MYRISTIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Myristic acid is a saturated fatty acid that belongs to the family of long-chain fatty acids. Its chemical formula is C14H28O2, with a molecular weight of 228.37 g/mol. It is a white, crystalline solid that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether.
Naturally occurring in various plant and animal fats, myristic acid is commonly found in significant amounts in nutmeg, palm oil, and coconut oil. It also exists in smaller quantities in dairy products, butterfat, and certain meats. It can be obtained by the hydrolysis of these fats using alkaline solutions or by fractional distillation of nutmeg butter.
Myristic acid serves several purposes in different industries. It is widely used in the production of soaps, detergents, and personal care products due to its excellent cleansing and foaming properties. Additionally, it functions as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer in various food products such as baked goods, chewing gum, and ice cream. It is also utilized in the manufacturing of synthetic flavors and fragrances.
Although myristic acid is generally regarded as safe for consumption, excessive intake of foods high in this fatty acid has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. This is due to its ability to raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the body. Therefore, it is recommended to consume myristic acid in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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An acid, C14H26O2, occurring as a glyceride in oil of nutmeg, spermaceti, and other oils.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MYRISTIC ACID
- nyristic acid
- kyristic acid
- jyristic acid
- mtristic acid
- mgristic acid
- mhristic acid
- m7ristic acid
- m6ristic acid
- myeistic acid
- mydistic acid
- myfistic acid
- mytistic acid
- my5istic acid
- my4istic acid
- myrustic acid
- myrjstic acid
- myrkstic acid
- myrostic acid
- myr9stic acid
Etymology of MYRISTIC ACID
The word myristic in myristic acid comes from the Latin term Myristica, which is the scientific name for the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans). The nutmeg tree is the source from which myristic acid was initially discovered and isolated. The term acid indicates its classification as a carboxylic acid due to the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH) in its chemical structure. Hence, myristic acid literally means acid derived from the nutmeg tree.
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