Palmitate (calcium salt) (CAS 542-42-7)

Calcium palmitate, with the CAS number 542-42-7, is the calcium salt of palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid commonly found in both animals and plants. Structurally, it consists of two palmitate anions and a calcium cation, creating a compound that is highly relevant in various research domains, particularly in the study of lipid-calcium interactions and the impact of fatty acids on calcium solubility and bioavailability. In research settings, calcium palmitate serves as a model compound to explore the dynamics of soap formation and precipitation in aqueous solutions, providing insights into the processes that influence the behavior of similar compounds in natural and industrial environments. Its role in the study of water hardness and the formation of scum through the reaction between calcium ions and fatty acids in water is also significant, helping scientists understand and mitigate issues related to water treatment and plumbing in domestic and industrial settings. Additionally, the interactions between calcium ions and fatty acids, as exemplified by calcium palmitate, are studied to explain their implications in the stabilization of lipid membranes and the formation of complexes that could influence lipid organization and functionality in various biological and environmental systems.