Aleuritic Acid
ITC HS CODE - 13019099
Specifications
Aleuritic Acid
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Aleuritic Acid (α-aleuritic acid) is a fundamental, high-value crystalline acid that makes up about 35% of natural shellac. It serves as a crucial starting material in the perfume industry to synthesize macrocyclic musks, and is widely utilized in the production of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
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Physical & Chemical Properties
- Appearance: Fine white to off-white crystalline powder.
- Molecular Formula: C??H??O?
- Molecular Weight: Approximately 304.4 g/mol
- Melting Point: 96 ± 1° C
- Acid Value: 168 - 178
- Moisture: 1% maximum
- Specific Gravity: 1.114
- Purity: 97% – 99%
- Solubility: Soluble in hot water, alcohols (methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol), acetone, and acetic acid. Insoluble in cold water, ether, and petroleum ether.
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Extraction and Production Developments
Historically, isolating this acid was tedious, taking over two weeks per batch. However, modernized techniques—such as microwave-assisted hydrolysis and optimized recrystallization (e.g., using an 80:20 water-methanol mixture)—can recover up to 90% of the product with >98% purity in less than 30 minutes
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Economic and Market Outlook
The global market for aleuritic acid is expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.1%, driven primarily by the rising consumer and industrial demand for sustainable, natural, and biodegradable ingredients
Shellac is a versatile, biodegradable natural resin secreted by the female lac bug (
Kerria lacca). Native primarily to the forests of India, it takes upwards of 300,000 insects to produce just one kilo of the resin. It is utilized globally for wood finishing, pharmaceuticals, and as an edible food glaze
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History and Origins
The use of
Shellac dates back over 3,000 years in India, where it was first used for jewellery and adorning palaces. Historically, it also served as a rich crimson dye and a strong adhesive. Today, India remains the world's largest producer of shellac, with annual exports exceeding $65 million
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Properties
Shellac is a natural thermoplastic material, meaning it softens and flows when heated but becomes rigid at room temperature. Its standout properties include:
- Film-forming: Creates a hard, glossy, and durable protective layer.
- Solubility: Easily dissolves in alcohol (such as ethanol) to create liquid varnishes.
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Main Applications
- Woodworking: Dissolved in alcohol, it is used as a traditional varnish (sometimes applied as "French polish") to finish and protect furniture and floors. It dries rapidly and is easy to repair.
- Food and Candy Glazing: Shellac is commonly used to provide a shiny, moisture-resistant coating to fruits (like apples and citrus) to extend their shelf life. It is also the ingredient that gives the shiny finish to many hard candies and chocolates.
- Pharmaceuticals: Its unique chemical makeup makes it ideal for coating capsules and tablets, allowing it to act as an enteric coating or protect sensitive medications from moisture, light, and air
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Emerging Uses
Because of its eco-friendly, bio-based nature, shellac is increasingly being explored
for modern technological applications. Researchers are investigating its use in
targeted drug delivery systems, sustainable food packaging, and even as a
biodegradable dielectric in flexible printed electronics.
