Oleic fatty acid
Abbreviations
- O
Synonyms
- cis-9-octadecenoic acid
Description
Represents an 18-carbon monounsaturated fatty acid with one double bond at the 9th carbon from the methyl end. It is the most abundant fatty acid in nature and the primary component of olive oil, as well as high-oleic sunflower and canola oils.
Nutritional potential:
Oleic acid is highly regarded for its health benefits and is a central component of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. It helps lower “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol while maintaining or increasing “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, protects cells from oxidative stress, and improves insulin sensitivity.
Biodiesel potential:
Oleic acid is widely considered the ideal fatty acid for biodiesel production. It provides the perfect compromise between fuel stability and cold-weather operability. Its single double bond ensures good oxidation stability (OS) and a decent cetane number (CN) compared to polyunsaturated fats, while its bent cis structure significantly lowers the melting point (approx. 13–16°C), improving the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) compared to saturated fats.