What is the Difference Between Sodium Palmate and Sodium Palmitate?

Sodium palmate and sodium palmitate are inorganic compounds that are used in the production of soap. The key difference between them lies in their uses and the acids they are derived from:

• Sodium Palmate: This is the sodium salt of palm acid, derived from a mixture of fatty acids found in palm oil (Elaeis guineensis). It usually appears as a white paste or granules and is used in bar soaps and cleansers as a surfactant, gently cleansing the skin. Sodium palmate can be produced by reacting palm fatty acids with a strong base, typically sodium hydroxide, through a process called saponification.
• Sodium Palmitate: This is the sodium salt of palmitic acid, which is commonly used to saponify oils and fats in creating soap. It can be found in two forms: liquid and white to yellow solid or white powder form, with a melting point of 286.5 degrees Celsius. Sodium palmitate is insoluble in water and sparingly soluble in cold acid, but freely soluble in ether, chloroform, and palmitic acid. When heated to decomposition, it can emit acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

In summary, sodium palmate is mainly used as a surfactant in bar soaps and cleansers, while sodium palmitate is primarily used to saponify oils and fats in the creation of soap.

Comparative Table: Sodium Palmate vs Sodium Palmitate

Here is a table comparing the differences between sodium palmate and sodium palmitate:

Sodium palmate is the sodium salt of palm acid, derived from a mixture of fatty acids from palm oil, and is generally used as an ingredient in some bar soaps for surfactant properties and to gently cleanse. On the other hand, sodium palmitate is the sodium salt of palmitic acid, a common saturated fatty acid found in fats and waxes like palm oil, olive oil, and body lipids, and serves as a common saturated fatty acid.