Magnesium stearate is a salt of magnesium and stearic acid, commonly used as a lubricant and anti-caking agent in pharmaceuticals and food products. It can be synthesized through the following steps:
### Materials Needed:
1. Stearic acid
2. Magnesium oxide (MgO) or magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂)
3. Water or ethanol (depending on the reaction conditions)
4. Heat source
5. Mixing equipment
### Procedure:
1. **Dissolution**: If using magnesium