Calcium stearate is a chemical compound commonly used as a lubricant, stabilizer or release agent in a variety of industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and plastics. The spelling of this word is determined by its pronunciation, which is represented by the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈkælsiəm ˈstɪəreɪt/. The word is divided into two syllables with the stress on the first syllable. The "c" in calcium is pronounced as /k/ and the "t" in stearate is pronounced as /t/, giving the word its unique spelling.
Calcium stearate is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of salts known as stearates. It is commonly used as a lubricant, stabilizer, and anti-adherent agent in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and cosmetics.
In terms of its chemical composition, calcium stearate is primarily composed of calcium ions (Ca2+) and stearate ions, which are derived from stearic acid. Stearic acid is a long-chain fatty acid that occurs naturally in various animal and vegetable fats and oils.
Calcium stearate has a white, powdery appearance and is insoluble in water. However, it is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone. Its melting point is approximately 140-150°C.
Due to its properties as a lubricant and anti-adherent, calcium stearate finds application in a wide range of industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is often used as a dusting powder for tablets and capsules, as it prevents them from sticking to the machinery during production. In food processing, calcium stearate is utilized as an emulsifier and anti-caking agent, helping to improve the texture of various foods and preventing clumping. It is also employed in the manufacturing of plastics, rubber, and paints, as it imparts lubricating properties and improves the flow of materials.
Overall, calcium stearate is a versatile compound with various industrial applications, primarily functioning as a lubricant, stabilizer, and anti-adherent agent.
The word "calcium stearate" is composed of two parts: "calcium" and "stearate".
1. Calcium: The term "calcium" comes from the Latin word "calx", which means lime or limestone. It was first discovered by the English chemist Humphry Davy in 1808, who named the element "calcium" due to its occurrence in calcareous minerals.
2. Stearate: The term "stearate" is derived from stearic acid, which is a type of fatty acid. The word "stearic" originates from the Greek word "stear", meaning tallow. Tallow is a substance derived from rendered animal fat, which contains a high percentage of stearic acid.