Vegetable Oleic Acid

I. Basic Characteristics

1. Chemical Nature

   • A monounsaturated Omega-9 fatty acid with the chemical formula C₁₈H₃₄O₂, containing a cis-configuration carbon-carbon double bond (at the 9th carbon atom).
   • Physical Properties:
     • Appears as a colorless or pale yellow transparent oily liquid at room temperature, with good fluidity at low temperatures;
     • Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol;
     • Density approximately 0.85 g/cm³, boiling point 360°C (under reduced pressure).
   • Chemical Properties:
     • Prone to oxidation and polymerization; can be hydrogenated to form stearic acid; reacts with nitric acid to produce isomers;
     • Contains trans-isomers (elaidic acid).

2. Raw Materials and Grading

   • Raw Material Sources:
     • Primarily palm kernel oil (for high-purity types), followed by soybean oil, cottonseed oil, waste cooking oil, and animal fats.
   • Grading Standards:
     • High-oleic vegetable oils: Oleic acid content ≥75% (e.g., olive oil, tea seed oil), with low freezing points and strong thermal stability;
     • Industrial grade: Oleic acid content approximately 50%–70%, containing impurities such as linoleic acid.

II. Core Application Areas

1. Chemical and Material Manufacturing

• Surfactants:
  • Combined with anionic surfactant AOS to enhance the cleaning power of soap powders;
  • Used as a base raw material for emulsifiers in synthetic detergents, shampoos, and other daily chemical products.
• Polymer Materials:
  • Plasticizer for plastics (improving flexibility), raw material for nylon 8/9 synthesis;
  • Additive in coatings/inks to enhance adhesion and fluidity.
• Functional Chemical Synthesis:
  • Preparation of dimer acid (used in polyamide resins);
  • Synthesis of oleamide-type flotation agents (for mineral separation).

2. Pharmaceuticals and Daily Chemicals

• Drug Carriers: Enhances skin permeability of ointments and aids in the absorption of anti-inflammatory and analgesic ingredients;
• Skincare Products: Improves moisturizing properties and enhances skin softness;
• Food Industry:
  • High-oleic vegetable oils (e.g., olive oil, tea seed oil) possess antioxidant properties, extend shelf life, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

3. Industry and Energy

• Metal Processing:
  • Base oil for lubricants, component of metal cutting fluids;
  • Emulsifier in electroplating processes to optimize coating uniformity.
• Oilfield Applications:
  • Crude oil demulsifier, mitigates wax deposition in near-wellbore zones;
• Others:
  • Wood preservatives, textile oil additives.

III. Product Grades and Market

• High-Purity Grade (Oleic acid ≥75%)
  • Used in pharmaceuticals and high-end daily chemicals; price influenced by palm kernel oil production and capacity;
• Industrial Grade (Oleic acid 50%–70%)
  • Used in bulk industries such as plastics and coatings; relatively low unit price;
• Packaging Specifications:
  • Sealed packaging in 180 kg plastic drums; store away from light.

IV. Safety and Trends

• Safety:
  • Low toxicity; protective equipment required for long-term exposure; prone to oxidation and deterioration at high temperatures;
• Technological Trends:
  • Accelerated industrialization of high-oleic vegetable oil breeding (e.g., peanuts, rapeseed);
  • Development of environmentally friendly processes (reducing production energy consumption).

Note: Physical property parameters refer to industrial standards; application data are integrated from large-scale production practices.