Elaidic acid

Elaidic acid, a transdiomer of oleic acid, is an unsaturated fatty acid. In its pure state, it is a colorless, oily liquid that is barely soluble in water and oxidizes easily in air, turning into a yellowish liquid and smelling rancid. Salts of oleic acid are called oleates.

Oleic acid dissolves well in methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, diethyl ether and fatty and essential oils. Stearic acid is obtained from oleic acid during fat hardening.

Oleic acid is the most important unsaturated, essential fatty acid in food. It is found in olive oil and sunflower oil. There is a cis-trans isomerism with elaidic acid. In cosmetic products, oleic acid serves as an acid component of emulsifiers