Isopropyl Palmitate

Basic Information

Name: Isopropyl Palmitate

CAS No: 1-Methylethyl hexadecanoate [142-91-6]

Functional Categories

Emollient Oleaginous vehicle Skin penetrant Solvent

1. Nonproprietary Names

BP: Isopropyl Palmitate PhEur: Isopropyl Palmitate USP-NF: Isopropyl Palmitate

2. Synonyms

Emerest 2316; hexadecanoic acid isopropyl ester; hexadecanoic acid 1-methylethyl ester; isopropyl hexadecanoate; isopropylis palmitas; Isopropylpalmitat; Kessco IPP; Lexol IPP-NF; Liponate IPP; palmitic acid isopropyl ester; Propal; Protachem IPP; Rita IPP; Stepan IPP; Super Refined Crodamol IPP; Tegosoft P; Unimate IPP; Waglinol 6016; Wickenol 111.

3. Chemical Name & CAS Registry

1-Methylethyl hexadecanoate [142-91-6]

4. Empirical Formula & Molecular Weight

C19H38O2 298.51

5. Structural Formula

6. Applications

Isopropyl palmitate is a nongreasy emollient with good spreading characteristics, used in topical pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics such as: bath oils; creams; lotions; make-up; hair care products; deodorants; lip products; suntan preparations; and pressed powders; see Table I. Isopropyl palmitate is an established penetration enhancer for transdermal systems. It has also been used in controlled-release percutaneous film

7. Description

Isopropyl palmitate is a clear, colorless to pale yellow-colored, practically odorless viscous liquid that solidifies at less than 168C

8. Pharmacopeial Specifications

See Table II.

9. Typical Properties

Boiling point 1608C at 266 Pa (2 mmHg) Freezing point 13–158C Refractive index 1.436 at 258C for Propal. Solubility Soluble in acetone, chloroform, ethanol (95%), ethyl acetate, mineral oil, propan-2-ol, silicone oils, vegetable oils, and aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons; practically insoluble in glycerin, glycols, and water. Specific gravity 0.852 at 258C for Propal. Surface tension 29 mN/m for Tegosoft P at 258C Viscosity (dynamic) 5–10 mPa s (5–10 cP) at 258C

10. Stability & Storage

Isopropyl palmitate is resistant to oxidation and hydrolysis, and does not become rancid. It should be stored in a well-closed container, above 168C, and protected from light.

11. Incompatibilities

See Isopropyl Myristate.

12. Method of Manufacture

Isopropyl palmitate is prepared by the reaction of palmitic acid with propan-2-ol in the presence of an acid catalyst. A high-purity material is also commercially available, which is produced by enzymatic esterification at low temperatures.

13. Safety

Isopropyl palmitate is widely used in cosmetics and topical pharmaceutical formulations, and is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material.(1–3) LD50 (mouse, IP): 0.1 g/kg(4)

14. Handling Precautions

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled.

15. Regulatory Status

Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (topical and transdermal preparations). Used in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the UK. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.

16. Related Substances

Isopropyl myristate.

17. Comments

Isopropyl palmitate has been investigated in the production of reversed sucrose ester vehicles.(5) It has also been investigated in the microemulsion systems,(6) which may enhance transdermal delivery, and as the organic phase for formation of lecithin organogels,(7,8) which may also be used in transdermal delivery systems. The EINECS number for isopropyl palmitate is 205-571-1. The PubChem Compound ID (CID) for isopropyl palmitate is 8907