Industrial Applications of Oleic Acid (CAS 111-82-0) in Daily Chemical, Metalworking, and Textile Industries

Oleic acid, also known as cis-9-octadecenoic acid (CAS number: 111-82-0, chemical formula: C₁₈H₃₄O₂), is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid widely found in animal and vegetable fats, such as olive oil, palm oil, and tallow. Its unique chemical properties make it highly valuable across multiple industries.

In the daily chemical industry, oleic acid is a key raw material for producing soaps, detergents, and emulsifiers. Its molecular structure, featuring a double bond, provides high reactivity, enabling it to react with sodium hydroxide to form sodium oleate. Sodium oleate offers excellent cleaning and emulsifying capabilities. In liquid detergents, it effectively wraps and disperses grease in water, providing outstanding oil solubility and tackling heavy oil stains with ease. In personal care products, such as shampoos and body washes, oleic acid derivatives are mild and low-irritating, making them suitable for sensitive skin formulations. In cosmetic emulsifying systems, oleic acid can be combined with glycerin, stearic acid, and other ingredients to modify the physicochemical properties of the system, enhancing the stability of creams and lotions and improving product quality. Compared to shorter-chain fatty acids like lauric acid, oleic acid derivatives produce finer foam, offer better low-temperature fluidity, and deliver a superior user experience.

In the metalworking industry, oleic acid also plays a significant role. In metal cutting fluids, it serves as a lubricating component, forming a protective film between the tool and workpiece surfaces. This reduces direct contact, minimizes tool wear, and extends tool life. In rust preventives and corrosion inhibitors, oleic acid amine derivatives form a dense protective layer on metal surfaces, effectively isolating them from air and moisture to prevent oxidation and rust. Compared to mineral oils, oleic acid exhibits better biodegradability, making it more suitable for environmentally friendly processing fluid formulations in today's increasingly strict regulatory environment—meeting both production needs and environmental standards.

In the textile and leather industries, oleic acid demonstrates distinct advantages. As a textile softener, oleic acid-based quaternary ammonium salts interact with fiber molecules to modify surface properties, imparting softness and antistatic effects. This enhances the comfort and safety of textiles. In leather fatliquoring agents, oleic acid penetrates deeply into leather, bonding with proteins and other components to improve flexibility and water resistance, thereby enhancing leather quality and durability. Compared to synthetic oils, naturally sourced oleic acid is more readily accepted by the market, aligning with consumer demand for natural and eco-friendly products.

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