palmitic acid

noun

, Chemistry.

a white, crystalline, water-insoluble solid, C 1 6 H 3 2 O 2 , obtained by hydrolysis from palm oil and natural fats, in which it occurs as the glyceride, and from spermaceti: used in the manufacture of soap.

palmitic acid

/ pælˈmɪtɪk /

a white crystalline solid that is a saturated fatty acid: used in the manufacture of soap and candles. Formula: (C 15 H 31 )COOH Systematic namehexadecanoic acid

palmitic acid

/ păl-mĭt′ĭk,päl-,pä-mĭt′- /

A saturated fatty acid occurring as combustible white crystals in many natural oils (such as spermaceti and palm oil) and fats. It is used in making soaps. Chemical formula: C 16 H 32 O 2 .

First recorded in 1855–60

C19: from French palmitique; see palm ², -ite ², -ic

A wax obtained from Rhus succedanea was shown by Stahmer to contain palmitic acid and glycerol in the form of glycerol palmitate.

It is a combination of palmitic acid and a peculiar hydrocarbon, called (after the whale) "cetyl," and easily forms pure crystals.

The oleic acid, being liquid at ordinary temperature, together with some stearic and palmitic acid, is thus pressed out.

Likewise the melting point of stearic acid is lowered by the addition of a small amount of palmitic acid.

It contains glycerides of linoleic and especially palmitic acid.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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