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Linoleic acid

IUPAC: (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid

C18H32O2 Acids CAS 60-33-3
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC18H32O2
CAS Number60-33-3
Molecular Weight280.4
Melting Point23 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point444 to 446 °F at 16 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.9007 at 72 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float
SolubilityInsoluble (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceLinoleic acid is a colorless to straw colored liquid. A polyunsaturated fatty acid essential to human diet.
Also Known As(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid; 60-33-3; Linolic acid; Telfairic acid; cis,cis-Linoleic acid; 9,12-Linoleic acid; Unifac 6550; Emersol 315; alpha-Linoleic acid; cis-9,cis-12-Octadecadienoic acid
CategoryAcids

What is Linoleic acid?

Linoleic acid is an octadecadienoic acid in which the two double bonds are at positions 9 and 12 and have Z (cis) stereochemistry. It has a role as a plant metabolite, a Daphnia galeata metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is an octadecadienoic acid and an omega-6 fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a linoleate.

Formula & Notation

C18H32O2

IUPAC Name: (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid; 60-33-3; Linolic acid; Telfairic acid; cis,cis-Linoleic acid; 9,12-Linoleic acid; Unifac 6550; Emersol 315; alpha-Linoleic acid; cis-9,cis-12-Octadecadienoic acid

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Linoleic acid is a colorless to straw colored liquid. A polyunsaturated fatty acid essential to human diet.. Molecular formula: C18H32O2. Molecular weight: 280.4 g/mol. Boiling point: 444 to 446 °F at 16 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 23 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.9007 at 72 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: Insoluble (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.00000087 [mmHg]. LogP: 6.8.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point23 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point444 to 446 °F at 16 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.9007 at 72 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight280.4
SolubilityInsoluble (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceLinoleic acid is a colorless to straw colored liquid. A polyunsaturated fatty acid essential to human diet.

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.

Safety Information

Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Linoleic acid
Formula C18H32O2
CAS Number 60-33-3
Molecular Weight 280.4
Category Acids
Synonyms (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid; 60-33-3; Linolic acid; Telfairic acid; cis,cis-Linoleic acid; 9,12-Linoleic acid; Unifac 6550; Emersol 315; alpha-Linoleic acid; cis-9,cis-12-Octadecadienoic acid

Frequently Asked Questions

Linoleic acid is an octadecadienoic acid in which the two double bonds are at positions 9 and 12 and have Z (cis) stereochemistry. It has a role as a plant metabolite, a Daphnia galeata metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is an octadecadienoic acid and an omega-6 fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a linoleate.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.