erukinsyra

Erucic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid with the formula CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)11COOH. It is a long-chain fatty acid, specifically an omega-9 fatty acid, meaning the double bond is located nine carbon atoms from the methyl end of the fatty acid chain. Erucic acid is found naturally in many plants, particularly in the seeds of plants belonging to the Brassicaceae family, such as rapeseed (canola) and mustard.

Historically, erucic acid was a significant component of rapeseed oil. However, concerns about its potential health effects, particularly regarding heart health, led to the development of low-erucic acid varieties of rapeseed, commonly known as canola. Canola oil now contains very low levels of erucic acid, generally less than 2%. High-erucic acid rapeseed oils (HEAR) are still produced for industrial uses.

Industrially, erucic acid and its derivatives have various applications. They are used in the production of lubricants, plasticizers, surfactants, and in the cosmetics industry. Erucic acid can be converted into erucamide, a valuable slip agent used in the manufacturing of plastic films. Research continues into its potential therapeutic uses, though its role in human nutrition remains a subject of study.