Stearic Acid

It is a waxy solid and its chemical formula is C17H35CO2H. The salts and esters of stearic acid are called stearates. As its ester, stearic acid is one of the most common saturated fatty acids found in nature following palmitic acid.

Solubility in acetone: 4.96 g/100 g
Solubility in chloroform: 18.4 g/100 g
Solubility in toluene: 15.75 g/100 g
Melting point: 69.3 'C (156.7 'F; 342.4 K)

Stearic Acid also called as Octadecanoic Acid or Stereophonic acid is a long chain saturated fatty acid. It is usually found in Cocoa butter, Shea butter, animal fats and plants. It is a mixture of approximately equal amounts of oleic acid. It is employed in the manufacture of candles, cosmetics, shaving soaps, lubricants and pharmaceuticals.

Uses and Application-

Stearic Acid is used most often to thicken and retain the shape of soaps and is also used in shampoo, shaving cream and detergents.
It is used as a surfactant and emulsifying agent for fragrance and as the base for other fatty acid ingredients that are synthesized into emollients and lubricants.
It is used along with Castor Oil for preparing softeners in textile sizing.
It is used in manufacture of candles and as a hardener in candies when mixed with simple sugar and corn syrup. It is also used to produce dietary supplements.
In firewood, Stearic Acid is often used to coat metal powders such as aluminum and iron. This prevents oxidation, allowing compositions to be stored for a longer period of time.
Stearic Acid is a common lubricant during injection molding and pressing of ceramic powders, it is also used as a mold release for foam latex that is baked in stone molds.