lithium 12-hydroxystearate

Full Material List

lithium;12-hydroxyoctadecanoate

Identifiers

CAS (Single)	7620-77-1
FEMA	N/A
EINECS	231-536-5
Synonyms	12- hydroxystearic acid, lithium salt lithium hydroxy-12 stearate lithium;12-hydroxyoctadecanoate octadecanoic acid, 12-hydroxy-, monolithium salt
JECFA Food Flavoring	N/A
JECFA Food Additive	N/A
DG SANTE Food Flavourings	N/A
DG SANTE Food Contact Materials	12-hydroxystearic acid, lithium salt
FDA UNII	AO71K6FGH8
CoE Number	N/A
XlogP3-AA	N/A
Molecular Weight	306.41555
Molecular Formula	C18 H35 Li O3

Properties

Food Chemicals Codex Listed	No
Appearance	N/A
Assay	95.00 to 100.00
Specific Gravity	N/A
Lbs/Gal (est)	N/A
Refractive Index	N/A
Melting Point	N/A
Boiling Point	N/A
Flash Point	N/A
Acid Value	N/A
Vapor Pressure	N/A
Vapor Density	N/A
logP (o/w)	N/A
Soluble In	water, 221.5 mg/L @ 25 °C (est)
Occurrence	not found in nature

Organoleptic

Organoleptic Notes	Odor and/or flavor descriptions from others (if found).
Odor	N/A
Flavor	N/A

AInsights BETA

FlavScents AInsights Entry: Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate (CAS: 7620-77-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Common Name(s): Lithium 12-hydroxystearate
IUPAC Name: Lithium (R)-12-hydroxyoctadecanoate
CAS Number: 7620-77-1
FEMA Number: Not applicable
Other Identifiers: Not applicable
Molecular Formula: C18H35LiO3
Molecular Weight: 306.41 g/mol

Lithium 12-hydroxystearate is a lithium salt of 12-hydroxystearic acid. It is characterized by a long hydrocarbon chain with a hydroxyl group, which contributes to its functionality as a thickening agent in greases. The presence of the lithium ion enhances its thermal stability and water resistance, making it valuable in industrial applications rather than flavor or fragrance contexts.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Lithium 12-hydroxystearate does not have a significant sensory profile relevant to flavors or fragrances. It is primarily used in industrial applications where its sensory characteristics are not a primary concern. Therefore, it lacks distinct odor or flavor descriptors and is not typically evaluated for sensory impact in flavor or fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Lithium 12-hydroxystearate is not naturally occurring. It is synthesized through the reaction of lithium hydroxide with 12-hydroxystearic acid, which is derived from the hydrogenation of castor oil. This synthetic pathway does not align with the criteria for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations, as it involves chemical modification and the use of non-natural lithium compounds.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Lithium 12-hydroxystearate is not used in flavor applications due to its industrial nature and lack of sensory properties. It does not contribute to flavor systems and is not included in flavor formulations. Consequently, there are no typical use levels or stability considerations relevant to flavor applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Similarly, lithium 12-hydroxystearate is not utilized in fragrance formulations. Its primary role as a thickening agent in industrial greases does not translate to any functional role in fragrance systems. It does not contribute to fragrance families or product types and is not evaluated for volatility or olfactory contribution.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

United States: Not applicable for flavor or fragrance use; primarily regulated under industrial chemical guidelines.
European Union: Not applicable for flavor or fragrance use; no FL number assigned.
United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations; no specific post-Brexit divergence noted.
Asia: Not applicable for flavor or fragrance use; regulated as an industrial chemical.
Latin America: Not applicable for flavor or fragrance use; follows general industrial chemical regulations.

Lithium 12-hydroxystearate is not explicitly approved for use in flavors or fragrances, and its regulatory status is primarily concerned with its industrial applications.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Oral Exposure: Not applicable, as it is not used in food or flavor applications.
Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe in its industrial applications, but not relevant to fragrance use.
Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; primarily a concern in occupational settings where dust or aerosolized particles may be present.

The risk profile of lithium 12-hydroxystearate is primarily associated with its industrial use, with no significant concerns for flavor or fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Lithium 12-hydroxystearate is valued in industrial applications for its thickening properties and thermal stability. It is not relevant to flavor or fragrance formulators, who typically focus on sensory attributes and regulatory compliance for consumable products. Its use is primarily in the formulation of greases and lubricants, where it provides structural integrity and performance under varying conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on lithium 12-hydroxystearate is well-established in the context of its industrial applications. However, there is a lack of documented practices or data relevant to flavor and fragrance use, as it is not applicable in these fields. Regulatory and safety information is primarily derived from its use in non-consumable products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

All required sections 1–9 are present
"Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
Flavor section includes ppm ranges: Not applicable
Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
If complex natural material: Not applicable

This entry has been reviewed for completeness and accuracy in accordance with the guidelines provided.

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-04-28 18:46:28 GMT (p2)

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