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Cis-11-Eicosenoate Methyl Ester stands out in the world of organic compounds as a fatty acid methyl ester, derived from cis-11-eicosenoic acid. Recognized among chemical professionals for its versatility, it flows into several industries through both research and manufacturing pipelines. Produced through the esterification of its carboxylic acid parent, its structure features a methyl group attached to the long-chain unsaturated fatty acid backbone. The molecular formula C21H40O2 points to a sizeable carbon skeleton, a hallmark in developing specialized surfactants and lubricants that require longer chain lengths for performance. An HS Code of 29161500 slots it neatly within global trade regulations, placing it firmly among fatty acids, acid oils, and related derivatives.
The compound has a molar mass of approximately 324.54 g/mol, which informs its handling in research, lab work, or as a raw material. Its structure can be described as a twenty-carbon (C20) backbone featuring a cis double bond at the eleventh carbon, ending with a methyl ester functional group. This arrangement affects its melting and boiling points, its chemical reactivity, and solubility characteristics. At room temperature, Cis-11-Eicosenoate Methyl Ester often presents as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, though under certain conditions, such as refrigeration, it may appear as an oily solid or waxy flakes. Its density tends to fall near 0.87 g/cm³ at 20°C, typical for esters of this size, making it float atop water and mix well with various organic solvents like ethanol, ether, or hexane. This solubility profile carries weight in industrial blending, ease of purification, and downstream processing.
Cis-11-Eicosenoate Methyl Ester can be supplied as a neat liquid, dense powder, or even in crystalline flakes or pearl-like forms, depending on its intended use. Industrially, liquid forms suit continuous processing, where pumping and transfer simplicity matter. Flake or solid forms store and handle well for smaller batch labs, minimizing spills or losses. Powdered material disperses more evenly when mixed into polymer or resin systems. Purity checks are critical, particularly for high-value synthesis or analytical standards, so spectroscopic verification via NMR or GC-MS underpins reliable supply. A specification sheet frequently covers appearance, color, acid value, ester content, saponification value, and moisture—metrics that distinguish premium material from routine commodity grade.
From personal experience in the specialty chemicals field, this ester contributes significantly to the formulation of lubricants, surfactants, and cosmetic emulsifiers. Its unsaturation presents opportunities for polymer chemists who need oil-based monomers with greater flexibility or reactivity. Its chain length and methyl ester tail provide a balance between hydrophobicity and chemical stability, an important factor in coatings or additive development, where longevity and resilience are necessary. In the biofuels arena, methyl esters of this chain length demonstrate solid cold flow properties and oxidative stability compared to shorter counterparts, supporting more stable biodiesel formulations. The role this compound plays in research settings, especially in lipid studies, reaches into human nutrition, oleochemistry, and green chemistry platforms looking to replace petrochemical analogues with bio-based versions.
Rigor in chemical safety keeps people and facilities protected during both small- and large-scale operations. Cis-11-Eicosenoate Methyl Ester typically classifies as non-hazardous under many regulatory regimes, given its low toxicity profile and absence of acute hazards. Contact with skin or eyes, though, can still cause irritation, so gloves, goggles, and lab coats form the first shield during handling. This ester resists ignition under ambient lab conditions, but like all organics, improper storage near open flames or strong oxidizers can spell trouble. If spilled, its oily texture spreads rapidly, so absorbent pads and careful disposal, preferably through incineration or controlled collection, stop accidents from going environmental. Experienced chemists know never to underestimate waste streams, even for compounds billed as ‘safe’ or ‘green’, since material can accumulate in soil or water if not managed right. Material safety data sheets flag these issues and typically stress well-ventilated workspaces, keeping the product away from food or inhalable dust situations.
In the raw materials market, sourcing Cis-11-Eicosenoate Methyl Ester connects directly to biosources like rapeseed or meadowfoam oil, which supply the requisite cis-11-eicosenoic acid. This link to agricultural processing has ripple effects. Crop yields fluctuate, affecting price and availability, and traceability becomes a factor for regulatory compliance, especially in cosmetics or foods. Suppliers with robust quality control, transparent sourcing, and ISO certifications, bolster reliability in supply chains. Tightening up on raw material stewardship cuts risks of adulteration or inconsistent batches, which ultimately impacts end product effectiveness. Globalization compounds these issues; shipments travel farther, with more room for temperature swings or damage, demanding careful attention from logistics teams monitoring each drum or tote. From experience, keeping close relationships with vetted suppliers, demanding certificates of analysis, and sometimes locking in multi-year contracts shields critical manufacturing schedules from volatility.
The fine structure of Cis-11-Eicosenoate Methyl Ester opens doors in experimental chemistry. Its double bond at the eleventh carbon brings targeted sites for functionalization, useful in synthesizing higher-value intermediates or designing new surfactant molecules. In lipidomics research, this compound serves as both a standard for calibration and a substrate for enzyme studies, shedding light on metabolic pathways in both plants and animals. The methyl ester functionality speeds up purification by distillation and facilitation in reactions like transesterification, where efficiency saves both time and energy. In academic circles, similar fatty acid esters illuminated membrane fluidity, oxidative resistance, and new drug delivery techniques, making this molecule a step in longer chains of innovation. Its relatively straightforward profile—non-aromatic, mild reactivity—turns it into an accessible model for students and researchers breaking into lipid chemistry, while industrialists look for just such traits in predictable, high-performing additives.
Pushing the envelope for greener chemistry, firms now invest in more sustainable processes to manufacture fatty acid esters. Enzymatic catalysis, for example, drops energy requirements and eliminates harsh acid wastes compared to classic methods. Improved crop breeding, coupled with transparent supply certification, keeps the base fatty acid flowing without driving harmful land use. Downstream, efforts to recycle methyl esters, reprocess expired stock, or convert surplus into energy feedstocks close the loop, shrinking one-time-use culture. From a practical standpoint, chemists who work with these materials push for full lifecycle analyses, tracking impacts from cultivation all the way to end use or disposal. Tightening up on waste collection, solvent recovery, and emissions monitoring means today's experiments can run at scale tomorrow, with less environmental debt left behind. Companies that act as stewards for their products, providing clear technical support, safe handling instructions, and reliable technical data, build industry trust across product lifespans—keeping both people and the wider ecosystem in mind.
