Magnesium stearate
White powder
Fixed
1.05 g · cm -3
About 140 ° C.
Insoluble in water
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Magnesium stearate is the magnesium salt of stearic acid.
It is obtained from fats and oils by means of cleavage of their glycerides magnesium soap and glycerin. Magnesium stearate is used, for example in the pharmaceutical industry as an aid in tablet or granule preparation. Magnesium stearate is also employed in some candies.
Magnesium stearate can be made from both fats of animal and vegetable origin. Often soybean, canola or corn oil is used.
See also
- Calcium behenate