Magnesium stearate is a white substance, solid at room temperature, used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical and supplement tablets and capsules. It is composed of magnesium and stearic acid, and oftentimes, palmitic acid as well.
The IUPAC name of Magnesium stearate is magnesium octadecanoate. With the CAS registry number 557-04-0, it is also named as Octadecanoic acid, magnesium salt. The product’s category is Cosmetic Ingredients & Chemicals. It is white powder which is soluble in hot ethanol solution and insoluble in water. In addition, this chemical has good skin adhesion and lubricity. Besides, it should be sealed in the container and stored in the cool and dry place.
1. Characteristics of Magnesium Stearate
Name:Magnesium Stearate
EINECS:209-150-3
Molecular Formula:2(C18H35O2)?Mg
CAS Registry Number:557-04-0
Synonyms:Octadecanoic acid magnesium salt; dibasicmagnesiumstearate; Dolomol; magnesiumdistearate; Magnesiumstearatemedicinal; petracmg20nf; stearatedemagnesium; MAGNESIUM OCTADECANOATE
InChI:InChI=1/2C18H36O2.Mg/c2*1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18(19)20;/h2*2-17H2,1H3,(H,19,20);/q;;+2/p-2
HS Code:29157030
Appearance:White powder
Molecular Weight:591.25
Density:1.07
Boiling Point:359.4°Cat760mmHg
Melting Point:130-140℃
Flash Point:162.4°C
Storage Temperature:Store at RT.
Refractive index:1.45 (25 C)
Solubility:Insoluble in water
Stability:Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
Usage:In baby dusting powders.
2. Preparation of Magnesium stearate
It can be obtained by magnesium sulfate and sodium stearate which is prepared by sodium hydroxide and stearic acid.
C17H35COOH+NaOH→C17H35COONa+H2O
2C17H35COONa+MgSO4→Mg[CH3(CH2)16COO)]2+Na2SO4
3. Uses of Magnesium stearate
It often used as a diluent in the manufacture of medical tablets, capsules and powders. It is not only used to bind sugar in hard candies, but also used as a heat stabilizer of PVC, lubricating agent of ABS, amino resins, phenolic resins and urea formaldehyde resin. In addition, it is a common ingredient in baby formulas. Besides, tis chemical can used in the powder products to enhance adhesion and lubrication.
When you are using this chemical, please be cautious about it as the following:
It is irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. If you want to contact this product, you must wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection.