Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid. It is a colourless solid compound that is slightly soluble in water and highly soluble in alcohol and other organic solvents. The chemical formula of dicarboxylic acid is C9H16O4 and its systematic name is 1,7-heptanedicarboxylic acid.

Origin and Natural Sources

Azelaic Acid is produced naturally when the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids occurs. It is found naturally in various grain cereals such as rye, wheat and barley. This acid is also found in the skin of humans and animals. It is one of the metabolites of the specific skin yeast, Malassezia furfur. When overgrowth of M. furfur occurs on the skin, it can lead to pathological conditions due to increased dicarboxylic acid levels.

Physico-chemical Properties

As a dicarboxylic acid, azelaic acid contains two carboxyl functional groups. It is a white powdery solid which is odorless and slightly soluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents like alcohol, acetone and ether. The melting point of dicarboxylic acid ranges between 93 to 96°C. It has good thermal stability up to 200°C. This acid exhibits amphiprotic behavior in solution, which means it can act both as an acid or base, depending on pH conditions.

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