Undecylenic Acid is an unsaturated fatty acid identified by the INCI name UNDECYLENIC ACID. It is also known as 10-Undecenoic Acid, Undec-10-enoic Acid and 10-Undecenoic Acid. The compound contains an eleven-carbon chain with a terminal carbon-carbon double bond and a carboxylic acid functional group.
Undecylenic Acid is recognized for antimicrobial and antifungal properties and has applications across personal-care, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and specialty formulations. Its combination of a hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain and acidic functional group gives the ingredient distinctive formulation characteristics. Commercial material is commonly encountered as a low-melting solid or liquid depending on temperature. NIST identifies its molecular formula as C₁₁H₂₀O₂ and molecular weight as 184.2753 g/mol.
Undecylenic Acid has CAS Number 112-38-9 and the molecular formula C₁₁H₂₀O₂. Its molecular weight is 184.28 g/mol. The systematic chemical identity is undec-10-enoic acid.
The ingredient has a melting/congealing temperature close to room temperature. Current reference information reports a melting range around 23–25°C, which explains why Undecylenic Acid can appear as either a solidified material or liquid depending on storage temperature. Sigma-Aldrich reports a density of approximately 0.912 g/mL at 25°C and refractive index around 1.449.
The unsaturated fatty-acid structure also gives Undecylenic Acid characteristic chemical reactivity and makes it useful as a specialty ingredient in formulations where antimicrobial functionality and fatty-acid properties are relevant.
Undecylenic Acid is primarily valued for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Published commercial reference information describes antibacterial activity against various pathogenic fungi within an acidic pH range, while its long-chain structure contributes to its interaction with formulation components.
In cosmetic and personal-care development, the ingredient can therefore be considered where microbial-control functionality is relevant. Its acidic nature can also influence formulation pH and compatibility, meaning that the finished formulation should be evaluated rather than treating the raw material simply as an inert fatty ingredient.
Undecylenic Acid should be distinguished from its metal salts, such as zinc undecylenate and calcium undecylenate. These related materials have different chemical identities, specifications and applications and should not be represented as interchangeable products.
Undecylenic Acid can be evaluated in selected skin-care, personal-care, cosmetic and specialty formulations where its antimicrobial characteristics are relevant. It has also been used in pharmaceutical and personal-hygiene applications and as an intermediate for other chemical products.
Its commercial importance extends beyond direct formulation use. Undecylenic Acid is an industrial intermediate and has applications in the manufacture of nylon-11 and other specialty chemicals. Its combination of a terminal double bond and carboxylic acid group makes it useful as a starting material for chemical transformations.
For cosmetic ingredient applications, the appropriate grade, concentration and finished-product use should be determined according to the intended formulation and applicable market requirements.
Undecylenic Acid has a melting range close to room temperature, so temperature control during storage and handling can be important. A material stored below its melting range may appear solid, while warmer conditions can produce a clear liquid. This physical change does not necessarily indicate product deterioration.
For quality control, the analytical method is particularly important. The USP monograph defines Undecylenic Acid at 97.0–102.0%, while the current USP analytical procedure uses gas chromatography for assay. Therefore, an assay value should not automatically be entered into an Assay (HPLC) field.
Other useful quality parameters include specific gravity, residue on ignition, water-soluble acids, iodine value and refractive index. These parameters provide a more complete technical profile for a fatty-acid raw material.
As an Undecylenic Acid Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop can position this material for B2B cosmetic, personal-care and specialty raw-material requirements, subject to the actual commercial grade and specification.
Customers looking for an Undecylenic Acid supplier in India can evaluate the product through its chemical identity, assay, physical characteristics and batch-specific quality documentation. For bulk ingredient supply, the selected grade should be matched with the intended application and technical requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |