Elaidic acid is achemical compound with the formulaC 18H 34O 2, specifically thefatty acid with structural formulaHOOC−(CH2)7−CH=CH−(CH2)7−CH3, with thedouble bond (betweencarbon atoms 9 and 10) intrans configuration. It is a colorless solid. Its salts and esters are calledelaidates.
Elaidic acid is anunsaturatedtrans fatty acid, with code C18:1trans-9. This compound has attracted attention because it is a major trans fat found inhydrogenated vegetable oils, and trans fats have been implicated in heart disease.[1]
Elaidic acid occurs mostly in industrial hydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids.[2] It's also present in small amounts ingoat andcow milk (very roughly 0.1% of the fatty acids)[3] and in some meats.[4]
^Stillwell, William (2016). "Chapter 23. Membranes and Human Health".An Introduction to Biological Membranes – Composition, Structure and Function (2 ed.). Elsevier.doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-63772-7.00023-3.
^Abbey M, Nestel PJ (1994). "Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity is increased when trans-elaidic acid is substituted for cis-oleic acid in the diet".Atherosclerosis.106 (1):99–107.doi:10.1016/0021-9150(94)90086-8.PMID8018112.
