Group of Chemicals : Fatty Acids
Commercial Name : STEARIC ACID
Common Name/Other Name : Fatty Acid C18

Physical & Chemical Properties
Boiling point, deg C at 760mm Hg                                            >350
Melting point, deg C                                                              69.6
Flash point, deg C (Pensky-Martens closed cup)                        >200
Auto-ignition temperature, deg C                                            >250
Density, g/ml at 75deg C                                                        0.85
Vapor pressure, mm Hg at 165 deg C                                       <1
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20 deg C                                   Infinite
Electrical conductivity, pS/m                                                  None
Relative molecular mass                                                         256.4

CAS-number                    : 57-11-4
Chemical Name                : Octadecanoic Acid
Gross Formula                 : C₁₈H₃₆O₂

Important Characteristics
        • Waxy, white crystalline solid with slight bland/tallow-like odour.
          Combustible
        • Irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory tract
        • Low toxicity and not considered hazardous to human beings

Hazards/Prevention/First-Aid
        Fire
        • Combustible
        • Keep away from open flame, no smoking
        • Use dry powder, foam, carbon dioxide for extinguishing

        Inhalation
        • Sore throat, cough
        • Use self-contained breathing equipment if in confined space
        • Ventilation
        • Remove to fresh air. If suffocation is serious take to a doctor

        Skin
        • Use gloves
        • Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with water or shower, take to
          a doctor if necessary

        Eyes
        • Use face shield
        • Flush with water, take to a doctor if necessary

        Ingestion
        • Sore throat, abdominal pain
        • Rinse mouth, drink plenty of water, see physician

        Spillage
        • Collect leakage in sealable containers, soak up with sand or other inert
           absorbent and remove to safe place.
           Wash site with sodium bicarbonate solution or soda ash. Wipe clean
        • Can also allow spillage to solidify, then shovel into containers. Clean up
           area immediately

        Handling And Storage
        • Use gloves and wear goggles when handling
        • Keep in a cool and place, avoid extrem heat and cold
        • Avoid direct fire, strong alkalis, oxidising agents
        • In bulk, store about 5-10 deg C above melting point.
          Temperature higher than necessary degrades quality at rate dependent
         on time and temperature of exposure
        • Exposure to ultraviolet light, especially sunlight must be miniised to
           prevent quality loss

        Transport Information
         Not a hazardous material according to RID/ADR, GGVS/GGVE, ANDR, IMDF,
        ICAO-TI/IATA-DGR

        Labeling Information
          Product label name                     Stearic acid
          Symbols                                    none 

        Ecological Information
        • Readily biodegradable
        • Acute fish toxicity                               LC 50 > 100mg product/l
        • Acute bacteria toxicity                         EC 50 > 100mg product/l