Hydroxy Stearic Acid: A Versatile Compound For Multiple Industries

Hydroxy stearic acid, a versatile compound, finds applications in multiple industries. With a chemical formula of C18H36O3, it possesses a molecular weight of 298.47 g/mol. Physically, it appears as a white to off-white powder with a melting point of 72-74°C and a boiling point of 360-365°C. It exhibits limited solubility in water but is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol. Used as an additive in cosmetics, personal care products, and food formulations, it serves as an emulsifier and anti-caking agent, contributing to product stability and texture.

• Significance of hydroxy stearic acid in various industries

Hydroxy Stearic Acid: A Multifaceted Ingredient with Vast Industrial Applications

Hydroxy stearic acid, an organic compound with a unique molecular structure, has garnered significant attention in a wide array of industries. Its versatility and effectiveness have made it an indispensable ingredient in countless products that we encounter in our daily lives.

A Versatile Additive for Cosmetics and Personal Care

In the world of cosmetics and personal care, hydroxy stearic acid plays a crucial role as an emulsifier. It effectively blends together ingredients that would otherwise not mix, such as water and oil. This property makes it ideal for use in lotions, creams, and soaps, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.

An Essential Ingredient for Food Formulations

The food industry also benefits from the remarkable properties of hydroxy stearic acid. As an anti-caking agent, it prevents the formation of undesirable lumps and clumps in powdered products such as infant formula, spices, and nutritional supplements. This ensures a consistent texture and ease of use for consumers.

Delve into the Physical and Chemical Essence of Hydroxy Stearic Acid

Chemical Identity

Hydroxy stearic acid, a versatile compound interwoven with industrial endeavors, boasts the molecular formula CH3(CH2)16CH(OH)COOH. Its molecular weight hovers around 298.46 g/mol, underscoring its complex structure.

Physical Manifestation

In its solid form, hydroxy stearic acid presents a white, crystalline appearance, resembling delicate snowflakes. Its melting point of 76-78°C and boiling point of 180-185°C at 1 mmHg indicate its susceptibility to heat.

Solubility Characteristics

Hydroxy stearic acid exhibits limited water solubility, preferring the embrace of organic solvents such as ethanol, benzene, and ether. Its hydrophobic nature stems from the hydrocarbon tail, which shuns water’s hydrophilic embrace.

Unveiling the Molecular Descriptors of Hydroxy Stearic Acid

In the realm of chemistry, molecular descriptors serve as a powerful tool to unravel the intricate characteristics of compounds. These descriptors provide a unique fingerprint for each molecule, enabling scientists to delve deeper into their properties and interactions.

Among the vast array of substances, hydroxy stearic acid stands out for its versatility and widespread applications. As we embark on a journey to understand this remarkable compound, let’s unveil the molecular descriptors that define its essence.

SMILES and InChIKey: Capturing the Structural Fingerprint

• SMILES (Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System): SMILES is a text-based representation of a molecule’s structure. For hydroxy stearic acid, its SMILES code reads as follows:

CCCCCCCCC(C)CCCCCC(=O)C(OH)CO

This string concisely conveys the arrangement of atoms and bonds within the hydroxy stearic acid molecule.

• InChIKey (International Chemical Identifier Key): InChIKey is a unique alphanumeric identifier that encodes a molecule’s structure, connectivity, and stereochemistry. For hydroxy stearic acid, the InChIKey is:

InChIKey=QDXAKRLZGXMPKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N

This compact yet informative string serves as a reliable and precise way to identify and distinguish hydroxy stearic acid from other compounds.

Identification Numbers: Unraveling the Code of Hydroxy Stearic Acid

Hydroxy stearic acid is a versatile chemical with applications in diverse industries, ranging from cosmetics to food formulations. Understanding its unique properties and identification numbers is crucial for scientists, manufacturers, and consumers alike.

CAS Number

The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Number is a unique identifier for every chemical substance. Hydroxy stearic acid’s CAS Number is 933-41-5. This code provides a comprehensive and unambiguous way to identify the compound in scientific literature and databases.

EC Number

The European Chemical Number (EC Number) is assigned to chemicals registered under the European Union’s REACH regulations. Hydroxy stearic acid has an EC Number of 215-520-6. This number is used for regulatory compliance and tracking the substance’s presence within the European Union.

PubChem CID

The PubChem Compound Identifier (CID) is a unique identifier assigned to compounds in the National Library of Medicine’s PubChem database. Hydroxy stearic acid’s CID is 11136999. This number facilitates access to detailed information about the compound’s structure, properties, and biological activities.

The CAS Number, EC Number, and PubChem CID are essential identification numbers that provide a standardized and universally recognized means to identify hydroxy stearic acid. These numbers are pivotal in scientific research, regulatory compliance, and ensuring the safe and responsible use of this versatile chemical.

Diverse Applications of Hydroxy Stearic Acid: Enhancing Products and Industries

In the realm of chemical engineering, hydroxy stearic acid stands out as a versatile substance with a wide range of applications across various industries. Its unique properties make it an indispensable ingredient in a myriad of products, from cosmetics to food formulations.

A Vital Ingredient in Cosmetics and Personal Care

Hydroxy stearic acid plays a crucial role in the cosmetics and personal care industry as an emulsifier. Its ability to blend oil and water-based components allows for the creation of stable, smooth textures in products like lotions, creams, and shampoos. This emulsifying property ensures that these products remain homogeneous and easy to apply, enhancing the user experience.

Moreover, hydroxy stearic acid functions as an anti-caking agent, preventing the formation of lumps and clumps in powders and granules. This is especially important in products like face powders, eyeshadows, and body powders, where a smooth and consistent texture is essential.

Enhancing Food Formulations

In the food industry, hydroxy stearic acid is widely used as an additive in various formulations. Its emulsifying properties enable the creation of dressings, sauces, and spreads with a uniform consistency and improved mouthfeel. It also acts as an anti-foaming agent, preventing excessive foam formation during processing, which is crucial in products like beer and whipped cream.

Furthermore, hydroxy stearic acid is employed as a lubricant in the production of pasta, bread, and other baked goods. It helps prevent the dough from sticking to the machinery, ensuring efficient and smooth processing.