stearate

[Eng. stear ( ic ); -ate.] Chem. (pl.): Compounds of stearic acid with the alkalies and metals. They have the consistence of hard soaps and plasters, and are mostly insoluble in water. Stearate of pota ium, C18H35 KO2, separates on cooling from a solution of one part stearic acid and one part pota ic hydrate in ten parts of water. It forms shining delicate needles, having a faint alkaline taste, and di olves in 6.7 parts boiling alcohol and 25 parts boiling water. Acid stearate of pota ium, C18H35KO2 C18H3602, obtained by decomposing the neutral salt with 1,000 parts of water. When dried and di olved in alcohol, it separates in silvery scales, inodorous and soft to the touch. It di olves in four parts of boiling absolute alcohol. ste-ar-ene, s. [STEAR ONE.]