Magnesium stearate

Magnesium stearate

Names
IUPAC name Magnesium octadecanoate
Identifiers
CAS Number	557-04-0 Y
3D model (Jmol)	Interactive image
ChEBI	CHEBI:9254 Y
ChemSpider	10704 Y {CH}
ECHA InfoCard	100.008.320
E number	E572 (acidity regulators, ...)
PubChem	11177
UNII	70097M6I30 Y
InChI InChI=1S/2C18H36O2.Mg/c2*1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18(19)20;/h2*2-17H2,1H3,(H,19,20);/q;;+2/p-2 Y Key: HQKMJHAJHXVSDF-UHFFFAOYSA-L Y InChI=1/2C18H36O2.Mg/c2*1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18(19)20;/h2*2-17H2,1H3,(H,19,20);/q;;+2/p-2 Key: HQKMJHAJHXVSDF-NUQVWONBAM
SMILES [Mg+2].[O-]C(=O)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC.[O-]C(=O)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Properties
Chemical formula	Mg(C 18H 35O 2) 2
Molar mass	591.27 g/mol
Appearance	light white powder
Odor	slight
Density	1.026 g/cm3
Melting point	88.5 °C (191.3 °F; 361.6 K)
Solubility in water	0.003 g/100 mL (15 °C) 0.004 g/100 mL (25 °C) 0.008 g/100 mL (50 °C)
Solubility	negligible in ether and alcohol slightly soluble in benzene
Hazards
Safety data sheet	External MSDS
NFPA 704	1 1 0
Flash point	250 °C (482 °F; 523 K)
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
LD50 (median dose)	> 1000 mg/kg (oral, rat)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Y  (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

Magnesium stearate is the chemical compound with the formula Mg(C
18H
35O
2)
2. It is a soap, consisting of salt containing two equivalents of stearate (the anion of stearic acid) and one magnesium cation (Mg²⁺). Magnesium stearate is a white, water-insoluble powder. Its applications exploit its softness, insolubility in many solvents, and low toxicity. It is used as a release agent and as a component or lubricant in the production of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Magnesium stearate is produced by the reaction of sodium stearate with magnesium salts or by treating magnesium oxide with stearic acid. Some nutritional supplements specify that magnesium stearate be sourced from vegetable-derived stearic acid.(soy)

Magnesium stearate is often used as an anti-adherent in the manufacture of medical tablets, capsules and powders. In this regard, the substance is also useful, because it has lubricating properties, preventing ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment during the compression of chemical powders into solid tablets; magnesium stearate is the most commonly used lubricant for tablets. Magnesium stearate can also be used efficiently in dry coating processes.

Magnesium stearate is also used to bind sugar in hard candies like mints, and is a common ingredient in baby formulas.

Magnesium stearate is a major component of "bathtub rings." When produced by soap and hard water, magnesium stearate and calcium stearate both form a white solid insoluble in water, and are collectively known as "soap scum."

Magnesium Stearate is generally considered safe for human consumption at levels below 2500 mg/kg per day. In 1979, the FDA's Subcommittee on GRAS (generally recognized as safe) Substances (SCOGS) reported, "There is no evidence in the available information on ... magnesium stearate ... that demonstrates, or suggests reasonable grounds to suspect, a hazard to the public when they are used at levels that are now current and in the manner now practiced, or which might reasonably be expected in the future."