Stearic Acid, also known as octadecanoic acid, is one of the most abundant naturally occurring long-chain saturated fatty acids. It is found in combined form in natural animal and vegetable fats and oils and is commercially derived through the hydrolysis of triglycerides. Stearic Acid is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, candles, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, and a broad range of industrial products.
Stearic Acid is typically supplied as a white waxy solid or flaked powder and is available in bulk quantities, as well as bags, drums, and custom packaging options depending on application requirements.
TCC’s Stearic Acid is available for shipping throughout the continental United States with one (1) week lead-time. Please call (401) 360-2800 for details. Stearic Acid is available in 1MT net super sacks and 25kg bags palletized w/shrinkwrap. Special packaging is available upon request.
Stearic Acid is a colorless to white waxy solid with the molecular formula CH₃(CH₂)₁₆CO₂H. It is nearly insoluble in water and takes its name from the Greek word stear, meaning tallow, reflecting its historical derivation from animal fat. The salts and esters of stearic acid are collectively known as stearates. Commercial stearic acid is typically a mixture of roughly equal parts stearic and palmitic acids, along with small amounts of oleic acid.
Stearic Acid is one of the most prevalent saturated fatty acids in nature, second only to palmitic acid in abundance. It occurs in both animal and vegetable fats, but is considerably more abundant in animal sources, comprising up to 30% of fatty acid content, compared to less than 5% in most vegetable sources.
Stearic Acid is produced industrially by treating animal or vegetable fats and oils with water at high pressure and temperatures above 200°C, leading to the hydrolysis of triglycerides. The resulting mixture is then distilled to isolate the desired fractions. In living organisms, stearic acid is biosynthesized from carbohydrates through the fatty acid synthesis pathway via acetyl-CoA.
In concentrated or heated form, stearic acid may cause mild irritation to skin and eyes, and appropriate handling precautions should be observed.
Stearic Acid is used across several industries and applications, including:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Stearic Acid / Octadecanoic Acid |
| CAS Number | 57-11-4 |
| Molecular Formula | CH₃(CH₂)₁₆CO₂H |
| Appearance | White to off-white waxy solid or powder |
| Odor | Faint, characteristic fatty odor |
| Solubility | Nearly insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform |
| Melting Point | 69–70°C |
| Stability | Stable under normal storage conditions |
Stearic Acid is available in a range of packaging formats to meet your operational needs:
Custom packaging and supply solutions are available based on your application and volume requirements.
Stearic Acid is most commonly used in soaps, cosmetics, and personal care products as an emulsifier and thickener. It is also widely used in candle manufacturing, pharmaceutical tablet coatings, textile processing, and industrial lubrication applications.
Stearic Acid can be derived from both animal and vegetable sources. It is more abundant in animal fats, comprising up to 30% of fatty acid content, but is also present in vegetable oils. Commercial stearic acid may be sourced from either origin depending on the application and grade required.
The CAS number for Stearic Acid is 57-11-4.
Yes. Stearic Acid is widely recognized as safe for use in cosmetics, personal care products, and food applications. It is a common ingredient in FDA-approved formulations and is used globally across food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade applications.
Both are long-chain saturated fatty acids. Stearic Acid has 18 carbon atoms while Palmitic Acid has 16. Commercial stearic acid typically contains a mixture of both. Palmitic Acid has a slightly lower melting point and is more abundant in vegetable sources.
Stearic Acid is available in bags, drums, and bulk quantities depending on your volume and application requirements.
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