Product Name: Stearic Acid
Chemical Name: Octadecanoic Acid
Synonyms: n-Octadecanoic acid, C18 fatty acid
CAS Number: 57-11-4
Recommended Use: Used in cosmetics, soaps, candles, plastics manufacturing, lubricants
Supplier: Check supply chain with proper emergency contacts for chemical supply
Emergency Contact: Local emergency number or national poison control center
Address: Refer to shipping manifest for specific address information
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Potential Hazards: May cause mild skin and eye irritation on direct or repeated contact
Label Elements: No mandatory hazard pictograms; avoid excessive exposure
Precautionary Statements: Minimize dust and inhalation, wash hands before eating, wear eye protection if dust risk exists
Hazard Statements: May cause discomfort to those with sensitivities, rarely causes allergic reactions
Component: Stearic Acid
Concentration: Greater than 90% purity
Impurities: Trace amounts of palmitic acid, oleic acid, or other long chain fatty acids may be present
CAS Number: 57-11-4
Molecular Formula: C18H36O2
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if coughing or breathing difficulty develops
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation or discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water if conscious; do not induce vomiting; seek medical help for persistent symptoms
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water mist, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Hazards from Combustion: Burning produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly irritating fumes
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Evacuate area, use water spray to cool containers, prevent runoff to water systems
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust generation; use proper personal protective equipment including gloves and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains, water courses, or soil
Cleaning Methods: Collect spilled material with non-combustible absorbent for disposal; ventilate area and wash residue with soap and water
Safe Handling: Minimize generation of dust; avoid contact with eyes and skin; keep containers sealed when not in use
Storage Requirements: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; keep away from heat, flames, or incompatible substances such as oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate, nitric acid
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling, keep away from food and drink, use clean, dry tools for transfer
Exposure Limits: No established exposure limits for this substance
Engineering Controls: Ensure adequate ventilation, especially if material is being heated or processed
Personal Protection: Wear safety glasses with side shields, chemical-resistant gloves; for dusty operations, use dust mask or respirator
Other Protective Equipment: Apron, protective sleeves for extended handling, eyewash facilities in the work area
Appearance: White, waxy flakes, powder, or solid
Odor: Faint, oily
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Melting Point: Around 69–70°C (156–158°F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes above 361°C (682°F)
Flash Point: Approximately 196°C (385°F) (closed cup)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; freely soluble in most organic solvents such as benzene, ether, chloroform
Density: About 0.94 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Possible Hazardous Reactions: No hazardous polymerization expected
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, flames, sources of ignition, generating dust clouds
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers may cause reactions
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly small amounts of irritants or toxic fumes in case of fire
Routes of Exposure: inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity, LD50 (oral, rat) estimated above 5,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Prolonged contact may cause mild irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Moderate discomfort in some cases
Respiratory Effects: Dust may irritate airways
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity in standard tests
Ecotoxicity: Low environmental toxicity, unlikely to bioaccumulate
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Mobility in Soil: Low, due to insolubility in water
Aquatic Toxicity: Not expected to cause harm at typical use levels; large spills may alter water surfaces
Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local, regional, national, and international laws; small quantities often managed through non-hazardous waste streams; avoid disposal to waterways
Packaging Disposal: Decontaminate before recycling or disposal; empty containers may contain residual product, handle accordingly
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous
Packing Group: None required
Special Precautions: Protect from physical damage, keep dry during transport
Regulation Status: Not listed as a hazardous material by major regulations (OSHA, DOT, IATA, IMDG, WHMIS)
Inventory Status: Included in TSCA (United States), DSL (Canada), EINECS (Europe)
Labeling Requirements: Routine controls for non-hazardous chemicals; good industrial hygiene recommended