| Formula / Notation | C18H36O2 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 57-11-4 |
| Molecular Weight | 284.5 |
| Melting Point | 156.7 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 721 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 0.86 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Solubility | 1 to 10 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Stearic acid is a white solid with a mild odor. Floats on water. (USCG, 1999) |
| Also Known As | octadecanoic acid; Octadecanoic acid; 57-11-4; n-Octadecanoic acid; Stearophanic acid; Stearex Beads; Cetylacetic acid; 1-Heptadecanecarboxylic acid; Pearl stearic; Industrene R |
| Category | Acids |
What is Stearic acid?
Octadecanoic acid is a C18 straight-chain saturated fatty acid component of many animal and vegetable lipids. As well as in the diet, it is used in hardening soaps, softening plastics and in making cosmetics, candles and plastics. It has a role as a plant metabolite, a human metabolite, a Daphnia magna metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a long-chain fatty acid, a saturated fatty acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of an octadecanoate. It derives from a hydride of an octadecane.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: octadecanoic acid
Other Names / Synonyms: octadecanoic acid; Octadecanoic acid; 57-11-4; n-Octadecanoic acid; Stearophanic acid; Stearex Beads; Cetylacetic acid; 1-Heptadecanecarboxylic acid; Pearl stearic; Industrene R
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 156.7 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 721 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 0.86 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Molecular Weight | 284.5 |
| Solubility | 1 to 10 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Stearic acid is a white solid with a mild odor. Floats on water. (USCG, 1999) |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Octadecanoic acid is a C18 straight-chain saturated fatty acid component of many animal and vegetable lipids. As well as in the diet, it is used in hardening soaps, softening plastics and in making cosmetics, candles and plastics. It has a role as a plant metabolite, a human metabolite, a Daphnia magna metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a long-chain fatty acid, a saturated fatty acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of an octadecanoate. It derives from a hydride of an octadecane.
Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.
Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Stearic acid is: C18H36O2