Lauryl borate
[CAS# 2467-15-4]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Organoboron compounds
• Name: Lauryl borate
• Synonyms: Dodecyl borate; NSC 785
• Molecular Formula: C₃₆H₇₅BO₃
• Molecular Weight: 566.79
• CAS Registry Number: 2467-15-4
• EC Number: 219-582-4
• SMILES: B(OCCCCCCCCCCCC)(OCCCCCCCCCCCC)OCCCCCCCCCCCC

Properties

• Solubility: Insoluble (6.8E^-9 g/L) (25 °C), Calc.^*
• Density: 0.853±0.06 g/cm³ (20 °C 760 Torr), Calc.^*
• Refractive index: 1.4470 (20 °C)^**
• Boiling Point: 514.2±18.0 °C (760 mmHg), Calc.^*
• Flash Point: 238.1±23.9 °C, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Discovery and Applications

Lauryl borate, also known as dodecyl borate, is an organic boron compound with the molecular formula C12H25BO3. It is formed from the reaction of lauric acid or its derivatives with boron compounds. The compound was first synthesized as part of ongoing research into boron-containing materials, which have garnered interest for their unique properties in various applications. The discovery of lauryl borate was driven by the search for effective surfactants, emulsifiers, and additives in different industrial fields.

Lauryl borate exhibits surfactant properties, which makes it valuable in formulations for personal care products, cosmetics, and household cleaning agents. Its long hydrophobic dodecyl chain provides excellent emulsifying and wetting characteristics, allowing for the stabilization of oil-water mixtures. As a result, lauryl borate is often incorporated into creams, lotions, and shampoos to enhance their texture and performance. Its ability to reduce surface tension and improve spreadability makes it an essential ingredient in the formulation of high-quality cosmetic products.

In addition to its role in personal care products, lauryl borate has found applications in the food industry as a food additive and preservative. It can enhance the stability of emulsions and prevent separation in various food formulations, thereby extending shelf life. Its non-toxic nature and compatibility with a wide range of food ingredients make it suitable for use in edible products.

Lauryl borate also has potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in drug delivery systems. Its surfactant properties can facilitate the solubilization of poorly soluble drugs, improving their bioavailability and efficacy. Moreover, research has indicated that boron-containing compounds may exhibit therapeutic effects, making lauryl borate an intriguing candidate for further study in drug development.

The unique properties of lauryl borate extend to its use in polymer chemistry, where it can act as a crosslinking agent. Its ability to interact with various polymer matrices can enhance the mechanical properties of materials and improve their thermal stability. This makes it a valuable additive in the production of coatings, adhesives, and other polymer-based products.

The discovery and development of lauryl borate underscore the versatility of boron-containing compounds in a variety of industrial and biomedical applications. Its surfactant, emulsifying, and potential therapeutic properties continue to drive research and interest in this compound, highlighting its importance in both commercial and scientific contexts.

References

1964. Boron, Metallo-Boron Compounds and Boranes, Adams, R.M., ed., New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.