Methyl cis-9-Hexadecenoate, also known as methyl palmitoleate, is the methyl ester of palmitoleic acid. Palmitoleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid with 16 carbon atoms and a single cis double bond at position 9 (C16:1 cis-9). In the laboratory, the compound is classed as a fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). Its main role is as a reference standard in fatty acid profiling, especially by gas chromatography. It is also used as a research material in lipid studies, where a well-defined single compound is needed for comparison and calibration.
Laboratories choose this compound because the methyl ester form is more volatile and more stable than the free fatty acid, which makes it well suited to gas chromatography. Its structure is clearly defined, with a known chain length and a specific double-bond position and geometry. This lets analysts identify chromatographic peaks by retention time. It also helps them tell C16:1 cis-9 apart from positional isomers and trans isomers in complex samples. The cis double bond makes the compound relevant to studies of lipid oxidation and of olefin reactivity in long aliphatic chains, where it serves as a dependable model substrate.
In Indonesia, methyl palmitoleate is useful to food analysis, vegetable oil, biodiesel, and biochemistry laboratories. One example is the characterisation of palm oil and other edible oils, where FAME profiling is a routine part of quality assessment. University research groups, government testing facilities, and industrial quality control laboratories can use it to confirm peak identity, check method performance, and support lipid research projects. Having a defined C16:1 reference helps laboratories produce consistent and traceable fatty acid composition results.
TCI brochures (PDF)
- Lipids 2025-12-17 · p. 9
- Gas chromatography fatty acid profiling: used as a reference standard to identify the C16:1 cis-9 peak by retention time, because the volatile and stable methyl ester form chromatographs cleanly.
- Edible and palm oil characterisation: supports confirmation of palmitoleate content during fatty acid composition analysis of palm oil and other vegetable oils in quality control laboratories.
- Biodiesel composition analysis: helps identify individual FAME components in biodiesel samples, because biodiesel is itself made up of fatty acid methyl esters with similar chain lengths.
- Isomer differentiation studies: its defined cis geometry and double-bond position help analysts tell C16:1 cis-9 apart from positional isomers and trans isomers in complex lipid mixtures.
- Lipid oxidation and olefin reactivity research: the single cis double bond on a long aliphatic chain makes it a suitable model compound for studying oxidation behaviour and double-bond reactivity.
| Brand | TCI (product code P1958) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 1120-25-8 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Life Science > Biochemicals and Reagents > Lipids |
| Pack sizes | as offered by TCI for product P1958; please check the product page or ask AMI Scientific for the sizes currently available |
| Physical form | — |
| Storage | keep tightly closed, protected from light, air, and heat; follow the conditions on the TCI label and safety data sheet |
- Chemical class: fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), C16:1 cis-9
Store Methyl cis-9-Hexadecenoate in its original tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place, away from heat sources and oxidising agents. As an unsaturated ester, it can oxidise when exposed to air and light for long periods, so limit headspace and reseal promptly after use. Purging the container with an inert gas such as nitrogen helps preserve standard quality. Glass containers with chemically resistant caps are suitable for storage and for preparing working solutions. Handle in a well-ventilated area or fume hood while wearing gloves, safety glasses, and a laboratory coat. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Always follow the storage temperature and hazard information on the TCI label and safety data sheet, and record opening dates so you can monitor standard integrity.
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