Oleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that occurs naturally in various animal and vegetable fats and oils. It is an odorless, colourless oil, although commercial samples may be yellowish. In chemical terms, oleic acid is classified as a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. It has the formula CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7COOH. The term "oleic" means related to, or derived from, oil or olive, the oil that is predominantly composed of oleic acid. Oleic acid is the most widely distributed and abundant fatty acid in nature. It is used commercially in the preparation of oleates and lotions, and as a pharmaceutical solvent. Oleic acid is a major constituent of plant oils e.g. olive oil (about 80%), almond oil (about 80%) and many others, mainly as glyceride. It is also a constituent of tall oil and present in fruits. Oleic acid is a food additive and is used in manufacturing of surfactants, soaps, plasticizers. It is also an emulsifying agent in foods and pharmaceuticals. Oleic acid is a known skin

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