Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating General Crystals in Myristyl Myristate

  • Crystals in Myristyl Myristate

    Posted by jiroband on May 24, 2016 at 4:21 pm

    I have some old Myristyl Myristate (approx. 7 years old). I just opened it and discovered small clear crystals throughout that look like coarse salt. What are these crystals, and is this safe to use?

    Thanks!

    jiroband replied 8 years, 6 months ago 4 Members · 7 Replies
  • 7 Replies
  • belassi

    Member
    May 24, 2016 at 5:25 pm

    Myristyl Myristate -> Myristol acid + Myristol alcohol -> Myristol aldehyde + Myristol alcohol

  • jiroband

    Member
    May 24, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    Thanks, Belassi.

    Is it still usable, or has it “decomposed”?

  • belassi

    Member
    May 24, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    Probably you are viewing the results of a decomposition reaction of some kind. I would bin it. If it has reached the final phase, I suspect there would be a smell, because aldehydes usually are quite smelly.

  • jiroband

    Member
    May 24, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    Thanks for your comments, Mr. B.!

  • Bill_Toge

    Member
    May 24, 2016 at 10:01 pm

    I strongly suspect it’s contamination of some kind

    myristyl myristate is not reactive enough to undergo susbtantial hydrolysis or reduction in air, even over seven years

  • Bobzchemist

    Member
    May 25, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    Why not check the melt point before you trash it?

  • jiroband

    Member
    May 25, 2016 at 3:15 pm

    Thanks Bill and Bob — I appreciate your replies!

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