Isopropyl Myristate

Category

Carrier Excipients

Molecular Formula

C17H34O2

Molecular Weight

270.5

Grade

Pharmceutical Excipients

Description

Isopropyl myristate is a clear, colorless, practically odorless liquid of low viscosity that congeals at about 5℃. It consists of esters of propan-2-ol and saturated high molecular weight fatty acids, principally myristic acid.

UNII

0RE8K4LNJS

Chemical Name

1-Methylethyl tetradecanoate

CAS Number

110-27-0

Synonyms

Estol IPM; HallStar IPM-NF; isopropyl ester of myristic acid; Isopropylmyristat; isopropylis myristas; Kessco IPM 95; Lexol IPM-NF; myristic acid isopropyl ester; Rita IPM; Stepan IPM; Super Refined Crodamol IPM; Tegosoft M; tetradecanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester; Waglinol 6014.

Administration route

Otic, topical, transdermal, and vaginal

Dosage Form

Otic, topical, transdermal, and vaginal preparations

Stability and Storage Conditions

Isopropyl myristate is resistant to oxidation and hydrolysis, and does not become rancid. It should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place and protected from light.

Source and Preparation

Isopropyl myristate may be prepared either by the esterification of myristic acid with propan-2-ol or by the reaction of myristoyl chloride and propan-2-ol with the aid of a suitable dehydrochlorinating agent. A high-purity material is also commercially available, produced by enzymatic esterification at low temperature.

Applications

Isopropyl myristate is a nongreasy emollient that is absorbed readily by the skin. It is used as a component of semisolid bases and as a solvent for many substances applied topically. Applications in topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations include bath oils; make-up; hair and nail care products; creams; lotions; lip products; shaving products; skin lubricants; deodorants; otic suspensions; and vaginal creams. For example, isopropyl myristate is a self-emulsifying component of a proposed cold cream formula, which is suitable for use as a vehicle for drugs or dermatological actives; it is also used cosmetically in stable mixtures of water and glycerol. Isopropyl myristate is used as a penetration enhancer for transdermal formulations, and has been used in conjunction with therapeutic ultrasound and iontophoresis. It has been used in a water-oil gel prolonged-release emulsion and in various microemulsions. Such microemulsions may increase bioavailability in topical and transdermal applications.Isopropyl myristate has also been used in microspheres, and significantly increased the release of drug from etoposide-loaded microspheres. Isopropyl myristate is used in soft adhesives for pressuresensitive adhesive tapes.

Safety

Isopropyl myristate is widely used in cosmetics and topical pharmaceutical formulations, and is generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant material.
LD50 (mouse, oral): 49.7 g/kg
LD50 (rabbit, skin): 5 g/kg

Incompatibilities

When isopropyl myristate comes into contact with rubber, there is a drop in viscosity with concomitant swelling and partial dissolution of the rubber; contact with plastics, e.g. nylon and polyethylene, results in swelling. Isopropyl myristate is incompatible with hard paraffin, producing a granular mixture. It is also incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.