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Sodium stearate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C18H35NaO2
CAS number
822-16-2
IUPAC name
sodium;octadecanoate
State
State

Sodium stearate is a solid at room temperature. It is commonly found as a white powdered solid or in granular form and is used extensively in manufacturing due to its favorable physical properties.

Melting point (Celsius)
245.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
518.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
359.40
Boiling point (Kelvin)
632.55
General information
Molecular weight
306.46g/mol
Molar mass
306.4610g/mol
Density
1.0270g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium stearate appears as a white solid. It is often powdery or in the form of crystalline flakes. It may also appear as a granulated solid and is practically odorless. In cosmetics and personal care products, it gives a creamy texture.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Octadecanoate

Sodium octadecanoate, also known as sodium stearate, is a fascinating compound primarily recognized for its characteristics as a soap. Its solubility properties play a crucial role in various applications from cosmetic formulations to food processing.

General Solubility Characteristics

The solubility of sodium octadecanoate can be summarized as follows:

  • Water Solubility: Sodium octadecanoate is moderately soluble in water, with solubility appearing better at elevated temperatures. This is due to its ionic nature which enables it to interact with polar water molecules.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: It is significantly less soluble in non-polar organic solvents, which can limit its effectiveness in some systems.
  • Emulsifying Properties: Its amphiphilic structure allows it to act as an emulsifier, promoting solubility within mixtures of oil and water.

Temperature Effects

It is important to note that temperature has a pronounced effect on the solubility of sodium octadecanoate. Higher temperatures not only increase the solubility in water but also enhance its ability to act as a surfactant.

Conclusion

In summary, sodium octadecanoate is a compound whose solubility plays a vital role in its functionality. It serves as a prime example of how ionic compounds exhibit variable solubility based on environmental conditions. Understanding these solubility traits enables effective application in various industrial fields.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Octadecanoate

Sodium octadecanoate, commonly known as sodium stearate, is a fascinating compound that plays a significant role in various applications within the realms of chemistry and industry. Here are some intriguing insights:

  • Common Uses: It is widely utilized as a surfactant in cosmetics, personal care products, and soaps. Its emulsifying properties help blend oil and water, which is crucial for creating stable formulations.
  • Food Industry: In addition to its uses in cosmetic products, sodium octadecanoate serves as an additive in food processing. It acts as a stabilizer and an emulsifier, ensuring the consistency and quality of food items.
  • Biodegradable Nature: One of the most appealing aspects of sodium octadecanoate is its biodegradable nature. This characteristic makes it an attractive choice for environmentally conscious formulations, minimizing ecological impact.
  • Interaction with Ions: Sodium octadecanoate can form stable micelles in aqueous solutions, which enhances its efficacy as a surfactant. The unique interaction between its long hydrocarbon tail and the ionic head group allows it to effectively lower surface tension.

"The chemistry of emulsifiers like sodium octadecanoate showcases the remarkable balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties."

Research into sodium octadecanoate has opened doors to exploring new applications in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, food science, and nanotechnology. As a compound that bridges the gap between organic and inorganic chemistry, it provides an excellent platform for further studies into surfactant behavior and molecular interactions.