Chemistry:Potassium stearate

Potassium stearate

Names
Other names Potassium octadecanoate
Identifiers
CAS Number	593-29-3 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	11143
EC Number	209-786-1
PubChem CID	23673840
UNII	17V812XK50
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	0042323
InChI InChI=1S/C18H36O2.K/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18(19)20;/h2-17H2,1H3,(H,19,20);/q;+1/p-1 Key: ANBFRLKBEIFNQU-UHFFFAOYSA-M
SMILES CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)[O-].[K+]
Properties
Chemical formula	C18H35KO2
Molar mass	322.56
Appearance	colorless crystals
Density	1.12 g/cm3
Boiling point	359.4 °C (678.9 °F; 632.5 K)
Solubility in water	soluble in hot water
Hazards
GHS pictograms
GHS Signal word	Warning
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Potassium stearate is a metal-organic compound, a salt of potassium and stearic acid with the chemical formula C₁₈H₃₅KO₂. The compound is classified as a metallic soap, i.e. a metal derivative of a fatty acid.

Synthesis

Potassium stearate may be prepared by saturating a hot alcoholic solution of stearic acid with alcoholic potash.

Physical properties

The compound forms colorless crystals.

Slightly soluble in cold water, soluble in hot water, ethanol, insoluble in ether, chloroform, carbon disulfide. A component of liquid soap.

Uses

The compound is primarily used as an emulsifier in cosmetics and in food products. It is also used as a cleansing ingredient and lubricant.

Hazards

Causes skin irritation and serious eye irritation.