12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid

12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid is a long-chain fatty acid derivative with the chemical formula C18H36O3 and molecular weight 300.46 g/mol. It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents and oils. It is stable under normal conditions and has excellent thickening and gelling properties in non-polar systems.
In terms of uses and applications, 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid is widely used in the grease, lubricant, and cosmetics industries. It is a key raw material for producing lithium and calcium complex greases due to its ability to form stable gel structures. In the cosmetic industry, it is used in creams, ointments, lipsticks, and personal care formulations as a structuring and thickening agent. It is also used in the paints, coatings, and ink industries to improve rheology and texture. Additionally, it finds application in polymers, surfactants, and specialty chemical formulations requiring viscosity control and stability.