OCTADECANOIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Octadecanoic acid, also known as stearic acid, is a naturally occurring fatty acid. It is classified as a long-chain saturated fatty acid due to its 18 carbon atoms. Octadecanoic acid is found abundantly in various animal and plant fats, especially in meat, butter, and cocoa butter.
In its pure form, octadecanoic acid appears as a white solid that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. It has a melting point of around 70-72°C.
Octadecanoic acid is commonly used in various industries due to its versatile properties. It serves as a crucial precursor in the synthesis of other important chemicals, such as detergents, metallic stearates, and lubricants. It also acts as an emulsifier, helping to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. As an emollient, octadecanoic acid is used in cosmetics and skincare products to provide moisturizing and conditioning effects on the skin. Additionally, it finds applications in the manufacturing of candles, soaps, and detergents as a hardening agent.
From a nutritional standpoint, octadecanoic acid is considered a non-essential fatty acid as it can be synthesized by the body. It plays a role in various physiological processes and is a major component of cell membranes. Although it is a saturated fatty acid, research suggests that moderate dietary intake of octadecanoic acid may not have negative effects on cardiovascular health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Common Misspellings for OCTADECANOIC ACID
- ictadecanoic acid
- kctadecanoic acid
- lctadecanoic acid
- pctadecanoic acid
- 0ctadecanoic acid
- 9ctadecanoic acid
- oxtadecanoic acid
- ovtadecanoic acid
- oftadecanoic acid
- odtadecanoic acid
- ocradecanoic acid
- ocfadecanoic acid
- ocgadecanoic acid
- ocyadecanoic acid
- oc6adecanoic acid
- oc5adecanoic acid
- octzdecanoic acid
- octsdecanoic acid
- octwdecanoic acid
Etymology of OCTADECANOIC ACID
The term "Octadecanoic Acid" is derived from its chemical structure and composition.
"Octa-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "okto", meaning eight. In the context of organic chemistry, it typically indicates that a compound contains eight carbon atoms.
"Deca-" is another prefix derived from the Greek word "deka", meaning ten. In this case, it indicates that the compound contains ten hydrogen atoms.
The suffix "-anoic acid" indicates that the compound is a carboxylic acid. It is derived from the Greek word "akantha", meaning thorn or prickle. Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to a carbon atom.
