Stearic Acid

C₁₈H₃₆O₂

IUPAC: Octadecanoic acid

CAS: 57-11-4

Overview

Stearic acid is one of the most common saturated fatty acids found in animal and vegetable fats. It is widely used in soap, candle, and cosmetics manufacturing.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 36 1.0080
Carbon C 18 12.0110
Oxygen O 2 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×36
12.8%
C
Carbon ×18
76.0%
O
Oxygen ×2
11.2%

Uses

  • • Soap manufacture
  • • Candle making
  • • Cosmetics
  • • Rubber processing

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Named from Greek 'stear' meaning hard fat or tallow

Structure

SMILES

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)O

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
284.48 g/mol
Density
0.9410 g/cm³
Melting Point
69.3 °C
Boiling Point
383.0 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
284.2715
XLogP
7.4
TPSA
37.3 Ų
H-Bond Donors
1
H-Bond Acceptors
2
Rotatable Bonds
16
Heavy Atoms
20
Complexity
202.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stearic Acid?
Stearic Acid (C₁₈H₃₆O₂) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Octadecanoic acid.
What is the molecular weight of Stearic Acid?
Stearic Acid has a molar mass of 284.48 g/mol.
What state is Stearic Acid at room temperature?
Stearic Acid is a solid at room temperature.
Is Stearic Acid organic or inorganic?
Stearic Acid is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Stearic Acid?
Stearic Acid (C₁₈H₃₆O₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).