Functional Roles
Industries Served
Physical Properties
physical_description
Zinc stearate is a white, hydrophobic powder with a slight, characteristic odor. Mp: 130 u00b0C. Density: 1.1 g cm-3. Insoluble in water, ethyl alcohol and diethyl ether. Soluble in acids. Non-toxic. In technical grades, the percentage of zinc may vary according to the intended use. Products with less than the theoretical amount of zinc are more acidic.
color/form
White powder free from gritiness
odor
Slight, characteristic odor
melting_point
266 u00b0F (NIOSH, 2024)
flash_point
530 u00b0F (NIOSH, 2024)
solubility
Soluble in benzene; insoluble in water, alcohol and ether
density
1.1 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink
vapor_pressure
0 mmHg (approx) (NIOSH, 2024)
logp
1.2
autoignition_temperature
788 u00b0F (420 u00b0C)
decomposition
Zinc stearate decomposes on burning producing irritating and toxic fumes including zinc oxide.
ph
Neutral to moistened litmus paper
other_experimental_properties
Decomp by dilute acids
GHS / SDS Safety
Warning
Environmental Hazard
Irritant
- H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]
- H316: Causes mild skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]
- H413 (22.7%): May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]
- Not Classified
- H335 (28.3%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]
- H400 (30.9%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
- H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
- Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 1 of 1 companies. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.
Chemical Identity
| CAS Number | 557-05-1 |
| IUPAC Name | zinc bis(octadecanoate) |
| InChI Key | XOOUIPVCVHRTMJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L |
| PubChem CID | 11178 |
| INCI Name | ZINC STEARATE |
Synonyms & Trade Names
Full Description
Zinc Stearate (CAS 557-05-1) is a metallic soap ester that functions as an emollient and lubricant in industrial formulations. This zinc salt of stearic acid provides lubrication properties in plastics and polymers manufacturing while serving as an emollient in beauty and personal care applications. The compound is widely utilized across industrial manufacturing, cosmetic formulation, and polymer processing operations where its dual functionality enhances product performance.