99% LITHIUM 12-HYDROXYSTEARATE CAS 7620-77-1

What is Lithium 12-hydroxystearate?

Lithium 12-hydroxystearate, also known as lithium 12-hydroxystearate (or simply lithium 12-hydroxystearate monolithium salt), is a fatty acid lithium soap obtained by the saponification reaction of 12-hydroxystearic acid and lithium hydroxide. Its chemical formula is usually written as:

C18H35LiO3 (CAS No.: 7620-77-1, molecular weight approximately 306.4)

At room temperature, it is a white to off-white powder or soap-like solid, insoluble in water, and exhibits typical characteristics of fatty acid metal soaps. It can saponify in base oils to form a three-dimensional fibrous network and thicken into a semi-solid grease, and it can also self-assemble into a gel network in various organic solvents—this dual gelling property makes it not only a core thickener in the grease industry, but also a classic model molecule in gel materials research.

From a molecular structure perspective, lithium 12-hydroxystearate is composed of 12-hydroxystearate (C18H35O3-) and lithium ions (Li+). The long-chain fatty acid provides oil solubility, and the hydroxyl group at position 12 participates in the formation of an intermolecular hydrogen bond network. The strong intermolecular interactions brought about by the hydroxyl group enable it to construct fibrous gel networks in organic solvents even at extremely low concentrations. This is the structural basis for its widespread interest in the study of organic gels and oleogels.

Chemically, lithium 12-hydroxystearate is stable, has a high dropping point (lithium-based esters typically have a dropping point of 190-200℃), excellent water resistance and mechanical stability, and good compatibility with most formulation components. Simply keep it dry and avoid moisture during storage.

Non-industrial grade lithium 12-hydroxystearate refers to products intended for non-mass industrial applications such as scientific research and daily chemical production. These mainly include reagent-grade and daily chemical-grade specifications. Compared to industrial-grade products, non-industrial grade lithium 12-hydroxystearate focuses more on the following indicators:

Purity and Impurity Control

Reagent-grade reagents require high main content (generally above 98%) and strict control of free acid, free alkali and metal impurities to ensure the accuracy and repeatability of experimental results.

Moisture

Excessive moisture content can affect the saponification reaction and gel formation performance, and must be kept at a low level.

Free acid and free base

Residual free acids or bases can affect the stability and safety of the formulation system and must be strictly controlled.

Ash

Ash content reflects the purity and impurity content of soap and must meet the specifications.

What are the uses of Lithium 12-hydroxystearate?

1. Scientific research and laboratory applications (reagent grade)

Lithium 12-hydroxystearate is an important experimental reagent for the study of grease formulation, soap fiber structure and gelation mechanism. It can also be used as a classic gel factor model for the study of organic gels, and is used in soft matter science, colloid and interface chemistry and other fields.

2. Research on oleogels and food structure (research-grade)

12-hydroxystearic acid and its lithium salt can self-assemble in edible oils to form oleogels, which is a research hotspot for replacing trans fats and constructing low-saturated fat food structures. It has broad research and application prospects in food science, oil engineering and other fields.

3. Research on daily chemical gels and formulations (daily chemical grade)

Utilizing its gelling ability, lithium 12-hydroxystearate can be used in the structural research of creams, lotions, and gels for daily chemical formulations, helping the formulations to obtain a stable and smooth texture. It is one of the functional raw materials in the development of personal care products.

4. Lithium-based grease thickener (core application)

Lithium 12-hydroxystearate is the most classic and widely used thickener for lithium-based greases. It is saponified in base oil (mineral oil or synthetic oil) to form a fibrous network, which thickens into a general-purpose lithium-based grease. It has the characteristics of high dropping point, good water resistance, mechanical stability and oxidation resistance. It is the most widely used grease in the world and is widely used in bearings and friction pairs in the automotive, industrial, railway, and aviation industries.

( 1 ) By combining lithium 12-hydroxystearate with lithium dicarboxylate soap, a composite lithium-based grease can be prepared, which further improves the dropping point and extreme pressure anti-wear performance, and is suitable for high temperature and heavy load conditions, such as metallurgy, rolling mills, heavy-duty automobiles and other scenarios.

( 2) Household lithium-based grease with lithium 12-hydroxystearate as thickener is widely used for the lubrication and maintenance of everyday items such as door locks, hinges, bicycle chains, and tools. It is a common lubricating product in household toolboxes.

( 3 ) Lithium 12-hydroxystearate can also be used as a thickener to formulate special products such as automotive wheel hub grease, motor bearing grease, and anti-rust lubricating grease to meet the requirements of different working conditions for temperature resistance, water resistance, extreme pressure and other properties.

( 4 ) Model making and mechanical enthusiasts often use lithium-based grease to maintain transmission components and bearings. Lubricating products containing 12-hydroxylithium stearate are widely used in DIY and craft scenarios.

5. Other Applications

With the development of soft matter and food science, the application scope of non-industrial grade lithium 12-hydroxystearate continues to expand, including in areas such as teaching experiments, custom synthesis, and supply of standard reagents.

It should be noted that non-industrial grade specifications do not equate to "risk-free": lithium 12-hydroxystearate is a low-risk substance, but reagent-grade products should be used in accordance with laboratory safety regulations when used in experiments to avoid dust inhalation and skin contact; raw materials used in food and daily chemical research must meet the relevant safety standards and regulations.

Summarize

Lithium 12-hydroxystearate is a white, powdery lithium fatty acid soap. It is both a classic thickener for lithium-based greases and a classic model molecule in gel material research. In daily life, we indirectly come into contact with it through greases used in automotive and electric vehicle wheel bearings, household appliance motor bearings, bicycles, door locks, and tools. In non-industrial applications, reagent-grade and consumer-grade lithium 12-hydroxystearate are widely used in scientific research and laboratories, oil gel and food structure research, consumer gel formulations, household lubrication and maintenance, and craft hobbies. It is an important functional chemical bridging "daily use" and "scientific research, food, and consumer chemicals."