Introduction Stearic Acids
A scientist named Chevreul M.E. initially discovered the Stearic Acid formula (18 carbon atoms) in his fat studies in 1823. Stearic Acid comes after the Grecian term stéar, which means fat (also known as beef fat). It is a long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) with 14 to 18 carbon atoms that is a saturated fatty acid (no C=C double bonds). But, what is Stearic Acid? Stearic Acid is a sticky, whitish substance with a moderate odor that hovers on the surface of liquid naturally. Stearic Acid is found in vegetable and animal fats, with shea butter and cocoa butter being the most common forms. Stearic Acid in cosmetics and plastics, as well as softened plastics and stiffening detergents, are often used. Here you will read about the melting point of Stearic Acid, Stearic Acids in cosmetics, and what is Stearic Acid.
Stearic Acid Formula
As seen in the diagram below, Stearic Acid has an 18-carbon backbone and a straight-chain Stearic Acid structure.
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The above diagram represents the Stearic Acid formula and Stearic Acid structure.
Properties of Stearic Acid Structure
Chemical Formula of Stearic Acid | C18H36O2 |
Molar Mass of Stearic Acid | 284.484 g·mol-1 |
The density of Stearic Acid | 0.9408 g/cm3, at 20°C 0.847 g/cm3, at 70 °C |
The melting point of Stearic Acid | 69.3 °C in 156.7 °F; 342.4 K |
The boiling point of Stearic Acid | Decomposes at 361 °C in 682 °F; 634 K 232 °C In 450 °F; 505 K at 15 mmHg |
Thermal Conductivity | 0.173 W/m·K (70 °C) |
Refractive index (nD) | 1.4299 (80 °C) |
Production of Stearic Acid
It is made of oils and properties of fatty acids by the saponification of triglycerides with heated liquid at a heat of around 100 degrees Celsius. The resulting solution is distilled. The most commonly available octadecanoic acid is a blend of palmitic and Stearic Acids.
Stereophonic acid has more animal fat than vegetable fat in terms of oils and fats. There are a few outliers, such as shea butter and cocoa butter, which contain roughly 28–45 percent Stearic Acid. It possesses the properties of fatty acids. It's also made biosynthetically from carbs, thanks to the fatty acid machinery. In other words, it is a fatty acid example.
Stearic Acid Use
Since Stearic Acid possesses a bifunctional nature, a polar head unit that may be connected to metallic activities, it offers a wide range of applications. Stearic Acid's apolar branch is also soluble and contains organic substances. As a result of this mixture, Stearic Acid is used as a detergent and relaxing ingredient in a variety of applications.
As well as the usage of Stearic Acid in all of such goods is due to the fact that it is reasonably affordable, inactive, and non-toxic. Furthermore, since Stearic Acid undergoes the normal interactions of saturated carboxylic acids, it is also employed in beverages. Because Stearic Acid resists oxidation, metals may be held for a prolonged period.
Here is a list of commodities that require the use of Stearic Acid:
For the pearly effect,
as a food component in detergents in soaps, cosmetics, and cleaners
As a fantastic softening and releasing agent
Like a negative plate additive in lead-acid battery production
Hardening candies in sugar or corn syrup
Gums for chewing
In order to create vitamins and tablets
Candles are made from fatty acid is Stearic Acid.
As an antioxidant coating for aluminum and iron powder.
The above products are all fatty acid examples.
Stearic Acid Safety
Stearic Acid is a saturated fat that is employed in a variety of diets. And, when contrasted to carbohydrates and other saturated fats. Stearic Acid is far better to consume since it decreases LDL (low-density lipoproteins) cholesterol, also known as nasty cholesterol. Stearic Acid has been shown to be safe in several studies. Animal fats are the predominant dietary source of this acid, with botanical fats providing just a minor contribution (Exceptions: coconut, cocoa butter, palm kernel oil ). Similarly, there is no evidence that Stearic Acid consumption causes heart disease and does not affect a person's blood lipid profile during consumption.
Fun Facts
“Although Stearic Acid is utilized in a variety of foods, it is present in nature in diluted levels. However, if Stearic Acid and magnesium combine, magnesium stearate is created, which is toxic and can cause a variety of negative effects if ingested. This chemical molecule is also flammable and heats up freely, causing irritation to the respiratory organs and skin.”
“The melting point of Stearic Acid is so high because it is a saturated fatty acid”.
FAQs on Stearic Acid
1. Is Stearic Acid Safe for Consumption?
Stearic acid is a type of saturated fat used in different diets. And as compared with carbs and other saturated fats, stearic acid is much healthier for consumption, as it lowers the LDL (low-density lipoproteins) cholesterol, which is usually referred to as bad cholesterol. Many research has proved the safety of stearic acid. The primary dietary source of this acid is through animal fats, and less in plant fats (Exceptions: coconut, cocoa butter, palm kernel oil ). Similarly, there is no heart-related risk seen by the consumption of stearic acid, and it provides neutral effects to a person's blood lipid profile during intake.
2. What Does Stearic Acid do to the Skin?
As stearic acid is used in soaps and face cleansers, it helps to remove the dirt and bacteria from the surface of the skin. The creamy yet waxy texture of stearic acid is very gentle, and hence it's used in the body care product. It not only locks the moisture and dryness of skin but also it protects the skin surface by loss of water through the waxy protective barrier. It does not even clog pores, and it is also safer for sensitive skin, although if there is any irritation faced, it's better to do a sensitivity test before application. Hence, stearic acid is quite safe for skin too.
3. Is Stearic Acid Soluble in Water?
Stearic acid is soluble in many organic solvents. For example, it is moderately soluble in alcohols, phenyls, and alkyl acetates. The compound is soluble in carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide, and methyl formate (even known as methyl methanoate). Stearic acid's solubility in dichloromethane under ambient temperatures approximates to 3.58 grams per 100 grams of dichloromethane.
Stearic acid is not relatively soluble in water, only a fraction of a milligram of stearic acid can be liquefied in as much as a hundred grams of water. While in chloroform, the solubility of stearic acid is 15.54 grams per hundred grams.
4. What is Stearic Acid solubility?
In liquid, Stearic Acid is not particularly soluble. In a hundred grams of water, just a fraction of a milligram of Stearic Acid may be dissolved. However, this molecule is soluble in a wide range of organic solvents. Alcohols, phenyls, and alkyl acetates, for example, are somewhat soluble in Stearic Acid. Carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide, and methyl formate are also soluble in this chemical (also known as methyl methanoate). Under ambient temperatures, the solubility of Stearic Acid in dichloromethane is 3.58 grams per 100 grams of dichloromethane. Hence, due to its solubility, Stearic Acid is used in most of the detergents. It is used in various shampoos, soap and cosmetic products as well. This acid is also used widely in the pharmaceutical industry.
5. What is Stearic Acid's effects on the Skin?
Stearic Acid, which is found in detergents and facial washes, aids in the removal of debris and germs from the skin's surface. Stearic Acid's creamy but waxy texture is quite mild, which is why it's utilized in body care products. It not only locks in the skin's hydration and tightness, but it also protects the skin's surface from water loss via a sticky protective shield. It also doesn't clog pores and is gentler on skin types, yet if irritation occurs, a sensitivity test should be performed prior to use. As a result, Stearic Acid is also fairly harmless for the skin.