10158. Zinc Stearate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 557-05-1
Octadecanoic acid zinc salt.
C36H70O4Zn; mol wt 632.35.
C 68.38%, H 11.16%, O 10.12%, Zn 10.34%.
Zn(C18H35O2)2.

Description and references

Usually occurs as a mixture of the zinc salts of stearic and palmitic acids, and usually with some excess of zinc oxide. Contains 13.5-15% ZnO. Prepd from stearic acid and zinc chloride: Vold, Hattiangdi, Ind. Eng. Chem. 41, 2311 (1949).

Properties

Fine, soft, bulky powder; slight characteristic odor; neutral reaction. Repels water. mp about 120°. Insol in water, alcohol, ether. Sol in benzene; dec by dil acids.

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; cough. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 338.

Use

In tablet manuf; in cosmetic and pharmaceutical powders and ointments; as a flatting and sanding agent in lacquers; as a drying lubricant and dusting agent for rubber; as a plastic mold releasing agent; as a waterproofing agent for concrete, rock wool, paper, textiles.

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Antiseptic, astringent, protective (topical).