Dioleates

A dioleate is a type of ester formed from glycerol and two molecules of oleic acid. Glycerol is a simple alcohol, and oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid with the formula CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7COOH. Therefore, a dioleate contains two oleic acid chains attached to a glycerol backbone, with the third hydroxyl group of the glycerol potentially esterified with another fatty acid or remaining as a free hydroxyl group.

Dioleates can exist in various forms depending on the position of the oleic acid residues on the glycerol molecule and whether the third position is esterified with a different fatty acid. They are often found as components of fats and oils, which are triglycerides. In this context, a diglyceride containing two oleic acid chains is a dioleate.

These compounds can have applications as emulsifiers, lubricants, and in the formulation of cosmetics and personal care products. Their properties, such as solubility and melting point, depend on the specific structure and the presence of other fatty acids. Because oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid, dioleates derived solely from oleic acid will also be unsaturated, contributing to their liquid state at room temperature in many cases. The presence of the double bond in the oleic acid chain can influence their reactivity and stability.