 |
| Synonyms:Ethyl stearate Ethyl octadecanoate Octadecanoic acid ethyl ester Stearic acid ethyl ester Ethyl octadecylate Molecular Formula:C20H40O2 Molecular Weight: 312.53 HS Code: 2915709000 Grade:Fragrance Grade 98% Hazard Class:General Cargo | |||||||||
Ethyl stearate, also known as ethyl stearate (or ethyl octadecanoate, stearic acid ethyl ester, octadecanoic acid ethyl ester), is an ester formed from stearic acid (octadecanoic acid, a C18 saturated fatty acid) and ethanol. It is one of the most widely used fatty acid ester lubricants, waterproofing agents, emulsifiers, and softeners in industry. Its molecular formula is:
C20H40O2 (CH3(CH2)16COOC2H5, molecular weight approximately 312.53; CAS No.: 111-61-5; EINECS No.: 203-887-4; FEMA No.: 3490)
It is a white, waxy solid at room temperature (slightly waxy), almost odorless (with a very faint odor); melting point 34-38℃, boiling point 213-215℃ (15 mmHg), density 1.057 g/cm³, refractive index 1.4349, flash point greater than 110℃, and extremely low vapor pressure (3.01E-05 mmHg, 25℃); insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol, ether, and most oils and fats, and chemically stable. Industrially, it is produced by esterification of stearic acid and anhydrous ethanol under a catalyst, and belongs to the category of green fine chemicals derived from natural renewable fatty acids.
Structurally, ethyl stearate consists of a long-chain saturated alkyl group (C17 hydrophobic chain), an ester group (-COO-), and an ethyl group. The long-chain alkyl group gives it strong hydrophobicity, low friction, and waxy lubricity, while the ester group provides certain polarity and reactivity. The overall molecule is a non-polar oil-soluble substance, which gives it multiple functions such as lubrication, waterproofing, emulsification, and softening. It is a typical representative of the fatty acid ester family.
Chemically, ethyl stearate is a stable saturated fatty acid ester: it is not easily oxidized or deteriorated (no carbon-carbon double bonds), is not easily hydrolyzed (stable in neutral media), and has good heat resistance; it has some irritant properties to the skin and eyes (GHS Xi, R36/37/38), but low acute toxicity; it is a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) substance in food flavorings (FEMA 3490). It should be stored in a sealed, light-protected, cool, and dry place.
In terms of grading, ethyl stearate is classified into industrial grade, food grade (edible flavoring) and cosmetic grade according to its use: industrial grade is used in industrial formulations such as lubrication, waterproofing, emulsification, and softening; food grade is used in edible flavorings (compliant with GB 2760 and other regulations); and cosmetic grade is used in creams, lipsticks, and other formulations.
From the perspective of its mechanism of action, ethyl stearate exerts its effects through its unique properties of "lubricating film formation + hydrophobic and waterproofing + amphiphilic emulsification + softening and penetration + flavor contribution." The mechanisms of action in different applications are as follows:
1.Lubricating film formation mechanism (long-chain ester low-shear film)
The long-chain alkyl groups of ethyl stearate are oriented to form a low-shear-strength lubricating film on the friction surface, which can effectively reduce the coefficient of friction and wear between surfaces such as metals, fibers, and plastics. This is the mechanism basis for its use as an industrial lubricant.
2.Hydrophobic and waterproof mechanism (long-chain alkyl groups are hydrophobic)
The long-chain alkyl group with 18 carbons in the molecule is a strong hydrophobic group. After forming a film on the surface of fibers, paper and leather, it can significantly reduce the surface energy and prevent water wetting and penetration, forming a waterproof barrier layer. This is the mechanism basis for its use as a waterproofing agent and water-based finishing agent.
3.Amphiphilic emulsification mechanism (ester group and long chain)
The ester group has a certain degree of hydrophilicity, and the long-chain alkyl group has strong hydrophobicity, which makes ethyl stearate weakly amphiphilic. It can be adsorbed at the oil-water interface to reduce interfacial tension and stabilize the emulsion. At the same time, it can be used as a basic raw material for the synthesis of nonionic surfactants, and its emulsifying ability can be obtained through modification such as ethoxylation.
4.Softening and penetration mechanism (lubrication and softening between penetrating fibers)
Ethyl stearate can penetrate into the molecular chains of textile fibers, leather fibers, and rubber, forming a lubricating film on the fiber surface and inside, reducing inter-fiber friction and rigidity, and making fabrics, leather, and rubber products soft and smooth. This is the mechanism basis of softeners and plasticizers.
5.Flavor contribution mechanism (fatty aroma and meaty aroma)
Ethyl stearate has a mild waxy, fatty, milky aroma that adds to the oily feel and meaty base flavour. It is an important flavour component in cured meats and meat product flavourings. Its low volatility also helps to extend and stabilise the flavour.
In summary, ethyl stearate is a versatile natural fatty acid ester: as a lubricant, it forms a low-shear lubricating film on friction surfaces; as a waterproofing agent, it blocks moisture with long-chain alkyl groups; as an emulsifier, it stabilizes oil-water emulsions; as a softener, it penetrates between fibers to make products soft; and as a food flavoring component, it contributes to the aroma of fat and meat. It is one of the most comprehensively used varieties in the fatty acid ester family.
1.Industrial lubricants and release agents (core applications in machinery and machining).
Application areas: Machining, plastics and rubber, and metal processing. Corresponding products: Metal cutting/drawing/stamping lubricants, plastic and rubber mold release agents, precision machinery lubricating grease components, sewing machine thread lubricants, chain and gear lubricant additives. Why it works for this purpose: The long-chain alkyl groups of ethyl stearate can oriented and form a low-shear-strength lubricating film on the friction surfaces of metals, plastics, and fibers, significantly reducing the coefficient of friction, wear, and adhesion, making metal processing smooth and allowing products to be easily ejected from molds. It is a classic component of fatty acid ester lubricants.
2.Waterproofing agents and hydrophobic finishing agents (Main applications in textile, paper and leather industries)
Application areas: Textile, paper and leather industry.
Related products: Textile water-proofing agents, Raincoat/tent/outdoor fabric water-repellent agents, Paper water-proofing sizing agents, Leather water-proofing care agents, Building material hydrophobic treatment agents.
Why it is good for this purpose: Ethyl stearate molecules comprise long-chain alkyl groups with strong hydrophobicity. These groups are able to form a continuous hydrophobic film on the surface of fibres, paper and leather, which significantly reduces the surface energy, prevents wetting and penetration of water and gives durable waterproof and water-repellent properties to the products, without appreciable effects on breathability and hand feel.
3.Emulsifier and Surfactant Intermediate (Fine Chemical Industry)
Application Domains: Fine chemicals and detergents industries.
Equivalent products: Industrial emulsifiers/emulsion stabilisers, raw materials for synthesis of nonionic surfactants, components of cutting fluid emulsifiers, pesticide emulsifying aids, and waterborne coating emulsion additives.
Why it works for this purpose: Ethyl stearate contains hydrophilic ester groups and hydrophobic long-chain alkyl groups. It has weak amphiphilicity. It can be adsorbed at the oil-water interface to reduce interfacial tension and help the oil phase to be stably dispersed in water to form an emulsion. It can also be used as a basic raw material for modification reactions such as ethoxylation, which provides the possibility of developing a series of more powerful nonionic surfactant products.
4. Softeners and plasticisers (textile/leather/rubber industry)
Application areas: Textile dyeing and finishing, leather and rubber industries.
Products of interest include fabric softeners, denim wash softeners, leather fatliquoring softeners, rubber softeners and fibre spinning oil components.
Why it works for this purpose: Ethyl stearate can penetrate into the molecular chains of textile fibres, leather fibres and rubber, and form a lubricating film on the fibre surface and inside, reduce the inter-fibre friction and rigidity, make the fabrics soft and smooth, leather soft and full, and rubber products flexible. It is a classic lubricant and softener component of plasticiser and softener formulations.
5.Components for flavouring cured meats and meat products (core application in the area of meat product flavourings)
Application Areas: Meat product flavour and flavour industry.
Related Products: Seasonings for cured meat/ham/sausage/bacon, Seasonings for meat flavoured snack/instant noodle, Seasonings for meat flavoured puffed food.
Why it works for this purpose: Ethyl stearate has a mild waxy, fatty and milky aroma, giving a rich, meaty base flavour and natural affinity for animal fat aromas. It is an important flavour contributor in re-creating the aromas of cured meats, gammon and other meat products (especially cured meat flavourings). Its GRAS status and low volatility make it a stable, long-lasting meaty aroma and an irreplaceable fatty base flavouring ingredient in flavouring formulations of meat products.
6.Flavouring substances for use in confectionery, frozen desserts and beverages (confectionery, beverage and food flavourings)
Application Fields: Flavoring industry for confectioneries and beverages.
Related Products: Confectionery/chocolate flavourings, Frozen dessert/ice cream flavourings, Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage flavourings, FEMA 3490.
Dosage: Non-alcoholic beverages 2.0 mg/kg, Alcoholic beverages 4.0 mg/kg, Frozen desserts 8.0 mg/kg, Confectionery 16.0 mg/kg.
How it works for this purpose: Ethyl stearate has a sweet, fatty smell that gives a smooth, oily mouthfeel and a mellow, sweet scent in flavours for confectionery, frozen desserts and drinks, helping to enrich the flavour. Its GRAS status and chemical stability enable long-term storage in food systems. The dosage is limited by FEMA/GB 2760 and the application is very different from that of meat product flavourings, so it is listed separately.
7.Flavor components for bakery and dairy products (bakery and dairy food flavour components)
Application Areas: Flavourings for baking and dairy.
Related Products: Biscuit / pastry / bread flavourings, dairy / cream / butter flavourings, baking flavour premixes.
Why it works for this purpose: Ethyl stearate’s buttery, milky aroma rounds out the creaminess, oiliness and lingering finish of baking and dairy flavourings. It enhances the aromas of butter, cream and vanilla to create a fuller, rounder flavour in baked goods. Its low volatility means that good aroma retention is achieved even at high-temperature baking, unlike in cured meats, confectionery and beverage flavourings, and it is therefore sold separately.
8. Cosmetic emollients and oil phase components (daily chemical industry)
Areas of Application: Cosmetics and Personal Care.
Matching Products: Skin creams/lotions, Lipsticks/lip balms (oil phase ingredients), Sunscreens (oil phase), Hair care products (fatting agents).
Suitability for this purpose: Ethyl stearate is an ester of low polarity, soluble in oil. It has a moisturising and refreshing feel, good compatibility with skin oils, and can be used as a moisturiser to replenish skin lipids, improve the feel and consistency of creams and lotions. It is also chemically stable and not easily oxidised or deteriorated, so it can be used in oil-phase formulations such as creams and lipsticks.
In summary, ethyl stearate (CAS 111-61-5, FEMA 3490) is the most commonly used fatty acid ester fine chemical. It has mature applications in 8 major sectors including industry (lubricants/release agents, waterproofing agents, emulsifiers, softeners), food (three major categories: flavourings for cured meats, confectionery and beverages, and baking and dairy products), and daily chemicals (cosmetics and moisturising oils and esters), with five major mechanisms of "lubrication and film formation, hydrophobicity and water resistance, amphiphilic emulsification, softening and penetration, and flavour contribution". It is a classic fatty acid ester product with multiple functions such as lubrication, waterproofing, emulsification and softening, due to its natural and renewable source, chemical stability and low toxicity.
