Calcium Octadecanoate (Ca(OH)2) is a chemical compound that belongs to the group of calcium soaps. It is commonly used as an additive in lubricants, personal care products, and food packaging materials. The spelling of this word is based on the conventional English spelling system and is written as /ˈkælsiəm ɒkˌtædɪˈkeɪnoʊeɪt/. The IPA transcription symbolizes the pronunciation of each syllable, which helps in the correct pronunciation of this complex word. Knowing the IPA is useful, especially for individuals who work in scientific fields, where precise pronunciation is crucial.
Calcium Octadecanoate, also known as calcium stearate, is a chemical compound composed of calcium and stearic acid. It is a white, waxy powder that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, such as alcohol and ether. Calcium Octadecanoate is often used as a lubricant, stabilizer, and release agent in various industries.
In the pharmaceutical industry, it is commonly used as a tablet and capsule binder to improve the flow of powders, prevent sticking, and facilitate the production of tablets with desired shapes and sizes. It also acts as a lubricant during tablet compression, reducing friction between the tablet and the machine's surfaces.
In the food industry, Calcium Octadecanoate is used as a food additive, functioning as an anti-caking agent, stabilizer, and thickening agent. It prevents powdered food products, such as spice mixes, powdered sugar, and baking mixes, from clumping together and enhances their flowability, ensuring a consistent quality.
Moreover, Calcium Octadecanoate is utilized in the plastics industry as a mold release agent, preventing the adhesion of the plastic to the mold during manufacturing processes. It also possesses water-repellent properties, making it suitable for waterproof coatings in various applications.
In summary, Calcium Octadecanoate is a versatile compound that finds applications in pharmaceuticals, food, and plastics industries, primarily serving as a lubricant, anti-caking agent, stabilizer, mold release agent, and water-repellent agent.
The word "Calcium Octadecanoate" is a compound name that contains two main components: "Calcium" and "Octadecanoate".
- "Calcium": The term "calcium" comes from the Latin word "calx", which means "lime". The element calcium (Ca) was named after lime due to its occurrence in limestone.
- "Octadecanoate": "Octadecanoate" is derived from the combination of two components. The first part "octadec-" comes from the Greek word "oktṓ", meaning "eighteen", and "-canoate" is derived from "canola" (a type of oil) and the suffix "-ate" that is commonly used for carboxylic acid salts. "Octadecanoate" refers to the 18 carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain that is bound to the calcium atom in the compound.