Methyl elaidate (CAS 1937-62-8)

Methyl elaidate, identified by the CAS number 1937-62-8, is a fatty acid methyl ester characterized by its trans-configuration double bond, distinguishing it from its cis-counterpart, oleic acid. The molecule consists of a long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxylate group esterified with methanol, making it a prime candidate for studies in organic and lipid chemistry. In research, methyl elaidate is often utilized to investigate the effects of trans-fatty acids on various chemical and physical properties of lipids. Its structure allows scientists to explore how the orientation of double bonds (trans versus cis) impacts the melting point, solubility, and crystalline structure of fatty acids, which is crucial for applications in food science and materials engineering. Moreover, this compound is used as a model to study lipid behavior in mixed systems, such as lipid bilayers or liposomes, providing insights into membrane fluidity and permeability. Methyl elaidate also serves a role in synthetic chemistry, where it is used to synthesize more complex molecules and to explore reaction kinetics involving esters. Its presence in various chemical studies helps in understanding the broader implications of fatty acid structure on industrial applications, including the production of biodiesel, where the efficiency of transesterification reactions can be significantly influenced by the nature of the fatty acid involved.