Name: Isopropyl Myristate
CAS No: 1-Methylethyl tetradecanoate [110-27-0]
BP: Isopropyl Myristate PhEur: Isopropyl Myristate USP-NF: Isopropyl Myristate
Estol IPM; HallStar IPM-NF; isopropyl ester of myristic acid; Isopropylmyristat; isopropylis myristas; Kessco IPM 95; Lexol IPM-NF; myristic acid isopropyl ester; Rita IPM; Stepan IPM; Super Refined Crodamol IPM; Tegosoft M; tetradecanoic acid, 1- methylethyl ester; Waglinol 6014.
1-Methylethyl tetradecanoate [110-27-0]
C17H34O2 270.5
Isopropyl myristate is a nongreasy emollient that is absorbed readily by the skin. It is used as a component of semisolid bases and as a solvent for many substances applied topically. Applications in topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations include bath oils; make-up; hair and nail care products; creams; lotions; lip products; shaving products; skin lubricants; deodorants; otic suspensions; and vaginal creams; see Table I. For example, isopropyl myristate is a self-emulsifying component of a proposed cold cream formula,(1) which is suitable for use as a vehicle for drugs or dermatological actives; it is also used cosmetically in stable mixtures of water and glycerol.(2) Isopropyl myristate is used as a penetration enhancer for transdermal formulations, and has been used in conjunction with therapeutic ultrasound and iontophoresis.(3) It has been used in a water-oil gel prolonged-release emulsion and in various microemulsions. Such microemulsions may increase bioavailability in topical and transdermal applications.(4) Isopropyl myristate has also been used in microspheres, and significantly increased the release of drug from etoposide-loaded microspheres.(5) Isopropyl myristate is used in soft adhesives for pressuresensitive adhesive tapes.(6)
Isopropyl myristate is a clear, colorless, practically odorless liquid of low viscosity that congeals at about 58C. It consists of esters of propan-2-ol and saturated high molecular weight fatty acids, principally myristic acid
See Table II.
Boiling point 140.28C at 266 Pa (2 mmHg) Flash point 153.58C (closed cup) Freezing point 58C Solubility Soluble in acetone, chloroform, ethanol (95%), ethyl acetate, fats, fatty alcohols, fixed oils, liquid hydrocarbons, toluene, and waxes. Dissolves many waxes, cholesterol, or lanolin. Practically insoluble in glycerin, glycols, and water. Viscosity (dynamic) 5–7 mPa s (5–7 cP) at 258C
Isopropyl myristate is resistant to oxidation and hydrolysis, and does not become rancid. It should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place and protected from light.
When isopropyl myristate comes into contact with rubber, there is a drop in viscosity with concomitant swelling and partial dissolution of the rubber; contact with plastics, e.g. nylon and polyethylene, results in swelling. Isopropyl myristate is incompatible with hard paraffin, producing a granular mixture. It is also incompatible with strong oxidizing agents
Isopropyl myristate may be prepared either by the esterification of myristic acid with propan-2-ol or by the reaction of myristoyl chloride and propan-2-ol with the aid of a suitable dehydrochlorinating agent. A high-purity material is also commercially available, produced by enzymatic esterification at low temperature.
Isopropyl myristate is widely used in cosmetics and topical pharmaceutical formulations, and is generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant material.(7–9) LD50 (mouse, oral): 49.7 g/kg(10) LD50 (rabbit, skin): 5 g/kg
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled.
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (otic, topical, transdermal, and vaginal preparations). Used in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the UK. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.
Isopropyl palmitate
Isopropyl myristate has been used in microemulsion templates to produce nanoparticles as potential drug delivery vehicles for proteins and peptides.(11,12) Isopropyl myristate 50% has been shown to be an effective pediculicide for the control of head lice.(13) The EINECS number for isopropyl myristate is 203-751-4. The PubChem Compound ID (CID) for isopropyl myristate is 8042.