| Chemical Properties | off-white to cream or light yellow paste |
| Uses | Methyl Stearate is used as a nonionic surfactant in various experiments in helping solubilize a variety of chemical species by dissociating aggregates and unfolding proteins. |
| Uses | Methyl stearate is used as a nonionic surfactant, thereby enhancing the solubility of chemicals by dissociating aggregates and unfolding proteins. It is a fatty acid ester, which is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer. |
| Definition | ChEBI: A natural product found in Neolitsea daibuensis. |
| Synthesis Reference(s) | Canadian Journal of Chemistry, 59, p. 2617, 1981 DOI: 10.1139/v81-377 |
| General Description | White crystals or chunky solid. |
| Air & Water Reactions | Insoluble in water. |
| Reactivity Profile | METHYL STEARATE is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. |
| Health Hazard | ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: When heated to decomposition METHYL STEARATE emits toxic fumes. |
| Fire Hazard | METHYL STEARATE is combustible. |
| Flammability and Explosibility | Nonflammable |
| Safety Profile | Questionable
carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic
data. Combustible when exposed to heat or
flame; can react with oxidizing materials. To
fight fire, use CO2, dry chemical. When
heated to decomposition it emits acrid
smoke and irritating fumes. |
