Oleic Acid
Oleic Acid: The Premium Monounsaturated Fatty Acid
Oleic Acid is a naturally occurring omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid found in various animal and vegetable fats. As industry leaders in fatty acid production, we offer high-purity Oleic Acid that meets the strictest quality standards for industrial, pharmaceutical, and food applications.
Product Specifications
- Chemical Name: cis-9-Octadecenoic acid
- CAS Number: 112-80-1
- Molecular Formula: C18H34O2
- Appearance: Clear, pale yellow to yellow oily liquid
- Odor: Characteristic fatty odor
- Purity: ≥99% (GC)
- Melting Point: 13-14°C (55-57°F)
- Boiling Point: 360°C (680°F)
- Density: 0.895 g/cm3 at 20°C
- Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Acid Value | 196-204 mg KOH/g | AOCS Cd 3d-63 |
| Saponification Value | 197-205 mg KOH/g | AOCS Cd 3-25 |
| Iodine Value | 80-95 g I2/100g | AOCS Cd 1-25 |
| Peroxide Value | ≤5.0 meq/kg | AOCS Cd 8-53 |
| Moisture Content | ≤0.1% | Karl Fischer |
| Unsaponifiable Matter | ≤1.0% | AOCS Ca 6a-40 |
Oleic Acid FAQ
Q: What are the main sources of Oleic Acid?
A: Oleic Acid is primarily obtained from natural sources such as olive oil (55-80% oleic acid), avocados, nuts (especially macadamia nuts and almonds), and animal fats. In industrial production, it's typically derived from high-oleic vegetable oils through saponification and fractional distillation processes.
Q: What are the industrial applications of Oleic Acid?
A: Oleic Acid has numerous industrial applications including:
- Manufacturing of surfactants and soaps
- Production of oleochemicals
- Textile processing
- Cosmetic formulations
- Lubricant and corrosion inhibitor
- Plasticizer production
Q: What makes Oleic Acid beneficial for skin care?
A: Oleic Acid is prized in skincare because it closely resembles the natural lipids in human skin. It enhances skin permeability, helping other beneficial ingredients penetrate deeper. As an emollient, it softens and smoothes skin while forming a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin, though those with acne-prone skin should use it cautiously as it can be comedogenic for some skin types.
Storage and Handling
Proper storage and handling of Oleic Acid is crucial to maintain product quality:
- Store in tightly sealed containers
- Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight
- Recommended storage temperature: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
- Use nitrogen blanket for large storage tanks
- Shelf life: 24 months when properly stored
Safety Information
| Safety Parameter | Classification |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | >110°C (230°F) - Combustible |
| Autoignition Temperature | 363°C (685°F) |
| Skin Irritation | May cause mild irritation |
| Eye Irritation | Can cause serious eye irritation |
| Environmental Impact | Readily biodegradable |
Oleic Acid FAQ Continued
Q: How does Oleic Acid compare to other fatty acids?
A: Oleic Acid offers distinct advantages compared to other fatty acids:
- More stable than polyunsaturated fatty acids (like linoleic acid) due to single double bond
- Lower melting point than stearic acid (saturated C18), making it liquid at room temperature
- Better oxidation stability than linolenic acid
- More skin-penetrating than saturated fatty acids
- Less prone to rancidity than polyunsaturated alternatives
Q: Is Oleic Acid safe for food applications?
A: Food-grade Oleic Acid is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices. It's commonly used as:
- An emulsifier in food products
- A release agent in baking
- A component of food-grade lubricants
- A nutrient supplement
Q: What analytical methods are used to test Oleic Acid purity?
A> Several analytical techniques verify Oleic Acid quality:
- Gas Chromatography (GC): Determines fatty acid composition and purity
- Acid Value Titration: Measures free acidity
- Iodine Value: Quantifies degree of unsaturation
- Peroxide Value: Assesses oxidation status
- Karl Fischer Titration: Measures water content
- Color Measurement: Gardner or Lovibond scales