Definition

1. Noun:
   • An unsaturated fatty acid: Undecylenic acid is an organic compound, specifically an unsaturated fatty acid with eleven carbon atoms.
   • A component of perspiration: It is a natural acid found in human perspiration.
   • A fungistatic agent: It is used in medicine for its antifungal properties.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Undecylenic acid is used in some over-the-counter antifungal creams.
  • The presence of undecylenic acid in sweat contributes to the skin's natural defense.
  • Researchers studied the effectiveness of undecylenic acid against various fungi.

Advanced Usage

• Chemical context: In chemistry, "undecylenic acid" refers specifically to the compound with the formula CH₂=CH(CH₂)₈COOH.
  • The synthesis of undecylenic acid involves the pyrolysis of ricinoleic acid.
• Pharmacological context: In medicine, it is referred to for its therapeutic action.
  • The fungistatic action of undecylenic acid helps control athlete's foot.

Variants and Related Words

• Undecylenate (n): A salt or ester of undecylenic acid.
  • Zinc undecylenate is a common salt used in antifungal powders.

Synonyms

• 10-Undecenoic acid: The systematic IUPAC name for the same chemical compound.
• Undec-10-enoic acid: An alternative chemical name.

Related Phrases

• Undecylenic acid derivative: A compound chemically derived from undecylenic acid.
  • New undecylenic acid derivatives are being tested for enhanced efficacy.

Noun

1. an acid that is a component of perspiration