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Stearic Acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C18H36O2
CAS number
57-11-4
IUPAC name
stearic acid
State
State

At room temperature, stearic acid is a solid. It is a long-chain fatty acid and remains solid due to strong intermolecular forces, particularly the Van der Waals forces between the molecules.

Melting point (Celsius)
69.30
Melting point (Kelvin)
342.45
Boiling point (Celsius)
383.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
656.15
General information
Molecular weight
284.48g/mol
Molar mass
284.4840g/mol
Density
0.8470g/cm3
Appearence

Stearic acid appears as a waxy solid. In its pure form, it is a white, odorless compound. It is often in the shape of scales or granules and is used extensively in cosmetics and other industrial applications.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Stearic Acid

Stearic acid (C18H36O2) exhibits unique solubility characteristics that are important to consider in various applications.

General Solubility Behavior

In general, stearic acid demonstrates:

  • Low solubility in water: Stearic acid is primarily insoluble in water due to its long hydrocarbon chain, which makes it hydrophobic.
  • Solubility in organic solvents: It is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform. This property is due to the non-polar nature of its hydrocarbon tail.

Factors Influencing Solubility

Several factors affect the solubility of stearic acid:

  • Temperature: Increasing the temperature generally enhances the solubility of stearic acid in organic solvents.
  • Chain Length: The longer the carbon chain, the lower the solubility in water but higher in non-polar solvents.
  • pH Levels: The ionic state of stearic acid can also impact solubility; however, in neutral conditions, it remains predominantly non-ionized.

In practical terms, it is often quoted that "like dissolves like," which aptly describes the solubility behavior of stearic acid. Its applications are widespread, ranging from being used as a surfactant to a component in cosmetic formulations due to its ability to blend well with oils and organic compounds.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Stearic Acid

Stearic acid is a fascinating compound that belongs to the family of saturated fatty acids. Here are some intriguing insights about this versatile substance:

  • Natural Occurrence: Stearic acid is abundantly found in various animal and plant fats. It comprises a significant portion of cocoa butter and shea butter, making it essential in the cosmetic and food industries.
  • Applications: Due to its emollient properties, stearic acid is widely used in products such as:
    • Cosmetics (creams and lotions)
    • Soaps
    • Candles
    • Industrial lubricants
  • Biological Role: Stearic acid functions as a source of energy for the body. It can be metabolized into other fatty acids, demonstrating its importance in lipid metabolism.
  • Chemical Reactions: Stearic acid is known for its role in the formation of soaps. When it undergoes saponification with an alkali, it produces stearate salts, which have cleaning properties. As a notable quote in the field states: "The art of soap making is both chemistry and craftsmanship."
  • Health Perspectives: Being a saturated fat, the consumption of stearic acid has been the subject of various health studies. Some research suggests that it does not raise cholesterol levels as much as other saturated fats, which makes it a unique fatty acid in terms of dietary implications.

In summary, stearic acid is not just a simple fatty acid; it is integral to many industries and plays a crucial role in our daily lives, from personal care products to health and nutrition.

Synonyms
stearic acid
Octadecanoic acid
57-11-4
n-Octadecanoic acid
Stearophanic acid
Cetylacetic acid
1-Heptadecanecarboxylic acid
Pearl stearic
Stearex Beads
Octadecansaeure
Stearinsaeure
Vanicol
Hydrofol Acid 150
Century 1240
Glycon DP
Glycon TP
Industrene R
Stearate
Formula 300
Hydrofol 1895
Hystrene 7018
Hystrene 9718
Glycon S-80
Glycon S-90
octadecoic acid
Tegostearic 254
Tegostearic 255
Tegostearic 272
Hystrene 80
Humko Industrene R
Hydrofol acid 1655
Hydrofol acid 1855
Hystrene S-97
Hystrene T-70
Industrene 5016
Dar-chem 14
Emersol 120
Emersol 132
Hystrene 4516
Hystrene 5016
Groco 54
Groco 55
Groco 55L
Groco 58
Groco 59
Glycon S-70
Industrene 8718
Industrene 9018
Emersol 150
Kam 1000
Barolub FTA
FEMA No. 3035
Acidum stearinicul
C18:0
Caswell No. 801D
Oktadekansaeure
HY-Phi 1199
HY-Phi 1205
HY-Phi 1303
HY-Phi 1401
acide stearique
Kam 2000
Kam 3000
Steric acid
Century 1210
acide octadecanoique
Stearic acid, pure
PD 185
NAA 173
CCRIS 2305
Stearic acid 50
HSDB 2000
Emersol 153NF
Dervacid 3155
Purified stearic acid
Adeka sa 300
Century 1220
Century 1230
Emersol 6349
Hydrofol Acid 150 (VAN)
NSC 25956
Lunac S 40
Hydrofol Acid 1895
Prifac 2918
Promulsin
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 079082
Vis-Plus
AI3-00909
UNII-4ELV7Z65AP
EINECS 200-313-4
n-Octadecylic acid
4ELV7Z65AP
MFCD00002752
NSC-25956
Pristerene 4900
Hystrene S 97
Hystrene T 70
Stearic Acid Cherry
Edenor C18
Edenor ST 1
Sunfat 18S
BRN 0608585
Emersol 153
Selosol 920
Stearic acid (TN)
Hystrene 9718NF
Kortacid 1895
Lunac 30
CH3-[CH2]16-COOH
DTXSID8021642
Loxiol G 20
CHEBI:28842
Lunac S 20
Lunac S 30
Lunac S 90
Lunac S 90KC
Hystrene 9718NFFG
NSC-261168
CHEMBL46403
17FA
DTXCID301642
EC 200-313-4
4-02-00-01206 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
NSC25956
FA 18:0
NCGC00091596-02
STEARIC ACID (II)
STEARIC ACID [II]
400JB9103-88
A 1760
STEARIC ACID (MART.)
STEARIC ACID [MART.]
STEARIC ACID (USP-RS)
STEARIC ACID [USP-RS]
CH3-(CH2)16-COOH
Oktadekansaure
Stearicacid
Lunac
STEARIC ACID (EP MONOGRAPH)
STEARIC ACID [EP MONOGRAPH]
CAS-57-11-4
Isostearic acid EX
200-313-4
Haimaric MKH(R)
Prisorine 3501
Prisorine 3502
Prisorine 3508
Emersol 871
Emersol 875
Emery 875D
Emery 871
Unimac 5680
C-Lube 10
Stearic acid [JAN:NF]
octadecansaure
Stearinsaure
Stearophanate
Stearex
Tsubaki
n-Octadecanoate
Bassinic acid
Lactaric acid
Talgic acid
Doctor Plus
Edenor htict-n
Stearic acid?
1hmr
1hmt
4fnn
Kiri stearic acid
Obeo Baby Bubble
Jinhwagwangsu Hair
Lunac YA
Palmitostearic acid
Stearic acid 70
Stearic acid, CP
Sterene 60b
Sterene 60r
EINECS 250-178-0
F 3 (lubricant)
Industrene 4518
Jinhwagwangsu Bubble
Nonsoul SK 1
Pristerene 4904
Pristerene 4910
Pristerene 4916
Pristerene 4963
Pristerene 4981
Pristerene 9429
Pristerene 9559
Pristerine 4989
CELOZOLE
fatty acid 18:0
Sterene 460
Industrene 5016K
Radiacid 0427
Edenor ST 20
Serfax MT 90
Stearic acid_ravikumar
Unister NAA 180
Century 1224
NORSOREX AP
Edenor HT-JG 60
Stearic acid (8CI)
Stearic acid, puriss.
Hyfac 410
Hyfac 420
Hyfac 421
Hyfac 422
Hystrene 7018 FG
Lunac S 50
Lunac S 98
Prifac 5905
3v2p
875D
1-Heptadecanecarboxylate
Industrene 7018 FG
AFCO-Chem B 65
Heptadecanecarboxylic acid
Edenor C 18/98
Octadecanoic acid (9CI)
Stearic acid, >=98%
SCHEMBL659
Hystrene 9718 NF FG
bmse000485
STEARIC ACID [MI]
Emery 400 (Salt/Mix)
NEO-FAT 18S
STEARIC ACID [DSC]
STEARIC ACID [JAN]
Stearic acid (JP15/NF)
Stearic acid (JP18/NF)
Emersol 110 (Salt/Mix)
STEARIC ACID [FHFI]
STEARIC ACID [HSDB]
NOPCOCERA LU 6418
Stearic acid (reagent grade)
STEARIC ACID [VANDF]
WLN: QV17
STEARIC ACID [WHO-DD]
GTPL3377
WO 2
UNII-X33R8U0062
CELLBN FIRST CARE CLEANSER
MSK1716
NAA 180
Nonsoul SN 1 (*Sodium salt*)
SNA-2000 (*Sodium salt*)
Stearic acid, analytical standard
VLZ 200
S 30C
PURIFIED STEARIC ACID [NF]
Stearic acid, reagent grade, 95%
HY-B2219
ZENOL POWERFULX RECOVERYCREAM
Tox21_111154
Tox21_201887
Tox21_300562
BBL012224
BDBM50240485
LMFA01010018
s5733
SA 200
Stearic acid, >=95%, FCC, FG
STL163565
AKOS005716958
Tox21_111154_1
1ST1716
CCG-267314
DB03193
FA 1655
FS14761
NSC 261168
X33R8U0062
NCGC00091596-01
NCGC00091596-03
NCGC00091596-04
NCGC00091596-05
NCGC00254456-01
NCGC00259436-01
E570
MSK1716-1000
VS-03242
Stearic acid, puriss., >=98.5% (GC)
Stearic acid, SAJ first grade, >=90.0%
CS-0021598
G 270
NS00010335
S 300
S0163
EN300-19730
Stearic acid, SAJ special grade, >=95.0%
Stearic acid, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 94%
1ST1716-1000
C01530
D00119
EC 250-178-0
F70008
SBI-0633521.0002
Stearic acid 50, tested according to Ph.Eur.
Octadecanoic acid Solution in Hexane, 1000?g/mL
Octadecanoic acid Solution in Hexane, 1000mug/mL
Q209685
SR-01000944717
STEARIC ACID (CONSTITUENT OF SAW PALMETTO)
Melting Point Standard 69-71C, analytical standard
SR-01000944717-1
Stearic acid, Grade I, >=98.5% (capillary GC)
Stearic acid, SAJ first grade, >=90.0%, powder
F0001-1489
STEARIC ACID (CONSTITUENT OF SAW PALMETTO) [DSC]
Stearic acid, certified reference material, TraceCERT(R)
Z104474964
CD7993EA-AD14-452A-A907-33376CC98790
Stearic acid, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Stearic acid, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
Stearic Acid, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
18639-67-3
InChI=1/C18H36O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18(19)20/h2-17H2,1H3,(H,19,20