Ethyl palmitate (CAS 628-97-7)

Ethyl palmitate, identified by the CAS number 628-97-7, is an ester formed from ethanol and palmitic acid. This chemical is characterized by a fatty acid linked to an ethyl group, which alters both its solubility and volatility compared to its fatty acid counterpart. In research, ethyl palmitate is extensively utilized as a model compound to study esterification reactions, providing insights into the kinetics and mechanisms of ester bond formation and breakdown. It serves as a critical substance in the examination of lipid interactions and behaviors, particularly in the investigation of lipid solubility and diffusion properties in various solvents and environments. The relatively low molecular weight and non-polar nature of ethyl palmitate make it an excellent candidate for studies in organic synthesis and green chemistry, where it is often used as a solvent or as a green alternative to more toxic, traditional organic solvents. Additionally, its properties are exploited in the field of material science, particularly in the development and characterization of bio-based polymers and plastics, where it acts as a plasticizer to improve material flexibility without compromising biodegradability. Ethyl palmitate′s stability and low toxicity also enable its use in environmental science research, particularly in studies related to the biodegradation of esters and their environmental impact.