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Oleic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid present in a variety of animal and vegetable fats and oils. It is a colorless, odorless liquid, though commercial samples may have a slightly yellowish tint. From a chemical perspective, oleic acid falls into the category of monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acids and is represented by the lipid notation 18:1 cis-9. It is a primary product of Δ9-desaturase. Its chemical formula is CH3−(CH2)7−CH=CH−(CH2)7−COOH. The name "oleic" is derived from the Latin word "oleum," which means oil. This fatty acid is the most prevalent and common one found in nature. Oleic acid's salts and esters are known as oleates, and it is an ingredient in many oils, making it a common component in artificial food products and soaps. 9-Octadecenoic acid, which is another name for oleic acid, can be found naturally in Eleutherococcussessiliflorus, Dipteryxlacunifera, and various other sources. It is an unsaturated fatty acid and is the most widely distributed and abundant fatty acid in nature. Commercially, it is utilized in the formulation of oleates and lotions, and it serves as a pharmaceutical solvent.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Source: PubChem