oleic acid

Oleic acid is a naturally occurring monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid with the chemical formula C18H34O2. It is the most abundant monounsaturated fatty acid in nature and a major component of many animal and vegetable fats and oils, especially olive oil. Structurally, it contains an 18-carbon chain with a single cis double bond at the ninth carbon (cis-9-octadecenoic acid). Oleic acid is colorless to pale yellow in its pure form and has excellent chemical stability due to its single double bond[1][3][7]. In biological systems, oleic acid serves as an important energy source and structural component of cell membranes. It acts as an antioxidant, emollient (skin softener), surfactant/emulsifier, solvent for oil-soluble substances, and excipient in pharmaceutical formulations[1][6]. In food products, it improves texture and shelf life; in cosmetics it enhances moisturization; industrially it is used as a lubricant additive or corrosion inhibitor[5][6]. Mechanistically, oleic acid can modulate membrane fluidity and influence signaling pathways related to inflammation—its regular dietary intake has been associated with anti-inflammatory effects and cardiovascular benefits by reducing LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol[7]. In pharmaceuticals it may act as a carboxylesterase inhibitor or solubilizing agent for drug delivery[1].

Other names

cis-9-octadecenoic acidcis9-octadecenoic acidcis 9-octadecenoic acidelainic acid