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Sodium cocoate

Sodium cocoate is the sodium salt of fatty acids derived from (Cocos nucifera), a mixture primarily composed of saturated fatty acids such as lauric (C12), myristic (C14), palmitic (C16), and capric (C10) acids, with a CAS number of 61789-31-9. It is produced via the process, in which reacts with to form the soap-like salt. As a natural surfactant, sodium cocoate functions as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and foam booster in personal care products, particularly bar soaps, liquid cleansers, shampoos, and bath formulations, where it provides mild yet effective removal of dirt and oils without excessive drying of the skin. Its derivation from coconut oil imparts excellent lathering properties and a pH-balanced gentleness, making it a preferred ingredient in eco-friendly and natural cosmetic lines as an alternative to harsher synthetic surfactants. Safety assessments by the Expert Panel have deemed sodium cocoate safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations, noting it is nontoxic with minimal potential for skin or eye irritation and no evidence of .

Overview

Chemical identity

Sodium cocoate is the sodium salt of the fatty acids derived from . It is registered under the (CAS) number 61789-31-9 and the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances (EINECS) number 263-050-4. The composition of sodium cocoate reflects the profile of , consisting primarily of the sodium salt of (C12:0), which typically accounts for about 49% of the fatty acids, along with smaller amounts of the salts of (C14:0, about 8%), (C16:0, about 8%), and (C18:1, about 6%). also contains minor amounts of other fatty acids ranging from C8 to C18, resulting in sodium cocoate being a rather than a single compound. Sodium cocoate can be represented by the general R-COONa, where R denotes an alkyl chain typically ranging from C8 to C18 derived from fatty acids. It is classified as an anionic due to the group that carries a negative charge in aqueous solutions, and it serves as a fundamental base in various formulations.

Nomenclature and synonyms

Sodium cocoate is the standard (INCI) name for the of fatty acids derived from , widely used in and personal care formulations. The systematic IUPAC name for this is fatty acids, coco, sodium salts, reflecting its composition as a blend primarily of from C8 to C18 fatty acids, with sodium dodecanoate (the salt of dodecanoic acid, or ) as the predominant component comprising about 45-50% of the total. Common synonyms include coconut fatty acid sodium salt, coco fatty acids sodium salts, and coconut oil fatty acids sodium salts, often abbreviated in technical literature as simply "cocoate sodium." In soapmaking and industrial contexts, it is also referred to as coco soap or saponified . The term "cocoate" derives from "coco," a historical shorthand for originating from the 16th-century and word for the fruit, and this nomenclature became standardized in the early 20th-century as gained prominence in commercial vegetable-based soap production. In industrial applications, sodium cocoate appears under trade names such as Savonel SN100 or as a component in blended products like ValPro PRL-10 .

Properties

Physical properties

Sodium cocoate appears as a white to off-white solid, commonly available in forms such as powder, flakes, granules, or paste. It exhibits a mild, characteristic fatty or coconut-like scent, often nearly odorless in pure form. The of sodium cocoate ranges from approximately 40°C to 50°C, influenced by the varying lengths of chains in its oil-derived composition. Its is typically around 1.0 to 1.1 g/cm³ at 25°C. Sodium cocoate is highly soluble in , achieving complete solubility and exhibiting behavior by forming micelles above its of approximately 0.1-1% w/v. It is insoluble in non-polar solvents such as hydrocarbons. Aqueous solutions of sodium cocoate have a of 9 to 10.5, reflecting its alkaline nature due to partial .

Chemical properties

Sodium cocoate is an anionic , featuring a group (-⁺) that provides a negative charge on the . This anionic character enables sodium cocoate to effectively interact with positively charged dirt particles, cations, and other positively charged species during cleansing processes, enhancing its dirt-removal efficacy in formulations. The action of sodium cocoate arises from its amphiphilic structure, consisting of a hydrophilic ionic head (the group) and a hydrophobic (the alkyl from coconut-derived fatty acids). This dual allows it to orient at interfaces, reducing the surface of from approximately 72 mN/m to 25-30 mN/m in typical solutions, which promotes the of oils and the formation of emulsions and micelles essential for detergency. In aqueous environments, sodium cocoate experiences partial , where the salt partially reverts to free fatty acids and , resulting in solutions that are mildly alkaline with a of 9-10.5. This hydrolytic behavior contributes to the overall alkalinity, which supports the saponification-like activity in cleaning but requires careful formulation to maintain balance. Sodium cocoate demonstrates stability in soft water, where it remains fully soluble and functional, but it is less tolerant of containing divalent cations like Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. In such conditions, it forms insoluble precipitates known as through , as illustrated by the reaction: $2 \text{RCOONa} + \text{Ca}^{2+} \rightarrow (\text{RCOO})_2\text{Ca} \downarrow + 2 \text{Na}^{+} This precipitation reduces its effective concentration and can lead to residue formation on surfaces. The foaming properties of sodium cocoate are particularly notable, producing high volumes of stable lather that enhance in soaps and cleansers. This is largely due to the high content of (approximately 45-53% in ), which, upon , yields sodium laurate components that promote rapid foam generation and persistence.

Production

Saponification process

Sodium cocoate is synthesized through the process, which is the alkaline of triglycerides in using (NaOH). This reaction breaks down the ester bonds in the triglycerides, producing sodium salts of fatty acids (sodium cocoate) and as a . The general for the process is: (\ce{RCOO})_3\ce{C3H5} + 3\ce{NaOH} \rightarrow 3\ce{RCOONa} + \ce{C3H5(OH)3} where \ce{R} represents the hydrocarbon chains derived from the fatty acids in . In the laboratory or small-scale production, coconut oil is first heated to 80-100°C to lower its and promote uniform mixing with the . An of NaOH, typically at a 15-20% concentration, is then slowly added to the heated oil while stirring continuously. The mixture is maintained at this temperature and agitated for 2-4 hours to ensure complete reaction, with progress monitored by observing the clarity of the solution or by pH testing to confirm the absence of free beyond the desired level. On an industrial scale, is conducted in large batch kettles or continuous processing units equipped with steam heating and agitation systems. After the initial reaction, a salting-out step is performed by adding a concentrated solution (typically 10-20% NaCl), which causes the to precipitate and separate from the aqueous glycerin layer below. The soap layer is then washed and further processed to remove residual impurities. The process typically achieves a of 90-95%, depending on the quality of the coconut oil and reaction conditions, with the use of slight excess NaOH ensuring minimal unsaponified oils and high purity of the sodium cocoate product. Impurities such as free fatty acids or unreacted triglycerides are kept below 1-2% through precise control of the alkali ratio and post-reaction washing.

Sources and composition

Sodium cocoate is derived from , which is extracted from the mature kernels of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). The oil is primarily obtained by pressing dried coconut kernels, known as , or through solvent extraction methods, with cold-pressing commonly used for higher-quality virgin coconut oil to retain natural properties. The composition of , which forms the basis of sodium cocoate, is dominated by saturated medium-chain s, typically consisting of 45-50% (C12:0), 16-20% (C14:0), 8-10% (C16:0), 6-10% (C8:0), 5-8% (C10:0), and 5-10% (C18:1). These percentages can vary based on variety, growing conditions, and processing techniques; for instance, Pacific varieties often exhibit higher content due to environmental factors like and . Global coconut oil production, the primary source material, reached approximately 3.5-3.9 million metric tons as of 2024, with projections for 2025 at around 3.56 million metric tons; major producers include , the , and . Sustainability efforts are growing, with increasing adoption of and fair-trade sourcing to address environmental concerns such as and labor practices in coconut farming. This variable fatty acid profile influences the properties of sodium cocoate in production, contributing to its characteristic hardness and lathering ability, as higher levels enhance foam stability. Sodium cocoate is commonly certified as kosher and vegan, reflecting its plant-based origins and absence of animal-derived ingredients.

Applications

In personal care products

Sodium cocoate serves as a primary base in various , particularly in bar soaps, liquid hand soaps, and body washes, where it is typically incorporated at concentrations ranging from 5% to 30% to provide effective lathering and cleansing action. As a derived from , it enables the emulsification of oils and dirt, allowing for gentle removal from without the need for harsher synthetic alternatives. In these formulations, sodium cocoate contributes to a creamy that enhances the while maintaining the product's natural profile. In shampoos and conditioners, sodium cocoate functions as a gentle cleanser, often blended with other mild to minimize drying effects on and . This combination helps remove buildup while preserving natural moisture, making it suitable for daily use in routines. As an INCI-listed ingredient, sodium cocoate also appears in face cleansers, toothpastes, and deodorants, where it aids in emulsifying oils and dirt for thorough yet non-abrasive cleaning. For instance, in toothpastes, it supports cleansing derived from sources, contributing to effective formulations. The natural origin of sodium cocoate, obtained through the of , appeals to eco-conscious consumers seeking sulfate-free alternatives in personal care. It provides a creamy without relying on synthetic sulfates, offering a biodegradable and plant-based option that aligns with sustainable beauty trends. Historically, sodium cocoate has been a traditional component in handmade soaps since the , evolving into modern 100% vegetable-based products that emphasize its gentle, renewable properties.

In cleaning products

Sodium cocoate functions as a in laundry detergents, incorporated into powder and liquid formulas to break down grease and lift stains from fabrics. In dish soaps, it cuts through grease and food residues while producing stable suds, and in hard surface cleaners, it improves and rinsing on surfaces, making it suitable for eco-friendly formulations. Sodium cocoate finds industrial application as a biodegradable emulsifier in heavy-duty washing and flotation processes. As a plant-derived , it offers formulation advantages over petroleum-based by providing ready biodegradability. It is prevalent in natural cleaning product lines.

Safety and environmental considerations

Health effects

Sodium cocoate demonstrates low , with an oral LD50 exceeding 5 g/kg in rats based on studies of coconut-derived salts. It acts as a mild irritant at high concentrations greater than 10%, though it is non-sensitizing and does not induce allergic responses in patch tests. For ocular and , dust or forms may cause temporary to mucous membranes and eyes, for which immediate rinsing with is recommended to alleviate effects. Dermatologically, sodium cocoate can lead to skin dryness or in individuals with sensitive skin, primarily due to its defatting properties that remove natural oils from the skin barrier. The (EWG) rates it 1-2 on its hazard scale, indicating low concern for irritation and overall safety in typical formulations. Regulatory bodies affirm its safety profile: the U.S. (FDA) recognizes derivatives, including sodium cocoate, as (GRAS) for indirect contact applications, such as in materials. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 50% in rinse-off products like soaps, when formulated to be non-irritating. Regarding long-term exposure, no carcinogenicity or has been reported in available animal and clinical studies on sodium cocoate and related coconut salts. Subchronic and feeding studies in showed no significant adverse effects on function or at dietary levels up to 25%.

Environmental impact

Sodium cocoate, derived from , exhibits high in environmental settings. It is classified as readily biodegradable, achieving greater than 60% degradation within 28 days under 301 testing protocols for ready biodegradability, primarily through microbial action that breaks it down into and . This process aligns with aerobic conditions in natural water bodies, where salts like sodium cocoate undergo ultimate biodegradation without persistent residues. Regarding aquatic ecosystems, sodium cocoate demonstrates low toxicity to key organisms. Acute toxicity tests show values exceeding 100 mg/L for and , indicating minimal harm at environmentally relevant concentrations. Compared to synthetic , which often have values below 10 mg/L, sodium cocoate poses a reduced to aquatic life due to its natural derivation and rapid degradation, limiting in water columns. Sustainability challenges in sodium cocoate production stem largely from coconut farming practices in tropical regions. Expansion of plantations has contributed to , with over 80% of Pacific atolls affected by conversion to coconut groves, leading to habitat loss and decline. production threatens approximately 20 species (plants and animals) per million tonnes produced, according to a 2020 . Water use is significant, requiring about 2,687 liters per of coconuts, which strains local resources in drought-prone areas. To address these issues, industry shifts toward certified sustainable sources have accelerated since the mid-2010s, with certifications like prohibiting after 2014 and promoting to preserve ecosystems. In terms of life-cycle assessment, sodium cocoate has a relatively low carbon footprint compared to palm-based alternatives. Soap manufacturing waste, including glycerin byproducts from saponification, is recyclable and can be reused in biofuels or other applications to reduce net environmental burdens. Sodium cocoate complies with major regulatory frameworks for environmental safety. Under EU REACH, fatty acids such as coco sodium salts (CAS 61789-31-9) are registered and meet biodegradability requirements of the Detergents Regulation (EC) No 648/2004, ensuring surfactants degrade aerobically by at least 60% within 28 days. In the United States, it aligns with EPA standards for biodegradable substances, appearing on the Safer Chemical Ingredients List for low environmental persistence and toxicity.

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