- Chemical Name:Sodium stearate
- CAS Number:822-16-2
- Grade:Industrial Grade
- Synonyms:Prodhygine, Sodium octadecanoate
Pratham Stearchem Sodium Stearate is the sodium salt of stearic acid. This white solid is the most common soap. It is found in many types of solid deodorants, rubbers, latex paints, and inks. It is also a component of some food additives and food flavorings. Sodium stearate comprises of a long hydrocarbon 'tail' and a carboxylic acid 'head' group. Of the two parts, the tail part has affinity for oils and head part has affinity for water.. The tail is basically an alkane, and so readily dissolves in fat, oil and grease, but not in water. The head-group however is polar, and so easily dissolves in water (hydrophilic - water-loving) and will not dissolve in oil or grease. Hence during any cleaning operation such as Dish Washing, Bathing or Laundry etc, the tail attaches itself to the oil droplets, and removes them from the dirty objects (dishes, clothes or body) collects together into clumps and washes down the drain.