Aleuritic Acid

Aleuritic acid (also known as 9, 10, and 16-trihydroxypalmitic acid) is a special acid that is made up of three hydroxyl groups, two of which are of neighbouring carbon atoms. It is produced by saponifying shellac. When cooled, aleuritic acid crystallises after being only moderately soluble in hot water. In lesser alcohols like methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl alcohols, it is soluble. We currently produce 99% pure technical grade aleuritic acid, a somewhat yellowish solid with hardly any odour. Because it makes a great starting point for the synthesis of compounds with musk-like aromas like civetone, ambrettolide, and isoambrettolide, among others, aleuritic acid is in constant demand in the domains of perfumery and medicines.

Fragrances including civetone, exaltone, ambrettolide, and isoambrettolide are synthesised. glucose manoaleuritate synthesis. The following are other suggested uses for aleuritic acid:

For the creation of lacquers, polymers, and fibres, aleuritic esters are combined with cellulose esters.
In medicine, glucose manoaleuritate (a non-toxic, non-hemolytic molecule) is used as an isocaloric alternative for tripalmitin found in food.
The condensation of aleurtic acid with pithalic adipate, glycerin, rosin, etc. to produce plastics with good adhesive qualities.

Salient Features

Description	White / Cream White
Specific Gravity (20° C)	1.114
Melting Point	94–110° C
Molecular Weight	303-310
Ash	Nil
Solubility	Solubility

PROPERTIES:

Aleuritic Acid is usually sold as a white or slightly yellow odorless powder or granule. It is moderately soluble in hot water or lower alcohols (e.g. ethyl, isopropyl, and methyl alcohols) and crystallizes after the solution is cooled. It has a melting point of around 95-98 degrees Celsius.

USES:

Pharmaceuticals Industry:

Aleuritic Acid is used in the synthesis of Glucose Monoaleuritate (a non-toxic, non-hemolytic water-soluble compound), which is an isocaloric substitute for dietary Tripalmitin.

Wood Treatment Industry:

Aleuritic acid esters are used in the preparation of lacquers and varnishes.

Other Industries:

Aleuritic Acid is used in the preparation of plastics, providing good adhesive properties by combining it with Rosin, Pithalic Andydride, and Glycerin.

In the Personal Care industry, Aleuritic Acid is used as a starting material for the synthesis of Civetone, Ambrettolide, and Isoambrettolide, which are used as fixatives of musk-like aromas in the manufacture of perfume.

MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF ALEURITIC ACID

To manufacture aleuritic acid, seedlac is completely dissolved in a caustic solution and kept for hydrolysis for a period of 7-8 days.

After hydrolysis, the solution becomes viscous due to the separation of sodium aleuritate which is then diluted and washed using the saturated salt solution, and filtered in a thick cloth to obtain sodium aleuritate cake.

Sodium aleuritate is then dissolved in water and heated to boiling temperature and cooled for removal of wax and strained to obtain filtrate of sodium aleuritate.

The filtrate of sodium aleuritate is then acidified with the sulphuric acid solution at a lower temperature up to the desired pH.

It is filtered, and washed thoroughly using water to make it acid-free, dried, and powdered.