Stearic Acid
Octadecanoic Acid
- CAS
- 57-11-4
- EC
- 266-928-5
- Food Code
- E570
- Sectors
- Personal Care & Cosmetics, Plastics & Polymers, Food & Nutrition
Stearic Acid (CAS 57-11-4), also known as octadecanoic acid, is a white waxy fatty acid derived from animal or vegetable fats, supplied as white flakes or powder, and used as a lubricant and mold release agent in plastics, a stabilizer in cosmetics, and as an additive in food. It has a density of 0.94 g/cm³, melting point 69-70°C, and is insoluble in water but soluble in organics like ethanol. Derived from animal or vegetable fats, it is non-hygroscopic, odorless or faintly fatty, and stable under ambient conditions.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | C18H36O2 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 284.48 g/mol |
| Appearance | white flakes |
| Form | powder |
| Color | White |
| Odor | odorless mild fatty |
| Melting point | 69.4 °C |
| Boiling point | 232 °C @ Press: 15 Torr |
| Density | 0.9408 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Water solubility | 0.1-1 g/100 mL at 23 °C |
| Flash point | >230 °F |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Acute toxicity, Irritant / harmful, Environmental hazard |
| HS code | 38231100 |
| Grades available | Food Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Stearic Acid
Applications
Used as a lubricant in plastics, mold release agent, stabilizer in cosmetics, surfactant in detergents, and in rubber vulcanization; also in food as an additive and in pharmaceuticals for coatings.
Safety & Risks
Low toxicity but dust irritates eyes and throat; causes skin and eye irritation upon contact. Combustible; avoid strong oxidizers which may cause fires. Use PPE and ventilation; Hazard Class not specified.
Packaging
Supplied in 25kg bags or drums with inner liners; rinse containers triply for recycling or puncture for sanitary landfill disposal to ensure compliance.