Oleic Acid (C₁₈H₃₄O₂)
Cis-9-Octadecenoic Acid
What is Oleic Acid?
Oleic Acid (C₁₈H₃₄O₂); is an unsaturated fatty acid found in a liquid form ranging from clear and colorless to light yellow. It is also called C18:1 because it contains a double bond in its structure.
In nature, glycerin ester is found in many vegetable oils such as olive oil, sunflower oil, walnut oil, and canola oil, as well as in some animal fats. It is insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol, ether, hexane, and many organic solvents.
Oleic Acid Properties
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical Appearance | Clear, colorless – light yellow liquid |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₈H₃₄O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 282.46 g/mol |
| Packaging Type | Drum |
| Other Names | Oleic Acid, Cis-9-Octadecenoic Acid |
⚠️ Note: Oleic acid is available in food and cosmetic grade purities. Different quality standards exist depending on the application.
In Which Industries Is Oleic Acid Used?
Oleic acid is used in many industries. Some examples are:
- Chemical Industry: Oleic acid is used in the production of many chemical substances. It is widely used in the manufacture of products such as soap, detergents, and lubricants.
- Food Industry: Oleic acid is used as a component in the production of margarine, mayonnaise, liquid oils, and other food products.
- Cosmetics Industry: Oleic acid is a component used in many cosmetic products. It is used in creams, lotions, shampoos, and other personal care products, as well as in makeup.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Oleic acid is used as an active ingredient in some drugs and is also known as a substance used to increase the absorption of drugs.
- Agricultural Industry: Oleic acid is used in the production of plant growth regulators and agricultural pesticides.
In addition to its use in these industries, oleic acid is also used in biological research, paint manufacturing, and many other fields.
How is Oleic Acid Produced?
Oleic acid is a fatty acid obtained through the hydrolysis or hydrogenation of vegetable oils. It was first discovered in 1815 by French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul. Oleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid due to its double bonds and has the chemical formula C18:1.
Oleic acid can be obtained through various methods. One of the most common methods is the hydrogenation of vegetable oils. The hydrogenation process converts the unsaturated bonds in fatty acids into saturated bonds, causing liquid oils to turn into solid fats. Oleic acid can be obtained through the alkaline hydrolysis of vegetable oils that have undergone hydrogenation.
Another method is the hydrolysis of vegetable oils. In this method, vegetable oils are treated with hot water and an alkaline solution to obtain fatty acids. Oleic acid is obtained from a fatty acid fraction called olein in this method. Olein is a liquid oil and constitutes the largest fraction of triglycerides.
Oleic acid can also be obtained through the hydrogenation of stearic acid. During the hydrogenation process, unsaturated bonds are converted to saturated bonds, and stearic acid is converted to oleic acid.