Dilinoleate

Dilinoleate is a chemical compound that is a diester of linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in various vegetable oils. Dilinoleate is formed when two molecules of linoleic acid react with a diol, a molecule containing two hydroxyl groups.

In industrial applications, dilinoleate is often used as a plasticizer. Plasticizers are additives that increase the plasticity or fluidity of a material, typically plastics. They work by embedding themselves between polymer chains, reducing the intermolecular forces and allowing the chains to slide past each other more easily. This makes the material more flexible, less brittle, and easier to process. Dilinoleate's ester structure and long fatty acid chains contribute to its effectiveness as a plasticizer, particularly in polymers like polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Dilinoleate can also find use as a component in lubricants and as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals. Its origin from a renewable resource, linoleic acid derived from plant oils, makes it an option for industries seeking bio-based alternatives to petroleum-derived chemicals. The specific properties and applications of dilinoleate can vary depending on the diol used in its synthesis and the purity of the resulting ester.