Tetradecanedioic acid stands out in the world of specialty chemicals. Its molecular formula is C14H26O4, which reveals a backbone of 14 carbon atoms with carboxylic acid groups at each end. This structure shapes how it behaves, from reactivity to performance in chemical processes. Its CAS number is 821-38-5, and the HS Code used during international trade—2917.13—links it to organic acids, making classification straightforward across customs and regulatory environments. The IUPAC name, tetradecanedioic acid, signals a molecule with decanedioic roots, sharing family ties to dicarboxylic acids such as adipic and sebacic acid. You find it as solid flakes, powder, pearls, fine crystals, and occasionally pressed tablets, never as a liquid at room temperature. Its density lands around 1.2 g/cm³, so it’s heavier than most organic compounds found in the lab. The acid appears as a brilliant white or off-white solid, sometimes glinting as a crystalline powder that shoots a warning to those familiar with hazardous substances—pure isn’t always safe. A faint, sharp smell hints at its presence but does not announce it boldly. In some plants, the raw material arrives as solid flakes packed in drums or bags, transported carefully to avoid spillage or contamination.
The backbone of tetradecanedioic acid tells more than just a formula—long chains ending in -COOH groups at both terminals, setting up efficient reactions during polymerization or condensation. The carboxyl groups open doors to countless derivatives, and industries prize this arrangement. In applications, chemists consider the melting point, which falls close to 127-130°C, just above boiling water’s reach but still accessible with standard lab heating. The solubility matters: water can’t dissolve much of it, but organic solvents like ethanol and acetone do the trick. In practice, I’ve seen teams dissolve tetradecanedioic acid in hot solvents, watching for clear, particle-free solutions, since a proper solution makes or breaks polymer formation. Reactivity rises with two carboxylic acid groups—these ends react with alcohols, amines, and other molecules. The acid’s stability in solid form proves useful during shipping and storing—exposure to air doesn’t cause degradation, and modest heat doesn’t lead to decomposition. Its molecular weight clocks in at about 258.36 g/mol, and this matters: every gram used in the lab or factory floor undergoes conversion and calculation based on this consistent number.
Producers offer tetradecanedioic acid in several grades—industrial, technical, and high-purity. Flakes and powder are most common in manufacturing, as flakes break down easily, and powders spread evenly for quick dissolution. Pearl and crystal grades shine in situations where slow release or measured reaction speed is needed. Every grade lists moisture content, with top products pegged at less than 0.3 percent to avoid caking. Purity levels, typically above 98 percent, command higher value since impurities compromise performance, especially in polymer or resin manufacture. Bulk density affects how material packs into containers; higher density signals less wasted space and easier handling. From a practical angle, large sacks or drums show up at plants, transferred into storage with dust control to limit exposure to workers. Material safety data is never an afterthought, especially for those on the loading docks—skin contact can trigger irritation, and fine dust floating in the air sometimes causes respiratory discomfort.
Every supervisor I’ve known treats tetradecanedioic acid with a measured caution. The substance lacks acute toxicity at typical industrial concentrations, but dust clouds can bring unwanted itching or slight inflammation if inhaled. Spills on skin irritate the surface, though aggressive burns rarely show up with sensible handling. Fire risk remains low, but packaging lists hazard pictograms by law—a warning against careless disposal and exposure. As a non-volatile solid, vapor hazards rarely rate concern, yet containment remains critical for both human and environmental safety. Storage calls for cool, dry rooms with solid ventilation, excess moisture driving clumping and reducing material performance. Drums stay sealed unless immediately opened for use, and older bags get checked for signs of water ingress or chemical breakdown. Waste management expects users to prevent release into surface water. Those in the field can attest: product managed by experienced handlers finds its way to production with minimal trouble.
Industry picks tetradecanedioic acid as a raw material for nylon, polyesters, and resin production. Its long-chain structure forms strong, flexible fibers and plastics with durability that outpaces short-chain competitors. Science teams select it when they want polymers where melting point and mechanical strength tilt the balance towards specialty applications—automotive hoses, electrical insulation, coatings that shrug off humidity and moderate temperature. Chemical plants turn flakes and powders into high-value intermediates, capturing part of a long supply chain that starts with base raw materials and ends as engineered materials in consumer products or industrial assets. The acid’s predictable reactivity supports consistent yields and product quality, shrinking waste. Lessons from field experience echo: well-prepared raw materials translate into fewer shutdowns, tighter process controls, and higher profits. Beyond manufacturing, researchers sometimes reach for tetradecanedioic acid in synthesis experiments or as a reference compound for chromatography. Its physical properties help standardize calibrations, laying the foundation for precise lab work across disciplines.
Handling large volumes of tetradecanedioic acid demands attention to logistics, especially in humid climates or environments with poor dust control. Accidental spills create slippery surfaces, and recovery means sweeping and careful collection to reduce health risk. Automated feeding systems help keep human exposure low, but maintenance teams need fast-acting neutralizers and first aid for accidental skin contact. Environmental rules get stricter each year—wastewater from cleaning or accidental spills calls for sound capture, treatment, and documentation to keep regulators satisfied. Training programs help workers identify hazards quickly, and routine drills improve response times during minor accidents. Transparent labeling with clear specification sheets avoids confusion at all points—from port of entry to final blending. Factories working with the acid update safety data sheets annually and keep contact information for local poison control centers easily visible. Global supply changes sometimes make shipments unpredictable, so maintaining a buffer stock of raw materials prevents production line shutdowns and customer delays. In my own work with industrial processors, experience underscores the value of partnering with reliable suppliers, double-checking specs with quick-turn lab analysis, and engaging operators with simple, direct communication at every step.
