Dioleate

Dioleate is a chemical designation used to refer to diesters or diglycerides that contain oleic acid, the monounsaturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms. The term implies two oleate groups. In practice, dioleate can describe diglycerides with two oleoyl chains or diesters of glycerol in which two hydroxyl groups are esterified with oleic acid. Less commonly, it may refer to salts or complexes in which two oleate anions associate with a metal cation, though such forms are not as widespread as monooleate derivatives.

In lipid chemistry, dioleates most often appear as diglycerides such as 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol or 1,3-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol. The third hydroxyl group of the glycerol backbone may remain free, or may be involved in forming other esters, yielding compounds described as glyceryl dioleate when two positions are esterified with oleic acid and the third remains hydroxyl. Variants can occur with different positional isomers depending on which glycerol carbons bear the oleate groups.

Applications of dioleate compounds include cosmetics, foods, and industrial products. In cosmetics, glyceryl dioleate is a common emollient and thickener that helps improve texture and acts as a solvent for other ingredients. In food science, diacylglycerols containing oleic acid can function as structured fats or emulsifiers in processed products. Industrially, dioleates may be used as lubricants, stabilizers, or processing aids in various formulations.

Safety and regulatory status generally reflect the properties of oleic acid and glycerol esters. Glyceryl dioleate and related dioleates are widely used in cosmetics and food products within established regulatory frameworks, though specific guidelines vary by region. For precise approvals, consult regional regulatory agencies or product documentation.