Calcium Isooctanoate belongs to the class of calcium salts formed from isooctanoic acid. Used as an additive or flow aid in industrial processes, it shows up in a range of applications, from lubricants to metal soaps. In my work with chemical sourcing, I have noticed that manufacturers seem to value this compound for its reliable performance and availability. Unlike many other calcium salts, it has some unique traits that stand out when you look closer at its makeup and physical state.
This compound appears in several forms, including flakes, powders, pearls, and occasionally as a thick liquid. Whether handling it in solid or semi-solid forms, anyone in logistics or storage recognizes the importance of knowing the density and moisture profile. Calcium Isooctanoate sits at a density between 1.1 to 1.3 g/cm³, which makes it manageable to store and transfer without specialized gear. It does not melt easily under regular storage environments, adding another layer of safety for operators. Touching the solid product, you get a waxy or slightly oily feel—telling signs of its molecular configuration and fatty acid origin.
Chemically, it carries the formula Ca(C8H15O2)2, signaling two isooctanoate groups bonded to each calcium ion. This molecule falls under medium molecular weight chemicals, circling 390 g/mol. Scrutiny of its structure reveals a central calcium cation tightly linked with two bulky, branched fatty acid-derived anions. These structural details explain why the product resists agglomeration and dissolves unevenly in polar solvents, yet finds better compatibility with oil systems.
This compound resists water, a trait that puts it front and center for waterproof coatings or anti-caking fluids. It isn’t volatile at room temperature, leaving little risk for accidental inhalation under normal use. With fire, it combusts like typical organic salts and gives off carbon oxides, so storing it away from heat saves headaches down the road. In the daily work of blending paints, greases, or polymer materials, producers lean on its lubricating power and surface wetting ability. Material handling teams often notice that it flows well as a powder or pellet—an underappreciated point in busy plants.
The HS Code for Calcium Isooctanoate often lists as 2915.90 or close, depending on the exact chemical nature and local regulation. From personal experience dealing with customs classifications, precise labelling matters to avoid holdups at border checks, especially as powders can attract attention for safety review. Documentation mentioning its full IUPAC name and formula always makes a smoother passage through regulatory checks.
In the chemical world, safety trumps everything. Calcium Isooctanoate generally ranks as a low-to-moderate risk material in terms of toxicity. The acute toxicity numbers stretch far above most exposure scenarios, offering reassurance for warehouse staff. Still, extended skin contact can cause slight irritation, and fine powders potentially generate dust that irritates airways. My encounters at facilities highlight the value of simple measures—using gloves for solids and a fitted mask if bulk pouring. Storage in sealed drums with correct hazard coding (GHS/OSHA) satisfies inspectors and shields workers from accidental spills.
Manufacturers craft this salt by reacting isooctanoic acid, derived from petroleum fractions or oxidized paraffins, with calcium hydroxide. This route, familiar to many in the synth business, leaves minimal waste and adapts to both continuous and small-batch methods. Raw materials often dictate cost and purity; I’ve seen operations choose their acid source carefully to limit unwanted side products that could lower downstream performance. Proper pH monitoring in synthesis keeps crystal formation predictable, so each shipment meets technical specs.
On the molecular scale, the compound forms layered crystals—confirmed by classic X-ray and melting point assays. This structure directly changes lubricant performance, letting films form on metal surfaces that last longer under stress. Outside the plant or lab, this translates into longer life for automotive greases and better protection for painted finishes facing wet weather. Patchy solubility in alcohol or water means it isn’t a universal problem-solver, but in the right matrix, performance stays strong.
Typical lots ship with precise documentation of solid content (94–98%), ash value, and bulk density. Physical state can run from fine white powders to off-white pearls, each answering slightly different customer requests. Most buyers I deal with prefer dense packaging for warehouse footprint and less risk of caking. Barrels, lined bags, and sealed pails all provide peace of mind for both safety and product consistency. Liquid grades exist, though are less common due to transport complexity.
Every chemical calls for a second look at impacts and downstream waste. Spills of Calcium Isooctanoate do not threaten local water or soil with acute toxicity, but run-off could upset wastewater systems if dumped unchecked. Waste disposal follows the lines of most fatty-acid soaps—landfill for solids, incineration for residues. One answer to the waste challenge is batch reclamation, where old product gets recycled into low-grade lubricants or blended into cementitious mixes as set modifiers. Many companies now train shift teams to spot and contain any leaks fast, avoiding regulatory or environmental drama.
Working with this calcium salt, best practice always stands as good PPE, eye protection, and ventilation, especially if handling dusty shipments or mixing solutions. Emergency showers near storage add an extra layer of comfort for any large operator. Labeling every drum with hazards, pictograms, and full chemical name meets compliance and helps in emergency calls. From my own years in labs and warehouses, regular staff training and drills can make all the difference in keeping a safe site—a lesson never wasted in any line of chemical processing.
