Cadmium stearate is a salt with the formula Cd(O₂CC₁₇H₃₅)₂. Classified as a

metallic soap A metallic soap is a metallic salt of a fatty acid. Theoretically, soaps can be made of any metal, although not all enjoy practical uses. Varying the metal can strongly affect the properties of the compound, particularly its solubility. Alkali, a ...

, this a white solid is used as a

lubricant A lubricant (sometimes shortened to lube) is a substance that helps to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact, which ultimately reduces the heat generated when the surfaces move. It may also have the function of transmitting forces, t ...

and as a heat- and light-stabilizer in polyvinyl chloride. The use of cadmium stearate is being phased out because of its toxicity.

Synthesis

The compound is produced by the reaction of

cadmium chloride Cadmium chloride is a white crystalline compound of cadmium and chloride, with the formula CdCl2. This salt is a hygroscopic solid that is highly soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. The crystal structure of cadmium chloride (describe ...

with

sodium stearate Sodium stearate is the sodium salt of stearic acid. This white solid is the most common soap. It is found in many types of solid deodorants, rubbers, latex paints, and inks. It is also a component of some food additives and food flavorings.Klaus ...

or heating stearic acid and

cadmium oxide Cadmium oxide is an inorganic compound with the formula CdO. It is one of the main precursors to other cadmium compounds. It crystallizes in a cubic rocksalt lattice like sodium chloride, with octahedral cation and anion centers. It occurs na ...

or hydroxide. Also, an exchange reaction between

cadmium sulfate Cadmium sulfate is the name of a series of related inorganic compounds with the formula CdSO4·H2O. The most common form is the monohydrate CdSO4·H2O, but two other forms are known CdSO4·H2O and the anhydrous salt (CdSO4). All salts are colourl ...

and

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Safety

Like other cadmium compounds, cadmium stearate is toxic. Cadmium stearate is also

carcinogen A carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that promotes carcinogenesis (the formation of cancer). This may be due to the ability to damage the genome or to the disruption of cellular metabolic processes. Several radioactive substan ...

.Cadmium stearate. MSDS
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References

{{Cadmium compounds Cadmium compounds Stearates