Oleic acid - Definition and Overview

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid found in various animal and vegetable sources. It has the empirical formula C₁₈H₃₄O₂. Its IUPAC name is cis-9-octadecenoic acid, and its lipid shorthand name is 18:1 cis-9. The saturated form of this acid is stearic acid.

Oleic acid comprises 55-80% of olive oil.

Physical Data

Appearance: Pale yellow or brownish yellow oily liquid with lard-like odor

Solubility: Insoluble in water

Melting Point: 15.3 degrees C

Boiling Point: 360 degrees C

Specific Gravity: 0.895

Reference

• NIST Chemistry Webbook (http://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C2027476&Units=SI)