The key difference between isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate is that isopropyl myristate is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid whereas isopropyl palmitate is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
Both isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate are ester compounds. These are organic compounds which can be categorized as fatty acids; they contain a carboxylic acid group substituted with an alkyl carbon chain and an alkyl group.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Isopropyl Myristate
3. What is Isopropyl Palmitate
4. Side by Side Comparison – Isopropyl Myristate vs Isopropyl Palmitate in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Isopropyl Myristate?
Isopropyl myristate or IPM is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid. The IUPAC name of this compound is propan-2-yl tetradecanoate. The common name of this compound is tetradecanoic acid. The chemical formula of this compound is C17H34O2 and the molar mass is 270.457 g/mol. This compound exists in a liquid state at room temperature. The boiling point of this liquid is 167 degrees Celsius. Moreover, hydrolysis of this ester forms the acid and liberates the alcohol.
Figure 01: Structure of Isopropyl Myristate
We can recognize isopropyl myristate as a polar emollient and it is useful in cosmetic and topical medicinal preparations where we need a good absorption into the skin. An emollient is a moisturizer that is important in protecting, moisturizing and lubricating the skin. Therefore, studies have shown that isopropyl myristate is a skin enhancer. This compound is also useful as a pesticide against head lice. Here, it acts by dissolving the wax that covers the exoskeleton of head lice, which leads to killing them by dehydration. Similarly, isopropyl myristate is useful in killing fleas and ticks on pets.
Moreover, isopropyl myristate is helpful in removing bacteria from the oral cavity. It is used as a non-aqueous component of the two-phase mouthwash product ‘Dentyl pH”. Apart from that, we can use isopropyl myristate as a solvent in perfume materials and also in the removal process of prosthetic make-up.
What is Isopropyl Palmitate?
Isopropyl palmitate is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is an organic compound having the chemical formula C19H38O2. The molar mass of this compound is 298.511 g/mol. It is an organic compound that is insoluble in water and is exists in a solid-state having a melting point of 13.5 degrees Celsius.
Figure 02: Structure of Isopropyl Palmitate
When considering the uses of isopropyl palmitate, it is important as an emollient, moisturizer, thickening agent, and an anti-static agent. However, this substance is known to cause the formation of acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores as well, upon overuse. Usually, it is considered safe when diluted but it can be carcinogenic in its concentrated state and also we should avoid using it if we have oily skin.
What is the Difference Between Isopropyl Myristate and Isopropyl Palmitate?
Isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate are organic compounds which can be categorized as esters. The key difference between isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate is that isopropyl myristate is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid whereas isopropyl palmitate is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
Below infographs tabulates the differences between isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate in more detail.
Summary – Isopropyl Myristate vs Isopropyl Palmitate
Isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate are organic compounds which can be categorized as esters. The key difference between isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate is that isopropyl myristate is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid whereas isopropyl palmitate is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
Reference:
1. “Side Effects of Isopropyl Myristate.” 14 Mar. 2019, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Isopropyl myristate” By Edgar181 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Isopropyl palmitate” By Edgar181 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia