Rasvahappoetyyliestereitä

Rasvahappoetyyliestereitä, commonly known as fatty acid ethyl esters or FAEEs, are a class of chemical compounds formed by the esterification of fatty acids with ethanol. This reaction typically occurs when fatty acids, which are long-chain carboxylic acids, react with ethyl alcohol, usually in the presence of an acid catalyst. The result is an ester molecule and water.

FAEEs are found naturally in various biological systems and are also produced industrially. A significant source of FAEEs in the body is the metabolism of ethanol, where it reacts with endogenous fatty acids. In industrial applications, they are often produced from vegetable oils or animal fats.

These compounds have a wide range of uses. One prominent application is in the production of biodiesel, where they serve as a renewable fuel source. FAEEs are also utilized in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as emollients, solvents, and surfactants. Their physical properties, such as low volatility and good solvency, make them useful in various formulations. The specific properties of an FAEE depend on the length and saturation of the fatty acid chain.