Palmitic Acid

C₁₆H₃₂O₂

IUPAC: Hexadecanoic acid

CAS: 57-10-3

Overview

Palmitic acid is the most common saturated fatty acid found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. It was first discovered in palm oil.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 32 1.0080
Carbon C 16 12.0110
Oxygen O 2 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×32
12.6%
C
Carbon ×16
74.9%
O
Oxygen ×2
12.5%

Uses

  • • Soap production
  • • Cosmetics
  • • Food additive
  • • Metallic stearate production

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Makes up about 25% of total fatty acids in human body fat

Structure

SMILES

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)O

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
256.42 g/mol
Density
0.8530 g/cm³
Melting Point
63.1 °C
Boiling Point
351.0 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
256.2402
XLogP
6.4
TPSA
37.3 Ų
H-Bond Donors
1
H-Bond Acceptors
2
Rotatable Bonds
14
Heavy Atoms
18
Complexity
178.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palmitic Acid?
Palmitic Acid (C₁₆H₃₂O₂) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Hexadecanoic acid.
What is the molecular weight of Palmitic Acid?
Palmitic Acid has a molar mass of 256.42 g/mol.
What state is Palmitic Acid at room temperature?
Palmitic Acid is a solid at room temperature.
Is Palmitic Acid organic or inorganic?
Palmitic Acid is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Palmitic Acid?
Palmitic Acid (C₁₆H₃₂O₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).