EMEROX® Azelaic Acids (Nonanedioic Acid)

Emery Oleochemicals offers azelaic acids and dibasic acid blends, available in a broad range of purities, under the trusted EMEROX® brand which is recognized for uncompromised quality and consistent technical performance. As a pioneer in the commercial development of azelaic acid - also known as nonanedioic acid - our current EMEROX product line is the result of over 70 years of dedicated research and innovation. Today, Emery Oleochemicals is the largest global manufacturer of azelaic acid with backward integration ensuring security of supply. With high purity and low monocarboxylic content, our azelaic acid is a viable alternative to other dicarboxylic acids - such as sebacic acid and dodecanedioic acid - as an intermediate in polymer processes, lubricant formulations, and other demanding applications.

Contact our Application Experts today for more information or to request a sample to begin enhancing the performance of your formulations.

Benefits of EMEROX azelaic acid include:

• lower melting points than other commonly used even-carbon dicarboxylic acids,
• monomeric derivatives of EMEROX azelaic acids have improved solubility characteristics compared to the corresponding derivatives of even-carbon dicarboxylic acids,
• unique high purities enable the preparation and modification of high molecular polymers,
• improves low temperature performance in vinyl-based type plasticizers and synthetic ester-based lubricants,
• provides excellent melting point control in polyamide hot melt adhesives,  
• enables grease formulations with high doping points that exhibit improved mechanical stability, water resistance and oil separation properties,
• synergistic blends with other dibasic acids provide excellent foam control and hard water stability when neutralized in water-based metalworking formulations and exhibit excellent corrosion protection for iron and steel,
• ability to react with monohydric alcohols to form relatively high boiling diesters, and
• derived from renewable oleochemical raw materials.

Applications:

• Lubricant base stocks
• Greases
• Metalworking (Corrosion inhibitors)
• CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomers)
• Polyamide (Nylon)
• Plasticizers
• Esters
• Fragrances
• Personal Care

Azelaic Acids

Dibasic Acid

Using azelaic acid in polyurethanes? Our EMEROX® renewable polyester polyols are based on azelaic acid. Also see how EMEROX® azelaic acid compares as an alternative to sebacic acid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Azelaic Acid Used For?

Azelaic acid is a nine-carbon (C9) dicarboxylic acid used as a building block for lubricant esters, grease thickeners, plasticizers and polymers, including polyamides and polyesters. Other applications include engine coolants, metalworking corrosion inhibitors and selected personal-care formulations. EMEROX® Azelaic Acid products are used in a vast range of applications and sold based on specification compliance. The user of the product is responsible for compliance with all laws or regulations applying to the use of the products, including intellectual property rights of third parties.

Due to its odd-carbon structure, azelaic acid packs differently at the molecular level, lowering its melting point relative to even-carbon counterparts. Formulators should consider these structural nuances when determining processing parameters. Performance in the final ester or polymer remains influenced by the choice of co-monomers or additives.

How Is Azelaic Acid Used in Lubricants and Greases?

Azelaic acid reacts with monohydric alcohols to produce azelate diesters, which serve as lubricant base stocks and grease base fluids. The alcohol used in the reaction helps determine the resulting ester’s properties, so select candidates against your application’s viscosity and operating-temperature requirements.

In lithium complex grease, azelaic acid serves as a neutralized soap complexing agent within the thickener system. This role differs from using an azelate ester as the base fluid. Explore azelaic acid for lithium complex grease or review Emery’s lubricant ester solutions for more application context.

Does Azelaic Acid Purity Matter for My Application?

Yes. Polymer applications typically require higher purity and low monocarboxylic content because monocarboxylic acids can limit polymer chain growth. Some plasticizer applications can tolerate lower-purity material, depending on the intended chemistry and performance requirements.

Contact Our Team Today

Start with the EMEROX® product table above, then request a technical data sheet for the grades you’re considering. Review composition with your process and finished-product targets in mind. A purity percentage alone does not establish application suitability, and acceptable limits vary by formulation. Share your intended derivative, processing conditions and impurity requirements with Emery’s technical team. These details help identify grades to evaluate against the properties you need in the finished formulation.

Not sure which EMEROX grade fits? Contact Us to share your application and request a TDS or sample.