lauric acid
Quick Summary
Lauric acid is a crystalline fatty acid with the chemical formula C12H24O2. It is a saturated fatty acid, meaning its carbon chain has the maximum number of hydrogen atoms bonded to it. Lauric acid is commonly found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It is primarily used in the production of soaps and esters. Lauric acid can also form glycerol esters, such as trilaurin, which is found in laurel leaves and various seed fats. The name "lauric" originates from the Latin word for laurel.12345
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
carboxylic acidSaturated aliphatic acids…from C12 to C18 (lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic), are present in the fats and oils of many animals and plants, with palmitic and stearic acids being the most prevalent. Lauric acid (C12) is the main acid in coconut oil (45–50 percent) and palm kernel oil (45–55 percent). Nutmeg…
Read More…from C12 to C18 (lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic), are present in the fats and oils of many animals and plants, with palmitic and stearic acids being the most prevalent. Lauric acid (C12) is the main acid in coconut oil (45–50 percent) and palm kernel oil (45–55 percent). Nutmeg…
Read More
carboxylic acidUnsaturated aliphatic acids…of the high percentage of lauric acid (C12), which has a low molecular weight. Polyunsaturated fats may be defined as those containing an average of more than one double bond per fatty acid molecule.
Read More…of the high percentage of lauric acid (C12), which has a low molecular weight. Polyunsaturated fats may be defined as those containing an average of more than one double bond per fatty acid molecule.
Read More
