CAS 557-05-1: Zinc stearate

Zinc stearate is a white powder that is used as a lubricant in the manufacture of rubber and plastics. It can also be used as a food additive, such as in cheese and chocolate, to provide a protective layer. Zinc stearate is an amphiphilic molecule and has been shown to exhibit surface effects on the nanoparticle size, shape, and surface charge. The hydrophobic effect of zinc stearate causes it to form clusters with other molecules that are hydrophobic. This cluster formation has been shown to alter transcriptional regulation in cells. The use of zinc stearate has been associated with autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and bone cancer due to its interactions with drugs. Zinc stearate is typically synthesized by heating anhydrous sodium or potassium carbonates with vegetable oils containing fatty acids (e.g., coconut oil) under controlled conditions of temperature and pressure.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Acros Organics product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Acros Organics product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.

Zinc stearate is an alkanoic acid that is used as a pharmaceutical excipient. It is a model system for benzimidazole compounds and has been shown to have clinical properties in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Zinc stearate is a surface methodology for the fabrication of zirconium oxide and sodium salts, which are used in bone cancer treatments. The use of zinc stearate for this purpose has been patented by the University of Washington. The main metabolite of zinc stearate is zinc lactate, which is formed from the hydrolysis or oxidation of the ester bond between zinc and stearate. Zinc lactate, in turn, can be absorbed into human tissues and cause metabolic disorders such as ketoconazole enantiomer.

Zinc stearate is used as a release agent for the manufacturing of rubber, polyurethane and polyester processing. It is a lubricant and thickening agent in cosmetic industry. It plays a vital role as an activator for rubber vulcanization. It acts as a phase transfer catalyst in the saponification of fats due to its lipophilic character. It is an active component in fanning powder, which is utilized to decrease the friction between cards. This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.

Zinc Stearate