Magnesium Stearate CAS#557-04-0
Non-toxic and Safe: Generally regarded as safe for human consumption at levels below 2500 mg/kg per day.
Versatile Applications: Widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries as a lubricant and anti-caking agent.
Stability: Solidifies at room temperature and has a melting point of around 120°C, making it stable for various formulations.
Water-insoluble: Its insolubility in water ensures stability in diverse formulations and helps maintain consistency.
Magnesium stearate, also known as octadecanoic acid magnesium salt, is a white powder that solidifies at room temperature. Its chemical formula is Mg(C18H35O2)2, consisting of two stearate anions (derived from stearic acid) and one magnesium cation (Mg2+). It melts at approximately 120°C, is insoluble in water, and is typically regarded as safe for human consumption at levels below 2500 mg/kg per day.
Magnesium stearate Chemical Properties
Melting point | 200 °C (lit.) |
density | 1.028g/cm3 |
storage temp | Inert atmosphere,Room Temperature |
solubility | alcohol: insoluble |
form | Fine Powder |
color | White |
PH | 7 (H2O) (slurry) |
Odor | wh. soft oily powd., tasteless, odorless |
Water Solubility | Insoluble |
Merck | 14,5690 |
BRN | 3919702 |
Exposure limits | ACGIH: TWA 10 mg/m3; TWA 3 mg/m3 |
Stability | Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. |
InChIKey | DRJIJXNWSSRTTE-UHFFFAOYSA-M |
LogP | 8.216 (est) |
CAS DataBase Reference | 557-04-0(CAS DataBase Reference) |
EPA Substance Registry System | Magnesium stearate (557-04-0) |
Safety Information
Hazard Codes | Xi |
Risk Statements | 36/37/38 |
Safety Statements | 26-37/39 |
WGK Germany | - |
RTECS | WI4390000 |
TSCA | Yes |
HS Code | 29157030 |
Hazardous Substances Data | 557-04-0(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Toxicity | LD50 orally in Rabbit: > 2000 mg/kg |
Magnesium stearate has been a staple in the food industry for many years, serving as an emulsifier, binder, thickener, and as an agent for anticaking, lubrication, release, and antifoaming. It can be found in a variety of products such as food supplements, candies, chewing gum, herbs and spices, and baking ingredients. In pharmaceuticals, it is frequently used as an inactive ingredient in the manufacturing of tablets, capsules, and powders. Its excellent lubricating properties stem from its hydrophobic nature, which helps reduce friction between tablets and the die wall during ejection.
