Glyceryl trilinolenate (CAS 14465-68-0)

Glyceryl trilinolenate, also known as trilinolenin, is a triglyceride characterized by its ester bonds linking glycerol to three linolenic acid chains. Linolenic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid rich in double bonds, imparts unique properties to this lipid, notably in terms of fluidity and reactivity. Due to its structure, glyceryl trilinolenate has become a focal point in research dedicated to understanding the physical and chemical behavior of complex lipid systems. The presence of multiple double bonds in each linolenic acid chain makes glyceryl trilinolenate highly susceptible to oxidation, a quality that researchers exploit to study lipid peroxidation processes. This oxidation sensitivity is crucial for investigations into the mechanisms of lipid degradation, which has broader implications for the storage and stability of lipid-containing products in the food and cosmetics industries. Furthermore, the compound′s ability to transition between solid and liquid states at relatively low temperatures compared to saturated triglycerides allows scientists to explore its phase behavior, crystallization, and melting properties. These studies are typically conducted using advanced analytical techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction, which help explain the molecular structure and interactions that define its physical state changes. Thus, glyceryl trilinolenate serves as an important model compound in the exploration of lipid dynamics, particularly in the context of environmental and storage effects on lipid-based systems.