Stearic Acid Molecule

stearic acid molecule

Stearic Acid Molecule-- Space Fill Model

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Stearic Acid Molecular Struture

stearic acid molecular structure

Stearic acid also called octadecanoic acid CH3(CH2)16COOH is one of the many useful types of saturated fatty acids that comes from many animal and vegetable fats and oils. It is a waxy solid that melts at around 70°C and its chemical formula is . Its name comes from the Greek word, stear, which means tallow.

Stearic acid is prepared by treating animal fat with water at a high pressure and temperature. It can also be obtained from the hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Stearic acid is useful as an ingredient in making candles, soaps, and cosmetics and for softening rubber.

Stearic acid is noteworthy as the most common saturated fatty acid, another common one being the C16 compound palmitic acid.

Stearic Acid in Health

Even though stearic acid it is a saturated fat, studies have suggested that it has little effect on blood cholesterol levels, because such a high proportion is converted to oleic acid. Stearic acid is found in chocolate and cocoa.