Stearic acid is a stable, saturated fatty acid with a long carbon backbone and is used as a lubricant, hardener, and emulsifier in household products. It is found in animal fats and vegetable oils and is used in the production of margarine, shortening, spreads, and baked goods.
Stearic acid is the common name of octadecanoic acid, which is a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula of C18H36O2. A fatty acid is an organic compound consisting of a long unbranched carbon backbone ending in a carboxyl group, or -COOH. A carboxyl group consists of a carbon atom bonded to an oxygen atom by a double bond, and a hydroxyl group consists of an oxygen and hydrogen atom bonded together.
The oxygen and hydrogen atoms are bonded to the final carbon atom in such a way as to give it a charge, allowing it to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules. A hydrogen bond is a chemical bond that forms between a hydrogen atom of one molecule and a negatively charged atom in another molecule. Examples of atoms carrying negative charges are oxygen and nitrogen. Stearic acid molecules bond when hydrogen bonds form between the oxygen double bond of one molecule and the hydrogen of the hydroxide group of the other molecule.
To understand the structure of this substance, it is important for individuals to remember that one carbon atom can bond with four other atoms or molecules. A carbon atom to which four atoms or molecules are bonded is in its most stable form, making it relatively unreactive. Since this acid is an organic compound or is found in living things, it is very important that it is stable and does not decompose easily. It is a saturated fatty acid, which means that the carbon skeleton consists of a long chain of carbon atoms bonded together by single bonds and with two hydrogen atoms bonded to each of the inner carbon atoms.
Stearic acid is used in many different household products. It is used as a lubricant, hardener and emulsifier, a chemical that allows for the mixing of oils and water. Many common items contain this acid, including soaps, cosmetics and lotions, deodorant sticks, and candles. In candles, it makes the wax duller and less likely to drip. It also hardens them and raises the melting point, so the candle will last much longer.
Purified stearic acid is a waxy substance that is odorless and often takes the form of white or yellow waxy flakes. When heated, it becomes a clear liquid. It is one of the most common fatty acids and is found in a number of animal fats and vegetable oils, including beef fat and cocoa butter. The acid is often used in the production of margarine, shortening, spreads and baked goods.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
