Oleic Acid

CAS Number:

112-80-1

Chemical Name: 

(9Z)-Octadec-9-enoic acid. Commonly called Oleic Acid

Molecular Formula:

C18H34O2 or CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7COOH

Molecular Weight:

282.46 g/mol

Common Form:

Pale yellow to brownish oily liquid. Refined grades are often colorless. It has a characteristic lard-like odor.

Uses:

Oleic acid is a versatile fatty acid used as a raw material, emollient, and surfactant precursor across numerous industries.

Primary Applications:

· Chemical Manufacturing & Surfactants: The largest industrial use. It is the key raw material for producing oleochemicals like metallic soaps (e.g., aluminum, zinc, magnesium oleates), emulsifiers, and amphoteric surfactants (e.g., cocamidopropyl betaine).

· Cosmetics & Personal Care: Valued as an excellent emollient and skin replenishing agent in creams, lotions, soaps, and hair conditioners. It helps to soften skin and restore the skin barrier.

· Pharmaceuticals: Used as an emulsifier in ointments, a solubilizing agent, and in transdermal drug delivery systems.

· Food Industry: Used as an emulsifier (E570) and as a component in release agents and lubricants for food processing equipment.

· Technical & Industrial Uses: Used as a plasticizer and softener in rubber, textiles, and polishes, as a corrosion inhibitor, and in the synthesis of biodiesel, lubricants, and inks.

What does Oleic Acid do in a formulation?

• Emollient & Skin Conditioning Agent: Its primary function in cosmetics. It forms a protective, moisturizing film on the skin.
• Chemical Intermediate & Building Block: Its carboxylic acid (-COOH) and double bond (C=C) are reactive sites for manufacturing esters, amides, and salts (soaps).
• Co-surfactant & Emulsifier: When neutralized or derivatized, it helps form and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions.
• Lubricant & Release Agent: Its oily nature provides lubricity in both industrial and cosmetic applications.
• Solubilizer: Can help dissolve other oil-soluble ingredients.

Safety Profile:

· Hazard Classification: Generally considered low hazard. It is classified as causing serious eye irritation and may cause mild skin irritation. Not a skin sensitizer.

· Skin/Eye Contact: Can cause eye irritation. Prolonged skin contact may lead to defatting and mild irritation.

· Ingestion: Low acute oral toxicity (LD?? > 2000 mg/kg in rats). Not considered toxic at low levels (it's a common dietary fat).

· Environmental Impact: Readily biodegradable. Has low ecotoxicity.

· Storage & Handling: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed containers. It is susceptible to auto-oxidation (rancidity) upon prolonged exposure to air, leading to odor and color changes. Can be stabilized with antioxidants like BHT or tocopherol.

· Required PPE: Safety glasses and gloves are recommended for routine handling.

Technical profile: