Undecylenic Acid (10-Undecenoic Acid)
Manufactured by Nova Industries
Nova Industries manufactures high-purity Undecylenic Acid, a versatile C-11 unsaturated fatty acid derived from the pyrolysis of Castor Oil.
This bifunctional molecule—featuring a terminal double bond and a carboxylic acid group—is a critical intermediate in the world of green chemistry. It serves as the primary building block for high-performance Polyamide-11 (Nylon-11) and is a globally recognized, FDA-approved antifungal agent.
1. Production: Pyrolysis & Hydrolysis
Nova Industries utilizes a controlled high-temperature cracking process to produce Undecylenic Acid. We employ two primary routes depending on the desired purity:
Route A: Direct Pyrolysis
Castor Oil is subjected to pyrolysis at $>500^\circ C$ (often reported as 700°C under specific conditions) under reduced pressure. The Ricinoleic molecule cleaves to yield Heptaldehyde and Undecylenic Acid.
Route B: Hydrolysis of Methyl Undecylenate (High Purity)
For pharmaceutical grades, we hydrolyze high-purity Methyl Undecylenate.
- Process: Methyl Undecylenate is reacted with water (steam) to cleave the ester bond.
- Reaction:$$CH_2=CH(CH_2)_8COOCH_3 + H_2O \rightarrow CH_2=CH(CH_2)_8COOH \ (Undecylenic \ Acid) + CH_3OH$$
- Result: This yields a cleaner acid with a lighter color profile, ideal for personal care and pharma applications.
2. Key Industrial Applications
Pharmaceuticals (Antifungal API)
- FDA Status: An FDA-approved Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) for Over-the-Counter (OTC) antifungal medications.
- Mechanism: It acts as a fungistatic and fungicidal agent (approx. 6x more effective than Caprylic acid). It inhibits the morphogenesis of Candida albicans (preventing yeast-to-hyphae transition) and disrupts fatty acid biosynthesis in fungi.
- Uses: Treats Tinea pedis (Athlete’s Foot), Ringworm, Jock Itch, and Cutaneous Candidiasis. Also used in formulations for psoriasis control.
Biopolymers (Nylon-11)
- Precursor: Undecylenic Acid is chemically modified (via hydrobromination and amination) to produce 11-Aminoundecanoic Acid. This monomer polymerizes to form Nylon-11, a high-performance engineering plastic used in automotive fuel lines and pneumatic air brake tubing.
Perfumery & Flavors
- Odor Profile: While the acid itself has a fatty odor, it is the parent molecule for high-value esters (Ethyl Undecylenate, Methyl Undecylenate) which possess floral and fruity notes.
- Musk Synthesis: Used as a starting material for the synthesis of macrocyclic musks (e.g., Exaltolide).
3. Technical Specifications (TDS)
Nova Industries ensures strict adherence to physical and chemical parameters.
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
| Product Name | Undecylenic Acid | — |
| Synonyms | 10-Hendecenoic Acid, 10-Undecenoic Acid | — |
| CAS Number | 112-38-9 | — |
| Chemical Formula | $C_{11}H_{20}O_2$ | — |
| Molecular Weight | 184.28 g/mol | — |
| Physical State | Low melting point Solid / Liquid (ambient) | Visual |
| Appearance | White to Pale Yellow Mass/Liquid | Visual |
| Melting Point | 24.5°C (76.1°F) | — |
| Boiling Point | 232°C – 235°C @ 182 mm Hg | — |
| Specific Gravity | 0.9072 (Water = 1) | — |
| Flash Point | 148°C (Closed Cup) | — |
| Auto-Ignition Temp | 275°C (527°F) | — |
| Color | Light Yellow | — |
| Odor | Characteristic (Fatty / Fruity-Rosy notes) | Organoleptic |
Packaging & Handling
- Packaging: 190 Kg Epoxy-Lined Steel Drums / 200 Kg HDPE Drums / ISO Tanks.
- Storage: Undecylenic Acid has a low melting point (~24°C). In cooler climates, it may solidify in the drum. Store in a cool place, but be prepared to use a drum heater or hot room to liquefy before dispensing.
For Pharma Grade Supply:
Nova Industries
Website: https://novaind.in/