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CAS 112-80-1 Unsaturated Fatty Acid (Emulsifier / Penetration Enhancer) Unsaturated Fatty Acid (Emulsifier / Penetration Enhancer)

Oleic Acid (for injection)

IUPAC: (9Z)-Octadec-9-enoic acid View on PubChem
CAS NUMBER
112-80-1
MOL. FORMULA
C18H34O2
MOL. WEIGHT
282.47 g/mol
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Scientific Overview

Oleic acid's amphiphilic carboxylic-acid/long alkyl-chain structure makes it useful for stabilizing lipid emulsions in parenteral nutrition and biologic formulations, and for enhancing transdermal and transmucosal penetration of co-administered drugs by disrupting stratum corneum lipid packing.

Oleic Acid is a naturally occurring monounsaturated long-chain fatty acid used in injectable, biologic, and topical pharmaceutical formulations as an emulsifying agent, penetration enhancer, and lipid-based drug-delivery excipient.

Full Technical Data
Chemical Name Oleic Acid (cis-9-Octadecenoic Acid)
CAS Number 112-80-1
IUPAC Name (9Z)-Octadec-9-enoic acid
Molecular Formula C18H34O2
Molecular Weight 282.47 g/mol g/mol
Boiling Point 360°C
Density 0.895 g/mL
Refractive Index 1.459-1.461
Flash Point 189°C
Reaction Scheme
Vegetable Oils (e.g. Olive, Sunflower) or Animal Fats (Triglycerides)
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Oleic Acid
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Commercial Applications

Parenteral Lipid Emulsion Component

Stabilizing/emulsifying fatty-acid component in IV lipid emulsions and biologic formulations.

Transdermal Penetration Enhancer

Disrupts stratum corneum lipid organization to enhance percutaneous absorption of co-formulated drugs.

Vaccine & Adjuvant Formulation

Used as a component of lipid-based adjuvant and antigen-delivery systems.

Topical & Cosmetic Emollient

Functions as an emollient and solubilizer in topical creams and ointments.

Market Therapeutic Focus
UNSATURATED FATTY ACID (EMULSIFIER / PENETRATION ENHANCER) PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING INJECTABLE & PARENTERAL FORMULATION TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY SPECIALTY EXCIPIENTS CRO/CDMO
Scientific Literature

Oleic Acid as a Penetration Enhancer for Transdermal Drug Delivery

Authors: Naik, A. et al.

Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev.

DOI: 10.1016/S0169-409X(00)00087-4

Lipid Emulsions in Parenteral Nutrition

Authors: Waitzberg, D.L.; Torrinhas, R.S.

JPEN J. Parenter. Enteral Nutr.

DOI: 10.1177/0148607109340905

Fatty Acids as Penetration Enhancers: Mechanistic Insights

Authors: Kanikkannan, N. et al.

Curr. Med. Chem.

DOI: 10.2174/1381612003400836
Peer Queries & FAQs
How does Oleic Acid enhance drug penetration?
Its unsaturated (cis-double-bond) structure disrupts the tightly packed lipid bilayers of the stratum corneum, increasing membrane fluidity and drug permeability.
Is Oleic Acid used in nutritional formulations?
Yes, it is a key fatty-acid component in some parenteral lipid emulsion formulations used for IV nutritional support.
Is Oleic Acid derived from animal or plant sources?
It can be sourced from either; pharmaceutical-grade material is typically purified from vegetable oils via hydrolysis and fractional distillation.
What is the recommended storage condition?
Store in a tightly sealed, light-protected container at 2-8°C to minimize oxidative rancidity, given its unsaturated double bond.

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