Aluminum stearate is a toxic white or slightly colored powder, insoluble in water, ethanol, * * *, but soluble in alkali, turpentine, mineral oil, petroleum, kerosene, benzene and other solvents. It can be decomposed into stearic acid and corresponding salt when encountering strong acid. Used as heat stabilizer and lubricant for PVC plastics, anti settling agent and drying agent for paint industry, textile