Oleic Acid

Oleic acid is a colourless to pale yellow, oily liquid at room temperature. It is a fatty acid with a slightly viscous texture and a mild, characteristic odour. It is a monounsaturated fatty acid and has a chemical formula of C₁₈H₃₄O₂. Oleic acid is often found in its natural state as a component of fats and oils.

Common uses of Oleic Acid:

• Oleic acid is commonly found in olive oil, which is widely used for cooking and in salad dressings. It is also a component of other vegetable oils like canola oil and sunflower oil.
• Oleic acid is used in the manufacture of lubricants, paints and coatings. Its ability to reduce friction and improve the smoothness of surfaces makes it valuable in industrial processes.
• It is also used in the production of plasticisers, which help to increase the flexibility of plastics.
• Oleic acid is used as a starting material in the synthesis of other chemicals, such as oleates (salts or esters of oleic acid), which are used in various industrial processes.