Product Identification

Product Name

Stearic acid

Synonyms

1-Heptadecanecarboxylic acid
Cetylacetic acid
Hystrene
Neo-Fat 18
Octadecanoic acid
Stearophanic acid

CAS

57-11-4

Formula

C18H36O2

Molecular Weight

284.48

EINECS

200-313-4

RTECS

WI2800000

RTECS Class

Tumorigen; Mutagen; Primary Irritant

Merck

12,8959

Beilstein/Gmelin

608585

Beilstein Reference

4-02-00-01206

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

White or slightly yellow, crystals or powder, with a slight tallow-like odor.

Solubility in water

Insoluble

Melting Point

67

Boiling Point

361

Vapor Pressure

9E-6 (25 C)

Density

1.017 g/cm3 (17 C)

pKa/pKb

4.78 (pKa)

Partition Coefficient

8.23

Heat Of Vaporization

63.8 kJ/mol

Heat Of Combustion

-11326 kJ/mol

Usage

Chemical intermediate for metallic soaps & greases, household soap products, synthetic rubber vulcanization activators, alkylated & epoxy resins for surface coatings, synthetic rubber polymerization emulsifier, component of cosmetic formulations, pharmaceutical creams, of candles, lubricant in pharmaceutical tablet formulations, release agent in baked goods & confectioneries.

Saturation Concentration

Very low at 25 C

Vapor Density

9.8

Odor threshold

20 ppm

Refractive Index

1.4299 (20 C)

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Get medical aid. Wash mouth out with water.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. Get medical aid if cough or other symptoms appear.

Skin

Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists.

Eyes

Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. Store in a tightly closed container.

Handling

Avoid breathing dust, vapor, mist, or gas. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

Hazards Identification

Ingestion

Low hazard for usual industrial handling.

Inhalation

May cause respiratory tract irritation.

Skin

May cause skin irritation.

Eyes

May cause eye irritation.

Hazards

This chemical can heat spontaneously.

EC Risk Phrase

R 36/37/38

EC Safety Phrase

S 26 36

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear chemical goggles. Skin: Wear appropriate gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear a chemical apron.

Respirators

A NIOSH/MSHA approved air purifying dust or mist respirator or European Standard EN 149.

Exposure limit(s)

TLV (as stearates): ppm; 10 mg/m3 ACGIH 1996).

Poison Class

-

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

162

Autoignition

395

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. To extinguish fire use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or chemical foam.

Upper exp. limit

4.9

Lower exp. limit

.4

Fire Potential

This chemical is combustible.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container.

Stability and Reactivity

Disposal Code

3

Incompatibilities

Bases, oxidizing agents, reducing agents.

Stability

Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.

Decomposition

Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.

Transport Information

HS Code

3823 11 00