Stearic Acid

**Systematic name:** Octadecanoic acid

**Molecular formula:** C₁₈H₃₆O₂

**Chemical formula (condensed):** CH₃(CH₂)₁₆COOH

**Molar mass:** 284,47 g/mol

**Information:** Stearic acid under normal conditions is a white solid. It is a bigger fatty acid.

**Use:** Stearic acid together with palmitic acid is used to produce "edible" cake candles. Its salts (stearates) are used for the production of soaps and detergents.

**Appearance:** Occurs in the form of an ester with glycerol in fats and vegetable oils.