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For more than 20 years, Parchem – fine & specialty chemicals has been a leading global distributor of fatty acids such as stearic acid. Stearic Acid [CAS: 57-11-4] is a waxy solid at room temperature. This saturated fatty acid has an 18-carbon chain which is notably hydrophobic (water-repellant), but the carboxyl group at the end of the molecule is hydrophilic (attracted to water), which makes stearic acid quite versatile as a mixing agent for oil/water complexes. Stearic acid is one of the most naturally common saturated fatty acids, second only to Palmitic acid, which has a shorter 16-carbon chain.
Stearic acid, also known by its IUPAC name octadecanoic acid, is often found in animal-derived fats and oils, but it can also be extracted from natural vegetable oils and butters. Cocoa butter and shea butter are both vegetable-derived materials that have high stearic acid content (28-45%). Stearic acid is produced via hydrolysis of tricglycerides, which involves treating the fatty oils with water at high temperatures and pressure.
Stearic acid is used in a wide variety of applications. Because of stearic acid’s bi-functional nature, its main use is as a surfactant and softening agent in soaps, cosmetics, shampoos, shaving cream, and detergent products. Stearic acid is also used in lubrication and release agent products. Less common applications include using stearic acid to make plaster castings and moldings; it is also sometimes utilized as a hardener in candies, in candle manufacturing, and in the production of dietary supplements.
Parchem – fine & specialty chemicals is a leading supplier of oleochemicals and fatty acids such as stearic Acid and its derivatives.
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