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Ethyl Oleate

    Synonyms: Crodamol EO; ethylis oleas; ethyl 9-octadecenoate; Kessco EO; oleic acid, ethyl ester.

    Description: Ethyl oleate occurs as a pale yellow to almost colorless, mobile, oily liquid with a taste resembling that of olive oil and a slight, but not rancid odor. Ethyl oleate is described in the USP32–NF27 as consisting of esters of ethyl alcohol and high molecular weight fatty acids, principally oleic acid. A suitable antioxidant may be included.

    Chemical Name: (Z)-9-Octadecenoic acid, ethyl ester

    Oleaginous vehicle; solvent.

    • Ethyl oleate is primarily used as a vehicle in certain parenteral preparations intended for intramuscular administration.

    • It has also been used as a solvent for drugs formulated as biodegradable capsules for subdermal implantation and in the preparation of microemulsions containing cyclosporin and norcantharidin.

    • Microemulsion formulations containing ethyl oleate have also been proposed for topical and ocular delivery, and for liver targeting following parenteral administration.

    • Ethyl oleate has been used in topical gel formulations, and in self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems for oral administration.

    • Ethyl oleate is a suitable solvent for steroids and other lipophilic drugs.

    • Its properties are similar to those of almond oil and peanut oil. However, it has the advantage that it is less viscous than fixed oils and is more rapidly absorbed by body tissues.

    • Ethyl oleate has also been evaluated as a vehicle for subcutaneous injection

    Ethyl oleate dissolves certain types of rubber and causes others to swell. It may also react with oxidizing agents.

    Ethyl oleate is generally considered to be of low toxicity but ingestion should be avoided. Ethyl oleate has been found to cause minimal tissue irritation. No reports of intramuscular irritation during use have been recorded.

    Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Eye protection and nitrile gloves are recommended. Ethyl oleate is flammable

    Methyl oleate; oleic acid.