Lauroyl Chloride (Dodecanoyl Chloride) CAS 112-16-3

Lauroyl Chloride – Reactive Acylating Agent for Cellulose Modification and Collagen Derivatization

Basic Information

• Product Name: Lauroyl chloride (Dodecanoyl chloride)

• CAS Number: 112-16-3

• Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₃ClO

• Molecular Weight: 218.76 g/mol

• Purity: ≥98%

• Appearance: Colorless oily liquid

• Free Chloride: ≤2.0%

• Density: ~0.92 g/cm³

• Boiling Point: 145–147°C (at 20 mmHg)

• Flash Point: >100°C (closed cup)

• Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents; reacts with water and alcohols.

Overview
Lauroyl chloride (also known as dodecanoyl chloride) is a reactive acyl chloride derived from lauric acid. Its high reactivity makes it a valuable reagent for introducing lauroyl groups onto various substrates through acylation reactions. It is widely used for the chemical modification of cellulose‑based materials and proteins, providing improved hydrophobicity, surface activity, and compatibility with organic matrices.

Applications

• Nanocellulose modification: Used to chemically modify nanocellulose (including nanofibrillated cellulose and cellulose nanocrystals) by grafting lauroyl chains onto the surface hydroxyl groups. This improves dispersibility in non‑polar media, enhances hydrophobicity, and tailors surface properties for advanced composite materials.

• Collagen acylation: Employed in the preparation of acylated collagen derivatives with enhanced water solubility and surface activity, useful in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biomaterial applications.

• Chemical synthesis: Acts as an acylating agent in the preparation of esters, amides, and other fine chemicals.

• Surfactant production: Intermediate for the synthesis of specialty surfactants and emulsifiers.

Key Benefits

• High reactivity – readily acylates hydroxyl and amino groups under mild conditions.

• Purity ≥98% ensures consistent reaction outcomes.

• Provides hydrophobic lauroyl chains, imparting amphiphilic properties to modified materials.

• Versatile for both laboratory and industrial‑scale synthesis.

Reaction Conditions
Acylation reactions are typically carried out in anhydrous organic solvents (e.g., dichloromethane, toluene, or THF) in the presence of a base (e.g., pyridine or triethylamine) to neutralize the HCl by‑product. Reaction times and temperatures vary depending on the substrate and desired degree of substitution.

Handling and Storage

• Store in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

• Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent hydrolysis and degradation.

• Handle with care – reacts violently with water, releasing corrosive HCl gas.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing, and respiratory protection if necessary).

• In case of contact with skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Packaging
Available in 1 L, 5 L, 20 L, and 200 L drums, or custom packaging upon request.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is analyzed for purity (by GC), free chloride content, and acid value to ensure consistent quality.