Potassium stearate
Names
Other names
Potassium octadecanoate
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.008.898 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • 209-786-1
UNII
  • 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
  • CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)[O-].[K+]
Properties
C
18H
35KO
2
Molar mass 322.56
Appearance colorless crystals
Density 1.12 g/cm3
Boiling point 359.4 °C (678.9 °F; 632.5 K)
soluble in hot water
Hazards
GHS labelling:
GHS07: Exclamation markGHS09: Environmental hazard
Warning
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Potassium stearate is a metal-organic compound, a salt of potassium and stearic acid with the chemical formula C
18H
35KO
2. The compound is classified as a metallic soap, i.e. a metal derivative of a fatty acid.[1][2]

Synthesis

Potassium stearate may be prepared by saturating a hot alcoholic solution of stearic acid with alcoholic potash.[3]

Physical properties

The compound forms colorless crystals.

Slightly soluble in cold water, soluble in hot water, ethanol, insoluble in ether, chloroform, carbon disulfide.[4] 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.[5][6]

Hazards

Causes skin irritation and serious eye irritation.[7]

References

  1. ^ "potassium stearate". paulaschoice-eu.com. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  2. ^ "Potassium Stearate". Cosmetics Info. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  3. ^ Allen, Alfred Henry (1886). Commercial Organic Analysis: Being a Treatise on the Properties, Proximate Analytical Examination, and Modes of Assaying the Various Organic Chemicals and Preparations Employed in the Arts, Manufactures, Medicine, &c. With Concise Methods for the Detection and Determination of Their Impurities, Adulterations, and Products of Decomposition. ... P. Biakiston & Son. p. 230. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  4. ^ "Potassium Stearate". Silver Fern Chemical Inc. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Potassium Stearate OPK-1000". Hallstar BPC. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  6. ^ "potassium stearate | Paula's Choice". Paula's Choice. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  7. ^ "Potassium Stearate". American Elements. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
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