Eicosenoic acid

Eicosenoic acid (CAS 5561-99-9), also known as cis-11-eicosenoic acid, is a long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid derived primarily from seed oils such as meadowfoam. Its commercial value lies in its stability and film-forming characteristics, which make it a functional ingredient across lubrication, personal care, and specialty food applications.

In lubricants and metalworking fluids, it functions as a boundary lubricant additive, reducing friction and wear on metal surfaces under high-load conditions for industrial use. Personal care formulators incorporate it into skin creams, lip products, and hair treatments where it contributes emollient and moisture-retention performance without a heavy skin feel.

As an emulsifier component, it supports stable oil-in-water and water-in-oil systems in both cosmetic and food-grade formulations for various manufacturing requirements. In nutritional and functional food contexts, it is used as a specialty fatty acid ingredient targeting lipid profile applications and specific dietary supplement formulations.

Eicosenoic acid is typically supplied as a liquid or low-melting solid, depending on purity and temperature conditions, and is available in technical and cosmetic grades. High-purity variants are offered for research use, with standard packaging ranging from small quantities for laboratory procurement to bulk drum supply for industrial buyers.