Oleic Acid

Synonyms: Acidum oleicum; Crodolene; Crossential 094; elaic acid; Emersol; Glycon; Groco; Hy-Phi; Industrene; Metaupon; Neo-Fat; cis-9- octadecenoic acid; 9,10-octadecenoic acid; oleinic acid; Priolene.

Description: A yellowish to pale brown, oily liquid with a characteristic lard-like odor and taste. Oleic acid consists chiefly of (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid together with varying amounts of saturated and other unsaturated acids. It may contain a suitable antioxidant.

Chemical Name: (Z)-9-Octadecenoic acid

Emulsifying agent; skin penetrant.

• Oleic acid is used as an emulsifying agent in foods and topical pharmaceutical formulations.

• It has also been used as a penetration enhancer in transdermal formulations to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs in tablet formulations, and as part of a vehicle in soft gelatin capsules, in topical microemulsion formulations, in oral self-emulsifying drug delivery systems, in oral mucoadhesive patches, and in a metered dose inhaler.

• Oleic acid was shown to be an important factor in the hypoglycemic effect produced by multiple emulsions containing insulin intended for intestinal delivery of insulin.

• The phase behavior of sonicated dispersions of oleic acid has been described, and mechanisms for the topical penetrationenhancing actions of oleic acid have been presented.

• Oleic acid has been reported to act as an ileal ‘brake’ that slows down the transit of luminal contents through the distal portion of the small bowel.

• Oleic acid labeled with 131I and 3 H is used in medical imaging.

Incompatible with aluminum, calcium, heavy metals, iodine solutions, perchloric acid, and oxidizing agents. Oleic acid reacts with alkalis to form soaps.

Oleic acid is used in oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations. In vitro tests have shown that oleic acid causes rupture of red blood cells (hemolysis), and intravenous injection or ingestion of a large quantity of oleic acid can therefore be harmful. The effects of oleic acid on alveolar and buccal epithelial cells in vitro have also been studied; the in vitro and in vivo effects of oleic acid on rat skin have been reported. Oleic acid is a moderate skin irritant; it should not be used in eye preparations

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Gloves and eye protection are recommended.

Ethyl oleate.