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DESCRIPTION
STEARIC ACID 50 typically refers to a 50% concentration of stearic acid in a solution or mixture.
Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found naturally in animal and plant fats.
It's commonly used in cosmetics, soaps, and industrial applications.
Cas Number
57-11-4
SYNONYMS
Octadecanoic acid,Stearin,Stearate,Heptadecanoic acid , C18 fatty acid,1-Octadecanoic acid
Definition and Chemical Structure:
Stearic acid (C₁₈H₃₆O₂) is a saturated fatty acid found primarily in animal and vegetable fats.
It consists of a long carbon chain (18 carbon atoms) and a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end.
As a straight-chain fatty acid, it exhibits a solid form at room temperature, commonly referred to as a waxy or greasy solid.
Chemical Formula: C₁₈H₃₆O₂
Molar Mass: 284.48 g/mol
IUPAC Name: Octadecanoic acid
The molecule is non-polar, with the hydrophobic alkyl chain and a hydrophilic carboxyl group.
Stearic acid's chemical structure makes it highly useful in various industrial and scientific applications.
Historical Overview:
Stearic acid has been used since the 19th century in the manufacturing of candles and soap.
The name "stearic" is derived from the Greek word "stear," meaning tallow or fat.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, its presence in animal fats was utilized to create soaps in the process known as saponification.
The compound's versatility has since expanded into a wide range of modern applications.
Importance and Uses of Stearic Acid:
Surfactant: It is widely used as a surfactant in emulsions and lubricants.
Antifoaming Agent: Stearic acid reduces foam formation in various industrial processes.
Fatty Acid Derivatives: It is a precursor for producing soaps, cosmetics, and detergents.
Chemical Properties
Molecular Formula and Structure:
The molecular formula of stearic acid is C₁₈H₃₆O₂, and its structure features an 18-carbon chain with single bonds, except at the terminal carboxyl group.
This molecular arrangement dictates its physical properties, including its melting point, solubility, and reactivity.
Melting Point and Solubility:
Melting Point: Around 69.6°C (157.3°F), which makes it a solid at room temperature.
Solubility: Insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents like alcohol and chloroform.
Stearic acid's melting point is crucial for its application in solid form in cosmetics and soaps.
Acidic Properties and Reactivity:
Stearic acid is a weak acid with a pKa value of 4.9.
It can form salts (stearates) when combined with alkaline metals or bases.
This property is exploited in the formation of stearic acid salts used in cosmetics and manufacturing.
Physical Properties:
Density: Approximately 0.84 g/cm³ at 25°C.
Appearance: Waxy, white or colorless solid.
Synthesis of Stearic Acid
Natural Sources:
Stearic acid is naturally present in many animal fats and vegetable oils, especially in tallow, cocoa butter, and shea butter.
The acid is released from triglycerides during saponification.
Industrial Production Methods:
In the industry, stearic acid is usually obtained from animal fats or vegetable oils through the process of hydrolysis (splitting triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids) and subsequent fractionation to separate it from other fatty acids.
Hydrogenation of Oils: Hydrogenated vegetable oils, like palm or soybean oil, yield stearic acid as a byproduct.
Purification and Refining Processes:
Stearic acid undergoes further refining to remove impurities, yielding different grades such as Stearic Acid 50.
This involves filtration, bleaching, and distillation techniques.
Stearic Acid 50: Composition and Characteristics
Specific Characteristics of Stearic Acid 50:
Stearic Acid 50 typically refers to a grade of stearic acid that is 50% stearic acid by weight, with the remainder often consisting of other fatty acids, such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, or linoleic acid.
This grade is commonly used for industrial purposes where purity requirements are less stringent than for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications.
Differences Between Various Grades of Stearic Acid:
Stearic Acid 80/90: Higher purity with more consistent properties.
Stearic Acid 50: Less pure, used in formulations where cost efficiency is prioritized.
Role of Stearic Acid 50 in Industrial Applications:
Stearic Acid 50 is commonly used as a lubricant in the manufacturing of plastics and rubber.
It serves as a dispersing agent in paint and coatings and helps improve the texture of various products.
Applications in Various Industries
Cosmetics and Personal Care:
Stearic acid is a common ingredient in cosmetic products, primarily as an emulsifier and stabilizer.
In formulations, it helps maintain consistency and prevent separation of ingredients.
It is found in:
Creams and Lotions: Provides a smooth texture and thickening property.
Soaps: Plays a key role in soap hardening and produces a creamy lather.
Shampoos and Conditioners: Acts as a surfactant, enhancing cleansing.
Pharmaceuticals:
Lubricant in Tablet Formulation: Stearic acid acts as a lubricant in tablet manufacturing, improving the flow of powders during production.
Controlled Drug Release: Used as a matrix material for controlled-release drug formulations.
Food Industry:
Stearic acid is used as an emulsifier and stabilizing agent in food products, ensuring consistency and texture.
It is also added to prevent the crystallization of fats and oils.
Regulatory Status and Safety: Considered safe by regulatory agencies like the FDA, stearic acid is often labeled as "E570" when used as a food additive.
Manufacturing and Industrial:
Stearic acid is widely used in:
Rubber Processing: It acts as a processing aid in rubber manufacturing.
Plastics: Helps in improving the flow and consistency of plastic materials during production.
Recent Research and Developments
New Methods of Synthesis:
Green Chemistry Approaches: Research is being conducted to develop more sustainable and efficient methods of stearic acid production, such as using renewable bio-based sources.
Advanced Applications in Nanotechnology and Drug Delivery:
Stearic acid and its derivatives are being explored for advanced applications like drug delivery systems, where it can act as a carrier for hydrophobic drugs.
Innovations in the Cosmetic Industry:
Improved Emulsifying Agents: New developments in using stearic acid-based emulsifiers are improving the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations.
Regulations and Safety
Global Regulatory Bodies and Standards:
FDA and EFSA Guidelines: Stearic acid is classified as safe for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals under controlled concentrations.
Certifications: Various grades of stearic acid carry certifications such as Halal, Kosher, and RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil).
Safety Guidelines for Industrial Handling:
Stearic acid should be handled with care to avoid irritation of the skin or eyes.
Proper ventilation is required in industrial environments to prevent inhalation of fumes.
Stearic acid, particularly Stearic Acid 50, plays an integral role across multiple industries, from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals to food production. Its versatile properties, such as its ability to emulsify, lubricate, and stabilize, make it indispensable in manufacturing and product formulations.
With ongoing research into sustainable production methods and advanced applications, stearic acid will continue to be an essential compound for the future.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT STEARIC ACID 50
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
