Properties
The pure form of stearic acid is a glossy white, flaky solid. It volatilizes slowly at 90–100°C. Stearic acid is almost insoluble in water (at 20°C, only 0.00029 g dissolves in 100 mL of water), but it dissolves in ethanol and acetone and is easily soluble in ether, chloroform, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide, amyl acetate, and toluene. It poses a fire hazard when exposed to high heat, open flames, or oxidizing agents.
| English Name | Stearic acid |
| CAS | 57-11-4 |
| Molecular formula | C18H36O2 |
| Molecular weight | 284.48 |
| Boiling point | 361 °C |
| Psa | 37.30000 |
| Density | 0.84g/cm3 |
| Purity | 99% |
| Package | 25kg/bag |
Production Method
Industrial production of stearic acid mainly uses two methods: fractionation and pressing. A decomposing agent is added to hardened oil, which is then hydrolyzed to obtain crude fatty acids. These acids are washed, distilled, and bleached to yield the final product, with glycerin as a byproduct.
The main use of stearic acid
Stearic acid is a widely occurring fatty acid found in varying amounts in almost all fats and oils. Beyond its use as an emulsifier in oil-based drilling fluids, it serves as a vulcanization activator for natural and synthetic rubbers (except butyl rubber) and as a raw material for plasticizers and stabilizers. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used in ointments and suppositories. It is also used in the production of cosmetics, candles, waterproofing agents, and polishes. In the food industry, stearic acid serves as a lubricant, defoaming agent, and as a raw material for food additives like glyceryl stearate, sorbitan stearate, and sucrose esters.
