear: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing equipment Due to its organic structure, undecanoic acid burns with a typical acrid smoke, not unlike other fatty acids and related organic solids. As with many organics, storage in bulk calls for good spacing and clear escape routes for fire teams.
Personal Protection: Gloves, approved goggles, dust masks Spill Cleanup: Sweep up, keep dust down with a damp cloth, and place in sealable containers Environmental Caution: Prevent bulk from entering drains or natural water sources Prompt and decisive cleanup prevents powder drift, sticky foot traffic, or wider contamination, especially if spillage occurs near water. Simple, everyday equipment gets the job done safely and shows that basic planning covers most hazards this acid may pose.
Handling Tips: Handle with dry, clean hands and avoid dust generation Storage Conditions: Cool, dry location, away from incompatible chemicals such as strong oxidizers Clear labeling, unbroken packaging, and well-sealed containers cut down on incidents from accidental mix-ups or misplacement. Keeping acids like this one apart from strong bases or oxidizers sidesteps reactivity scenarios rarely seen but best avoided entirely.
Workplace Control: Local exhaust or general ventilation Personal Gear: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, dust masks for airborne particles General Hygiene: Wash hands after use, never eat or drink near powders or solids Staying aware of airborne particles matters in confined or poorly ventilated rooms, while modern, basic PPE already on hand suffices for day-to-day tasks. Employees who understand and embrace these controls avoid both short-term irritation and longer-term grievance.
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid Melting Point: Around 28-31°C Boiling Point: Around 268°C Solubility: Poor in water, better in alcohol and ether Odor: Fatty, somewhat mild The substance's manageable melting point and stability at normal temperatures keep it practical to store, ship, and process. Once heated enough to approach its boiling point, decomposition soon follows, suggesting careful handling in labs or specialty factories.
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperature and humidity Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, reducing agents Hazardous Decomposition: Fumes of carbon oxides if burned Safe handling means steering clear of mixing with aggressive chemicals. The likelihood of dangerous reactions drops sharply when containers remain sealed, dry, and distant from highly reactive agents.
Acute Effects: Skin and eye irritation Chronic Effects: Data do not show clear evidence of long-term harm with typical use LD50 and Testing: Few published details on endpoints for lethality, but commonly reported as low-to-moderate for mammals The substance rarely reaches concentrations that cause systemic health effects in occupational settings, provided precautions stick. Most incidents traced back to mishandling and disregard for labeled warnings rather than intrinsic, unavoidable risks.
Fate in Environment: Readily biodegradable Aquatic Impact: Low toxicity to aquatic life at standard quantities Mobility in Soil: Limited, due to low water solubility Careful control over disposal and accidental loss ensures it doesn’t accumulate in waterways. Biodegradability means bacteria and microorganisms break it down over time, which lessens the impact on local habitats, but spills near surface waters could accelerate bacterial blooms, causing oxygen drops in ponds or rivers.
Preferred Method: Incineration or disposal at a licensed chemical waste facility Domestic Disposal: Not recommended Undecanoic acid’s fatty nature means it clogs pipes and resists complete breakdown in typical wastewater treatment. Handing unwanted material off to specialists prevents environmental headaches, avoids regulatory missteps, and sticks to best practices for safe stewardship of chemicals.
Shipping Name: Undecanoic acid Hazard Class: Not typically regulated as a dangerous good for land, sea, or air, but labeling and securing containers remain essential Packing: Tightly sealed, clearly labeled containers Consistent labeling and robust packaging defend against unnoticed leaks or mishandling in transit. Even relatively low-risk substances invite problems from poor planning, so clear paperwork and well-chosen containers make the shipping process safe and predictable from end to end.
Major Guidelines: Listed in chemical inventories such as TSCA (US) and REACH (EU) Usage Restrictions: Follows regulations on handling, waste management, and permissible concentrations in consumer goods Pending the region, authorities ask for good tracking of receipts, storage, and use, with penalties for ignoring disposal or reporting standards. Makers and distributors heeding current guidance reduce the odds of regulatory friction or environmental citations.
