Sodium oleate

Sodium oleate (CAS 143-19-1) is the sodium salt of oleic acid, commercially available under trade names including Eunatrol, Osteum, and Nonsoul ON 1. It carries no E-code designation and is classified under HS code 29161500. It functions as an anionic surfactant with both hydrophilic and lipophilic character.

In metalworking fluids, sodium oleate acts as a boundary lubricant by adsorbing onto metal surfaces to reduce friction and inhibit corrosion. In textile processing, it emulsifies oils and waxes during scouring, allowing water-based systems to lift hydrophobic contaminants from fibres. Personal care formulators use it to stabilise oil-in-water emulsions in cleansing products.

Sodium oleate is supplied as a white powder suitable for direct weighing and dissolution. It falls under REACH registration requirements for EU supply and is subject to standard GHS classification for skin and eye irritation. Procurement quantities typically range from kilogram-scale bags to bulk sacks.