Methyl laurate is an organic compound with the chemical formula . It is a colorless liquid. It has a fatty flavor. It is the methyl ester of lauric acid (dodecanoic acid). Methyl laurate belongs to the family of fatty acid esters. These are carboxylic esters of a fatty acid.
Synthesis Methyl laurate is synthesized by reaction between lauric acid and methanol by an esterification reaction, using Brønsted acid ionic liquids as catalysts (e.g., sulfuric acid).
Lauric acid, as a component of triglycerides, comprises about a half of the fatty acid content in laurel oil, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil.
Occurrence Methyl laurate is found in species such as iyokan, mustard and Mandragora autumnalis. It is also found in alcoholic beverages, concord grape (Vitis labrusca), melon, pineapple, heated blackberry, red chilli (Capsicum frutescens) and other fruits. It is also present in cheese, hops oil, white wine, liquors and other foodstuffs.
Uses In food industry, methyl laurate is used as a flavoring agent. It is used as an intermediate for detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, stabilizers, lubricants, plasticizers, textiles, alkanolamides, fatty alcohols, and fatty acids. It is also used as an emollient and skin conditioning agent in losions, skin creams, shampoos and hair oils. Methyl laurate is biodegradable. It is also used as a lubricant for machines and in metallurgy. Methyl laurate is used as a component of biodiesel, because it takes high attention due to its favorable combustion properties, including its high cetane number and low viscosity.
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