12-Hydroxystearic acid

12-Hydroxystearic acid is a saturated C18 fatty acid containing a secondary hydroxyl group. Its carboxyl group forms metal soaps, while the hydroxyl functionality promotes intermolecular association and structured thickening. This combination makes it an important starting material for lithium-soap greases and other rheology-building systems.

The selected industrial solid is the free fatty acid, not a preformed lithium soap or finished grease. Reaction with suitable metal bases produces soap thickeners that structure lubricating oils. It can also support organogel formation or further ester chemistry through its two different functional groups. The resulting texture and thermal response depend on the derivative formed, the oil phase and the manufacturing process.

Typical Applications

• Lithium and lithium-complex greases: Used as a fatty-acid feedstock for producing lithium 12-hydroxystearate-based thickener systems in lubricating grease.
• Metal-soap thickener manufacture: Used with suitable metal compounds to prepare hydroxystearate derivatives for industrial rheology and lubrication applications.
• Organic-phase gelling formulations: Used in compatible systems where association of the hydroxy-fatty-acid structure helps build a network and reduce liquid flow.

Specifications

Specifications describe the standard grade. Tolerance, test method and documentation package are confirmed per order.