Fatty acids, C16-18, esters with pentaerythritol CAS No. 85116-93-4

Product Description

Fatty acids, C16–18, esters with pentaerythritol are a class of high-performance esters formed by the complete or partial reaction of the four-arm polyol pentaerythritol with a mixture of C16 and C18 fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids). The resulting mixtures are primarily tetraesters, with a compact C(CH₂OCOR)₄ core encased in long, hydrophobic alkyl chains; this structure imparts excellent thermal and oxidative stability, very low volatility, water resistance, and ready biodegradability. Consequently, these waxy solids or viscous liquids are used as high-quality synthetic base stocks in high-temperature lubricants and greases, as additives and processing aids for plastics to impart slip and flexibility, and to add emolliency and thickness to creams and lotions in personal care formulations. They can also be used as flow modifiers and binders in coatings and printing inks, all while maintaining low toxicity and being suitable for food contact and cosmetic applications.

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Product Use & Characteristics

1. Identity

   INCI name: Pentaerythrityl Tetra-C16–18 Acid Esters

   EC No.: 285-547-5

   Core formula: C5H12O4 (pentaerythritol) → fully esterified C(CH2OCOR)4 where R = C15H31, C17H35, C17H33

2. Physical state & appearance

   White waxy solid or pale-yellow viscous liquid (depending on fatty-acid profile)

   Melting point: 50–70 °C

   Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohols, ethers, mineral and vegetable oils

3. Key physicochemical properties

   Thermal stability: onset ≈ 370 °C

   Excellent oxidative & hydrolytic resistance (β-hydrogen-free structure)

   High viscosity index (VI), low pour-point (< –40 °C possible)

   Hydrophobic, low volatility, non-corrosive

   Readily biodegradable; low acute toxicity

4. Synthesis methods

   Traditional acid catalysis (H2SO4 or p-TSA, 180–220 °C, 5–7 h)

   Autocatalytic green route (200–230 °C, 0.04–0.05 MPa vacuum, 2–4 h, no added catalyst) followed by molecular distillation for purification

   Raw fatty acids from palm oil or waste cooking oil → hydrolysis → distillation → esterification

5. Typical composition (commercial grades)

   Mixed esters: 10–25 % mono-/diester, 30–45 % triester, 6–11 % tetraester

   Free fatty acid < 1 %; residual pentaerythritol < 0.5 %

6. Toxicological data

   Oral LD50 (rat): > 2 000 mg kg⁻¹ bw

   Dermal LD50 (rat): > 2 000 mg kg⁻¹ bw

   Inhalation LC50 (rat, 4 h aerosol): > 5 100 mg m⁻³

   Minimal skin/eye irritation; not sensitising

7. Uses

   Lubricants: synthetic base oil for aviation (MIL-PRF-23699G), automotive, metal-working, textile spin-finish (service range –40 °C to 220 °C)

   Plastics & rubber: internal/external lubricant, mold-release agent for PBT, PVC, TPU; aids hot filling ≤ 100 °C

   Cosmetics & personal care: emollient, thickener, co-emulsifier in creams, lotions, lipsticks

   Coatings & inks: plasticizer and leveling agent for solvent-borne and powder systems

8. Environmental & safety profile

   Readily biodegradable (≥ 60 % OECD 301)

   Low bioaccumulation potential

   Autocatalytic process reduces wastewater and eliminates corrosive acids

   Store cool & dry, away from oxidizers; catalyst-free grades stable ≥ 2 years

Why us!

Qingdao Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd., established in January 2017 and headquartered in Qingdao, China, is a reliable chemical supplier. Specializing in pharmaceuticals, biochemical intermediates, and research chemicals, the company offers a diverse product portfolio, including peptides (e.g., Tirzepatide, Semaglutide), nootropics, veterinary products, and APIs, often marketed with ≥99% purity and COA certification. We provides R&D, custom synthesis, and contract manufacturing services at various scales, while claiming a global export presence across 100+ countries. With international warehouses in the USA, Europe, Australia, and Canada, Qingdao Sigma Chemical also facilitates drop-shipping and reshipments, positioning itself as a key supplier for laboratory and research applications.