Isobutyl myristate is a chemical compound, ester resulting from the reaction of isobutyl alcohol with myristic acid.

The synthesis of Isobutyl myristate involves a gas-phase reaction in one step at 300°C and 1 atm. The process involves heating, mixing and pressure reduction steps, followed by a reaction in a catalytic fixed-bed reactor. The reactor effluent is compressed and cooled before being separated in a flash drum and distillation columns.

Isobutyl myristate is typically a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. 

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Safety

The CIR Expert Panel considers Isobutyl myristate to be safe as a cosmetic ingredient in current use and concentration practices (1).

Medicine

Isobutyl myristate is also used in pharmaceuticals as a penetration enhancer to improve the absorption of drugs through the skin.

• Molecular Formula   C₁₈H₃₆O₂
• Molecular Weight   284.5 g/mol
• CAS  25263-97-2
• UNII    BT6J85032B
• EC Number   246-765-6

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Marks, J. G., ... & Andersen, F. A. (2010). Final report of the amended safety assessment of myristic acid and its salts and esters as used in cosmetics. International journal of toxicology, 29(4_suppl), 162S-186S.