Definition and Usage:
Oleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid found in nature as glycerin ester in many plant oils and 30% in animal fats. Oleic acid, which has two crystal structures and is shown with the chemical formula C17H33COOH, is the most important of the unsaturated fatty acids. Beta oleic acid melts at 16.3 degrees, while alpha oleic acid melts at 13.4 degrees. There is one double bond between the ninth and tenth carbons of the molecule. It is a light yellow, 18-carbon monounsaturated fatty acid from the omega 9 series, which is sufficiently found in the cell membrane structure. It is a sub-product of stearic acid production in the industrial field. It is produced from the liquid obtained from fatty acid gelatins under pressure. It can be distilled with low pressure and gives a bitter odor under the effect of air. Oleic acid binds two hydrogen atoms and turns into stearic acid. It can be converted into elaidic acid with nitric acid.