<P> Characteristic of soaps, sodium stearate has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, the carboxylate and the long hydrocarbon chain, respectively . These two chemically different components induce the formation of micelles, which present the hydrophilic heads outwards and their hydrophobic (hydrocarbon) tails inwards, providing a lipophilic environment for hydrophobic compounds. The tail part dissolves the grease (or) dirt and forms the micelle . It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a surfactant to aid the solubility of hydrophobic compounds in the production of various mouth foams . </P> <P> Sodium stearate is produced as a major component of soap upon saponification of oils and fats . The percentage of the sodium stearate depends on the ingredient fats . Tallow is especially high in stearic acid content (as the triglyceride), whereas most fats only contain a few percent . The idealized equation for the formation of sodium stearate from stearin (the triglyceride of stearic acid) follows: </P> <Dl> <Dd> (C H O) C H + 3 NaOH → C H (OH) + 3 C H O Na </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> (C H O) C H + 3 NaOH → C H (OH) + 3 C H O Na </Dd>

What is the structural formula for sodium stearate a type of soap