Manganese stearate is a fine, white to slightly pink powder composed of the manganese salt of stearic acid. It is primarily used as a stabilizer and lubricant in industrial and pharmaceutical applications.
Chemical Name and CAS Registry Number: Manganese(II) octadecanoate [22393-01-7]
Functional Category: Lubricant, stabilizer, anti-caking agent
Identification: Positive for manganese and stearate
Melting Point: 110–130°C
Loss on Drying: ≤3.0%
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water and organic solvents
Heavy Metals (as Mn): 5.0–10.0%
Residue on Ignition: ≤0.5%
Manganese stearate is used as a lubricant and stabilizer in tablet manufacturing. It prevents sticking and improves tablet release properties. It is also employed in polymer and plastic formulations for drug packaging materials.
Although not as commonly used in pharmaceuticals as other stearates, manganese stearate offers specialized applications where metal-stearate interactions can be beneficial. However, its use should be carefully monitored due to potential concerns over manganese exposure.
