— Shellac-Derived Hydroxy Acid
Molecular Formula C₁₆H₃₂O₅
Aleuritic acid — a naturally occurring trihydroxy fatty acid isolated from shellac resin. A rare, high-purity specialty chemical vital to perfumery, polymer synthesis, cosmetic formulation, and advanced research.
Purity Grade
Aleuritic acid (9,10,16-trihydroxyhexadecanoic acid) is a naturally occurring hydroxy fatty acid obtained by the alkaline hydrolysis of shellac resin. It is one of the principal aliphatic components of shellac, constituting a significant fraction of its polyester core.
With three hydroxyl groups along its C16 chain, aleuritic acid is a versatile bifunctional building block prized in synthetic chemistry, specialty fragrance, cosmetic actives, and biodegradable polymer research worldwide.
Trihydroxy Structure
Three hydroxyl groups (at C-9, C-10, and C-16 positions) enable rich reactivity — esterification, lactonization, and polymerization for advanced material applications.
Natural Origin
Derived exclusively from shellac resin through controlled hydrolysis. A renewable, bio-based raw material with a traceable, sustainable supply chain.
High Purity
Available at ≥98% purity for research, synthesis, and formulation applications. Consistent quality across batches with full analytical certification.
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Fine Fragrance
Civettone & Musk Precursor Synthesis
Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of macrocyclic musks and civet-type fragrances, including exaltolide. Its unique ring-closing reactivity makes it indispensable to perfumery chemistry.
Cosmetics & Skincare
Bioactive Skin-Conditioning Agent
Studied for its film-forming and skin-conditioning properties. Used in specialty emollients, barrier creams, and advanced dermocosmetic formulations.
Polymer Chemistry
Biobased Polyester Building Block
Serves as a monomer in the synthesis of biodegradable polyesters and aliphatic polycarbonates. Enables development of bio-based materials with tailored mechanical properties.
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Organic Synthesis
Multifunctional Chiral Scaffold
Valuable chiral building block for total synthesis of natural products. Its defined stereocenters and multiple functional groups allow diverse synthetic transformations.
Research & Academia
Reference Standard & Study Material
Widely used in biochemical and materials science research. Available as a reference compound for cutin model studies, lipid metabolism research, and polymer degradation analysis.
Green Chemistry
Renewable Chemical Feedstock
A naturally sourced, renewable feedstock that supports green chemistry principles. Its bio-based origin makes it an attractive alternative to petrochemical-derived hydroxy acids.
Technical Data
| IUPAC Name | 9,10,16-Trihydroxyhexadecanoic acid |
| Synonyms | 9,10,16-THPA · Aleuric Acid |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₆H₃₂O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 304.42 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 533-87-9 |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Purity | ≥ 98% (by HPLC) |
| Melting Point | 100–102°C |
| Solubility | Ethanol, DMSO, hot water |
| Source | Shellac resin (natural, renewable) |
| Storage | Cool, dry — 2 years shelf life |
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