Sodium Stearate

C₁₈H₃₅NaO₂

IUPAC: Sodium octadecanoate

CAS: 822-16-2

Overview

Sodium stearate is the most common soap, formed by the saponification of fats with sodium hydroxide. It has a hydrophilic (water-loving) carboxylate head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) hydrocarbon tail, allowing it to emulsify grease and dirt in water.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 35 1.0080
Carbon C 18 12.0110
Oxygen O 2 15.9990
Sodium Na 1 22.9900

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×35
11.5%
C
Carbon ×18
70.5%
O
Oxygen ×2
10.4%
Na
Sodium ×1
7.5%

Uses

  • • Bar soap production
  • • Cosmetics emulsifier
  • • Rubber processing
  • • Pharmaceutical lubricant

Fun Facts

  • ✦ The oldest known soap recipe is from Babylon, around 2800 BCE

Safety

  • ⚠ May dry skin with excessive use
  • ⚠ Generally safe

Structure

SMILES

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)[O-].[Na+]

Properties

Type
salt
State
solid
Molar Mass
306.47 g/mol
Density
1.0200 g/cm³
Melting Point
245.0 °C
Solubility
slightly soluble

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
306.2535
TPSA
40.1 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
2
Rotatable Bonds
16
Heavy Atoms
21
Complexity
207.0

Also Known As

Soap

Related Compounds

Ammonium Bicarbonate

NH₄HCO₃

Ammonium Chloride

NH₄Cl

Ammonium Sulfate

(NH₄)₂SO₄

Barium Carbonate

BaCO₃

Barium Chloride

BaCl₂

Barium Sulfate

BaSO₄

Cadmium Sulfide

CdS

Calcium Acetate

Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂

Calcium Carbonate

CaCO₃

Calcium Citrate

Ca₃(C₆H₅O₇)₂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sodium Stearate?
Sodium Stearate (C₁₈H₃₅NaO₂) is a salt compound with the IUPAC name Sodium octadecanoate.
What is the molecular weight of Sodium Stearate?
Sodium Stearate has a molar mass of 306.466 g/mol.
What state is Sodium Stearate at room temperature?
Sodium Stearate is a solid at room temperature.
Is Sodium Stearate organic or inorganic?
Sodium Stearate is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Sodium Stearate?
Sodium Stearate (C₁₈H₃₅NaO₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), Sodium (Na).