Stearic acid is a long-chain saturated fatty acid that can be derived from either animal fats or vegetable oils. Compared to other long-chain saturated fatty acids that are hypercholesterolemic, experimental diets high in stearic acid (9.3-11.8% of energy) do not raise plasma total cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol concentrations but may slightly reduce HDL-cholesterol concentrations.
A saturated fatty acid Stearic acid is used as a raw material in the production of detergents, surfactants, soaps, and cosmetics such as shampoos and shaving cream products. Its salts are used to soften polyvinyl chloride and a component of grease. It is used for the preparation of softeners in textile sizing with castor oil and dietary supplements. It acts as a hardener in candles with simple sugar or corn syrup. It is utilized for the coating of metal powders like aluminum and iron in fireworks. It finds application as a common lubricant during injection molding and pressing of ceramic powders. It acts as a key raw material for the synthesis of stearyl alcohol by reduction.
Stearic Acid, an anti-inflammatory agent, is the hydrogenation product of linoleic acid. This compound has been shown to induce a decrease of cell growth and adhesion and increase hydrophobic properties of collagen films. This was achieved via reaction of lysyl amino groups of the α-chain of collagen films with stearate, which causes a decrease in chemical groups exposed on the surface of the films. Stearic Acid has been noted to induce an increase in ICAM-1 expression in cells, via an increase in phosphorylation of the transcriptional regulator NFκB.
Purity: ≥99%
Key Applications: Induce a decrease of cell growth and adhesion, Increase hydrophobic properties of collagen films, Induce an increase in ICAM-1 expression in cells
Application Areas: Molecular biology, cell biology
Product Type: Biochemicals
Biochemical Category: Lipids
Chemical Class: Lipids
Density: 0.941 (water = 1)(Lit.)
Auto Ignition: 395°C (743 °F)(Lit.)
Boiling Point: 361°C(lit.)
Melting Point: 68 - 73°C
Vapor Pressure: 1 mm Hg at 173.7°C(lit.)
Refractive Index: 1.46 (Predicted)
Presentation: White Crystalline Powder
Format: Crystalline Powder
pKa 4.78
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, benzene, chloroform, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, carbondisulfide, very slightly soluble in water.
Storage & Handling: +4°C, store under nitrogen