Ethyl Oleate TCI O0054

Ethyl Oleate from TCI is the ethyl ester of oleic acid, a C18 monounsaturated fatty acid found in large amounts in vegetable oils. The compound is an oily liquid. It is classed as a non-heterocyclic building block and is used widely in chemistry, pharmaceutical science and oleochemistry. In the laboratory, ethyl oleate is a substrate for fatty acid transformation reactions and a reference compound in fatty acid ester analysis. It also serves as a lipophilic solvent or carrier in formulation research, especially for active ingredients that dissolve poorly in water.

Researchers choose ethyl oleate because it combines several useful properties. It is strongly lipophilic, and its viscosity is relatively low for a fatty ester. Its cis double bond also stays available for further reactions. In pharmaceutical research, the ester is known as a carrier and penetration enhancer in topical formulations and oil-based preparations. The double bond can be oxidised, epoxidised or hydrogenated, so ethyl oleate is also a model substrate for studying fatty acid chemistry. Because it is an ethyl ester, it is also a useful model component for ethanol-based biodiesel.

In Indonesia, ethyl oleate is useful to pharmaceutical laboratories working on lipid-based and topical formulations. It also suits university research groups that study fatty acid chemistry and oleochemical transformations. Analytical laboratories can use it as a reference material when they characterise fatty acid esters from vegetable oils. Indonesia has a large vegetable oil and oleochemical sector, so energy and biofuel researchers may find the compound relevant as a model ethyl ester for biodiesel studies.

• Lipophilic carrier in formulation research: its strong lipophilicity and relatively low viscosity help dissolve and deliver active ingredients that are poorly soluble in water.
• Penetration enhancer studies in topical preparations: in pharmaceutical research, ethyl oleate is known to act as a carrier and penetration enhancer in topical and oil-based formulations.
• Substrate for fatty acid transformation reactions: its cis double bond can be oxidised, epoxidised or hydrogenated, which makes it a practical model substrate for reaction studies.
• Reference compound in fatty acid ester analysis: as a defined ethyl ester of oleic acid, it is a suitable reference when identifying and comparing fatty acid esters in analytical work.
• Model compound for ethanol-based biodiesel research: as an ethyl ester of a common vegetable oil fatty acid, it represents a typical component of biodiesel made with ethanol.

Store ethyl oleate in its original, tightly closed container, or in a clean, compatible glass container, in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area. Keep it away from heat sources, direct sunlight and strong oxidising agents, because the unsaturated double bond can slowly oxidise when exposed to air and light. Reseal the container promptly after each use to limit contact with air and moisture. Follow good laboratory practice when handling it: wear protective gloves, safety glasses and a lab coat, and avoid contact with skin and eyes. Clean up spills quickly, since oily residues can make surfaces slippery. Always check the supplier's Safety Data Sheet for full handling and disposal guidance.

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