Stearates
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 potassium, C18H35 KO2, separates on cooling from a solution of one part stearic acid and one part potassic hydrate in 10 parts of water. It forms shining delicate needles, having a faint alkaline taste, and dissolves in 6.7 parts boiling alcohol and 25 parts boiling water. Acid stearate of potassium, obtained by decomposing the neutral salt with 1,000 parts of water. When dried and dissolved in alcohol it separates in silvery scales inodorous and soft to the touch. It dissolves in four parts of boiling absolute alcohol.