Sodium stearyl fumarate is a versatile amphiphilic compound with a molecular formula of C22H42O4Na. It appears as a white or slightly yellow powder with a faint odor. Its molecular weight is 386.55 g/mol, and it exhibits solubility in water and organic solvents. As an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, and pharmaceutical excipient, sodium stearyl fumarate finds applications in various industries, including food, personal care, and pharmaceuticals.
Sodium Stearyl Fumarate: A Versatile Workhorse in the World of Chemistry
In the realm of chemistry, there exists a versatile and indispensable compound known as sodium stearyl fumarate. This multifaceted substance plays a crucial role in numerous industries, from personal care to pharmaceuticals.
Imagine a substance that can effortlessly emulsify ingredients, thicken mixtures, and stabilize formulations. Enter sodium stearyl fumarate, a molecular marvel that seamlessly integrates into a wide array of applications. Its versatility is a testament to its unique chemical structure and properties, making it an essential ingredient in countless products we use daily.
Molecular Structure and Composition: Unveiling the Essence of Sodium Stearyl Fumarate
Sodium stearyl fumarate, an enigmatic compound, holds a key to unlocking the secrets of stability and uniformity in a myriad of formulations. At its core lies a molecular formula that tells a tale of harmony and balance: C22H42O4Na.
This formula represents a fusion of 22 carbon atoms, 42 hydrogen atoms, 4 oxygen atoms, and 1 sodium atom. The carbon and hydrogen atoms form a hydrocarbon chain, resembling a long, slender string. This chain is adorned with four oxygen atoms arranged in a specific pattern, creating what is known as fumarate, a dicarboxylic acid. Finally, a sodium atom resides in the company of these atoms, balancing the electrical charge and conferring a unique set of properties to the molecule.
Imagine a miniature cityscape where the carbon atoms form towering buildings, the hydrogen atoms are bustling pedestrians, and the oxygen atoms represent bustling plazas. The sodium atom, like a wise old sage, presides over this vibrant scene, ensuring harmony and equilibrium. Together, these components weave a tapestry of molecular structure that empowers sodium stearyl fumarate with its remarkable versatility and functionality.
Physical Characteristics
- Description of sodium stearyl fumarate’s appearance, odor, melting point, boiling point, density, and flash point.
Physical Characteristics of Sodium Stearyl Fumarate: Unveiling the Tangible Attributes of a Versatile Ingredient
Sodium stearyl fumarate, a seemingly unassuming substance with a mouthful of a name, boasts a remarkable array of physical characteristics that underpin its diverse applications. From its distinctive appearance to its well-defined boundaries of thermal behavior, let’s embark on a sensory journey to unravel the intriguing physical properties of this versatile ingredient.
Aesthetics that Reveal Function
Sodium stearyl fumarate presents itself as a powdery white solid, devoid of any discernible odor. Its fine, crystalline structure hints at its ability to blend seamlessly into various formulations.
Thermal Boundaries: Melting and Boiling
When subjected to heat, sodium stearyl fumarate undergoes a transformation at 126-128°C, melting into a clear, viscous liquid. This melting point, a vital parameter for processing, ensures its stability under ambient conditions. However, exposing it to higher temperatures reveals its decomposition point at 250-255°C, setting a boundary for its safe handling.
Dwelling in Density and Flash Point
Sodium stearyl fumarate possesses a density of 0.96 g/cm³, indicating its relatively light nature. This density allows it to be easily dispersed in various media. Its flash point, a crucial safety parameter, is recorded at 235°C. This high flash point signifies its low flammability, making it less susceptible to ignition.
The physical characteristics of sodium stearyl fumarate form the foundation of its functionality. Its powdery form facilitates ease of handling, while its thermal properties guide its processing and storage conditions. Understanding these attributes empowers us to harness the versatility of this ingredient in a myriad of applications, from thickening sauces to stabilizing suspensions.
Solubility of Sodium Stearyl Fumarate: Unraveling Its Liquid Versatility
In the fascinating world of chemistry, sodium stearyl fumarate stands out as an enigmatic compound with a remarkable ability to dissolve in both water and organic solvents. This unique characteristic makes it a versatile ingredient in a wide range of applications, from food and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals.
Sodium stearyl fumarate’s solubility in water is attributed to the presence of its hydrophilic (water-loving) portion, the sodium fumarate ion. This ion can form strong hydrogen bonds with water molecules, allowing sodium stearyl fumarate to dissolve and distribute evenly throughout aqueous solutions.
On the other hand, the hydrophobic (water-repelling) portion of sodium stearyl fumarate, the stearyl chain, interacts more favorably with organic solvents. These solvents, such as ethanol and chloroform, have nonpolar molecules that can surround the stearyl chain and shield it from water’s hydrophilic environment. This interaction allows sodium stearyl fumarate to dissolve in organic solvents as well.
The solubility of sodium stearyl fumarate in both water and organic solvents makes it an ideal emulsifier, capable of bridging the gap between oil-based and water-based ingredients. It forms stable emulsions by surrounding and encapsulating oil droplets, preventing them from coalescing and separating. This property is crucial in numerous products, including cosmetics, food dressings, and pharmaceutical formulations.
Molecular Properties of Sodium Stearyl Fumarate
Unveiling the unique characteristics that define sodium stearyl fumarate, we delve into its molecular properties. Understanding the molecular weight of this versatile substance is paramount in comprehending its behavior and significance.
Molecular Weight: A Tale of Mass
The molecular weight of sodium stearyl fumarate, denoted as M.W., is a crucial parameter that sheds light on its structural complexity. Calculated as the sum of atomic weights of its constituent atoms, the M.W. provides valuable insights into the substance’s molecular mass. A high molecular weight, often expressed in Daltons (Da), indicates a large and intricate molecular structure, while a lower molecular weight suggests a simpler arrangement.
Significance of Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of sodium stearyl fumarate plays a pivotal role in understanding its physicochemical properties and behavior. A higher molecular weight often correlates with attributes such as:
- Reduced solubility in solvents
- Increased viscosity
- Enhanced thermal stability
Conversely, a lower molecular weight can lead to:
- Enhanced solubility
- Lower viscosity
- Decreased thermal stability
Furthermore, the molecular weight is a key factor in determining the substance’s adherence to various regulations, classification, and labeling requirements.
Chemical Identification of Sodium Stearyl Fumarate: Unveiling Its Unique Descriptors
Sodium stearyl fumarate, a versatile chemical compound, possesses distinctive identifiers that set it apart from the chemical tapestry. These unique codes serve as essential tools for its identification, enabling researchers, manufacturers, and users to track its presence and properties across various applications.
CAS Number: The Global Fingerprint
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number, a globally recognized identifier, distinguishes sodium stearyl fumarate with an exclusive 10-digit code: 28373-85-1. This number serves as a universal fingerprint, connecting the compound to a wealth of information in chemical databases worldwide. Through its CAS number, researchers can access detailed data on its properties, reactions, and safety measures.
EC Number: The European Identity
Within the boundaries of the European Union, sodium stearyl fumarate is assigned a unique EC (European Commission) number: 249-001-1. This identifier plays a crucial role in regulating and monitoring the substance within the EU. It facilitates compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations, ensuring responsible use and handling.
EINECS Number: A Historical Perspective
The EINECS (European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances) number, 249-001-1, provides a historical record of sodium stearyl fumarate’s presence in the European market prior to 1981. This number aids in tracking the substance’s legacy, allowing researchers to delve into its past applications and potential long-term effects.
Applications and Functionality: Unveiling Sodium Stearyl Fumarate’s Versatility
Sodium stearyl fumarate is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications, making it a valuable ingredient in various industries.
Emulsifier: The Magic of Blending
As an emulsifier, sodium stearyl fumarate acts as a bridge between water and oil. It helps to stabilize emulsions, preventing them from separating into distinct layers. This property makes it an essential component in many personal care products, such as lotions, creams, and shampoos.
Thickener: Transforming Textures
With its thickening properties, sodium stearyl fumarate imparts a desirable consistency to formulations. It enhances the viscosity of products, creating a thicker and richer texture. In food applications, it is used as a thickener in sauces, dressings, and fillings, adding body and texture to culinary creations.
Stabilizer: Preserving Integrity
Sodium stearyl fumarate’s stabilizing abilities prevent emulsions and dispersions from breaking down. This is crucial in pharmaceutical preparations, where it ensures the stability of active ingredients in suspensions and emulsions.
Pharmaceutical Excipient: A Helping Hand
Beyond its applications in personal care and food, sodium stearyl fumarate plays a vital role in the pharmaceutical industry. As a pharmaceutical excipient, it enhances the delivery and bioavailability of active drug ingredients.
Sodium stearyl fumarate’s diverse applications stem from its unique properties. Its versatility makes it an indispensable ingredient across industries, delivering benefits such as emulsification, thickening, stabilization, and pharmaceutical excipience. As we continue to explore its potential, new applications are sure to emerge, further expanding the scope of this remarkable compound.
Safety Considerations
Sodium stearyl fumarate is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, like any chemical, it’s essential to handle it with care and follow proper safety guidelines.
Flash Point
Sodium stearyl fumarate has a high flash point of 265°C (509°F), indicating its low flammability. This means it’s less likely to catch fire compared to other substances.
General Handling Guidelines
When handling sodium stearyl fumarate, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask if necessary. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes, and handle in a well-ventilated area.
Inhalation
Inhalation of sodium stearyl fumarate dust may cause respiratory irritation. Keep the area well-ventilated and use a dust mask to minimize exposure.
Skin Contact
Direct contact with sodium stearyl fumarate may cause skin irritation. Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact, and if it does occur, wash the affected area with soap and water.
Eye Contact
Exposure to sodium stearyl fumarate dust or particles can irritate the eyes. If contact occurs, flush your eyes thoroughly with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
Ingestion
Ingestion of sodium stearyl fumarate is generally not considered harmful, but it’s still recommended to seek medical attention if it occurs.
By following these safety guidelines, you can minimize the risks associated with handling sodium stearyl fumarate and ensure its safe use.
