Lithium stearate | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

LiC₁₈H₃₅O₂

CAS number

4485-12-5

IUPAC name

lithium;octadecanoate

State

At room temperature, lithium stearate is typically a solid.

Melting point (Celsius)

220.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

493.15

Boiling point (Celsius)

298.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

571.15

General information

Molecular weight

288.42g/mol

Molar mass

288.4230g/mol

Density

1.0250g/cm³

Appearence

Lithium stearate is a white, fine, crystalline powder. It may appear as a white solid with a slight fatty odor.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Lithium Octadecanoate

Lithium octadecanoate, commonly known by its systematic name lithium stearate, is a compound that showcases interesting solubility characteristics. Understanding its solubility is crucial for applications in various fields.

General Solubility Behavior

The solubility of lithium octadecanoate can be summarized as follows:

In Water: Lithium octadecanoate is generally poorly soluble in water. This is largely due to its long hydrocarbon chain, which leads to hydrophobic interactions.
In Organic Solvents: It displays better solubility in a range of organic solvents. For instance, it is more soluble in non-polar solvents such as hexane or toluene, which aligns more closely with its non-polar nature.
Temperature Influence: The solubility can be influenced by temperature; as the temperature increases, the solubility in organic solvents usually enhances, allowing for better dispersion of the compound.

Practical Implications

In practical settings, the poor solubility in water can limit its application in certain aqueous systems. Hence, it is often utilized:

As a lubricant in various mechanical processes.
In the formulation of greases where its solubility in oils is beneficial.

In conclusion, while lithium octadecanoate is not widely soluble in water, its affinity for organic solvents opens doors to various industrial and chemical applications where solubility plays a pivotal role.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Lithium Octadecanoate

Lithium octadecanoate, a fascinating compound, is gaining attention for its unique properties and applications in various fields. Here are some compelling facts:

Surfactant Properties: Lithium octadecanoate acts as an effective surfactant, helping to reduce the surface tension of liquids. This makes it invaluable in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, where it aids in the formation and stabilization of emulsions.
Thermal Stability: Due to its structural composition, this compound exhibits remarkable thermal stability. This characteristic makes it particularly useful in high-temperature applications like lubricants and greases.
Biocompatibility: Lithium octadecanoate is noted for its biocompatibility, making it suitable for use in medical and dental applications. Researchers are exploring its potential in drug delivery systems and as a component in biodegradable polymers.
Chemical Versatility: The octadecanoate ion (or stearate) can form various salts with different metals, making lithium octadecanoate a prime candidate for studying chemical interactions in organometallic chemistry.

Interestingly, as noted by scientists, "the role of lithium octadecanoate in modern chemical synthesis cannot be underestimated. Its multifunctional characteristics provide a myriad of possibilities in innovative applications."
Researchers continue to explore its potential, which could pave the way for advances in both materials science and pharmaceuticals.

Overall, lithium octadecanoate demonstrates a remarkable combination of functionality and versatility, making it a compound worthy of further study and exploration in the scientific community.