Magnesium stearate is a white powdered substance. Magnesium stearate is widely used for a wide range of purposes. In medicine and pharmacy, it is a vital part of all the drugs.
What are the physical properties of magnesium stearate?
To better understand the magnesium stearate, it is essential to know its physical properties. Some of the most important physical properties are:
- Magnesium stearate is insoluble in water and most of the liquids.
- Magnesium stearate is a soft powder.
- Magnesium stearate is white.
- It has a slight odor.
- The density of magnesium stearate is 1.26 g/dm3
- It is slippery to touch.
- It has a good flowability.
What are the chemical properties of magnesium stearate?
The chemical properties of the magnesium stearate make it an excellent substance for use in many industries and sectors. The chemical properties of magnesium stearate are mentioned below.
- It is a salt in nature, i.e., made by the chemical reaction of an acid and a base.
- It has the chemical formula of Mg(C18H35O2)2
- It has a neutral pH, making it less toxic.
- It is soluble in polar solvents.
- It does not absorb moisture from the environment.
These properties make it an excellent substance to be used in pharmaceutical industries for various uses.
What are the sources of magnesium stearate?
There are several sources of magnesium stearate, which are both plant-based and animal-based. Some of the most common sources are:
- Dark chocolate
- Cocoa butter
- Fish
- Olive oil
- Beef
- Milk
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Palm oil
- Cotton seed oil
Most of the industries prefer to use plant-based magnesium stearate instead of the animal-based. However, magnesium stearate can also be manufactured artificially.
Production of magnesium stearate:
Magnesium stearate is a salt made by the chemical reaction of stearic acid with magnesium oxide. Several other methods can also produce magnesium stearate in industries depending upon the requirements and raw materials available. Another standard method is the reaction of magnesium chloride with sodium stearate.
What are the uses of magnesium stearate?
As mentioned earlier, magnesium stearate has a wide range of uses. Many industries use magnesium stearate according to their needs. Some of the sectors in which magnesium stearate is used are mentioned below.
Role of magnesium stearate in the food industry:
The role of magnesium stearate in the food industry is pervasive. Almost all the food products prepared in the industries contain magnesium stearate as an additive. The leading roles played by the magnesium stearate in the food industry are:
- Magnesium stearate as an emulsifier:
Magnesium stearate is a substance that, by its properties, can convert a fat-containing product into a homogenous form. It improves the texture of the food product as well as stabilizes the food product.
- Magnesium stearate as a thickener:
Magnesium stearate can increase the thickness of the food product to which it is added. This improves the consistency of many food products like sauces.
- Magnesium stearate as a binding agent:
Magnesium stearate can bind the substances in the food products together, which helps form of several food products.
- Enhanced shelf-life:
By its ability to prevent the absorption of moisture, magnesium stearate can increase the shelf life of food products.
- Magnesium stearate as a foaming agent:
Due to the ability of magnesium stearate to prevent moisture absorption, magnesium stearate can act as a foaming agent.
- Magnesium stearate as an anti-caking agent:
Magnesium stearate is a hydrophobic substance. As a result, it does not absorb water from the environment. This makes it an excellent agent to prevent the clumping of substances in the food materials and maintain their integrity and texture.
- Magnesium stearate as a releasing agent:
As a releasing agent, magnesium stearate can be used in bakery items and other food products to aid their release.
Role of magnesium stearate in the cosmetic industry:
In the cosmetic industry, magnesium stearate has the following advantages:
- Increased shelf-life of products:
Magnesium stearate can increase the shelf life of cosmetics.
- Improved consistency of the products:
Owing to its properties like emulsification and surface energy, it improves the consistency of cosmetics.
- Improved texture of the product:
Owing to its anti-clumping and emulsification properties, magnesium stearate can improve the texture of cosmetics.
- As an anti-caking agent:
Magnesium stearate prevents the clumping of powdered materials and improves the quality of cosmetics.
Role of magnesium stearate in the plastic industry:
In the plastic industry, magnesium stearate has the following properties:
- As a lubricant:
Magnesium stearate provides excellent lubrication in the manufacturing of plastics.
- As a release agent:
Magnesium stearate helps to release the plastics after formation in the machines.
- As a stabilizer:
By its emulsification and anti-caking properties, it can act as an excellent stabilizer.
What is the use of magnesium stearate in healthcare?
Magnesium stearate has wide use in the health care and pharmaceutical companies. Some of these are mentioned below.
- Role of magnesium stearate as a flow agent:
As magnesium stearate has excellent flow properties, it can improve the flowability of medicines.
- Delaying the release of medicines:
Magnesium stearate allows the medicines to reach their destined location in the human body and initiate their release.
- As an anti-caking agent:
Magnesium stearate prevents the clumping of powdered medicines.
- As a lubricant:
It helps to maintain the consistency of capsules and also acts as a lubricant.
- As a stabilizer:
By providing moisture control, magnesium stearate acts as a stabilizer.
- As a release agent:
It helps to release the medicine from the machinery after its foundation.
What are the side effects of magnesium stearate?
Despite its several advantages, there are also some side effects of magnesium stearate. Some of them are mentioned below.
- It can irritate the eyes.
- It can act as a potent laxative agent when used excessively.
- It can cause other gastrointestinal problems.
- Sometimes, individuals can have allergic reactions to magnesium stearate.
Final Note:
Magnesium stearate is an excellent chemical substance used in almost all industries for various purposes.
