Methyl linolelaidate (CAS 2566-97-4)

Methyl linolelaidate, with the CAS number 2566-97-4, is a methyl ester derivative of linolelaidic acid, which itself is a trans isomer of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid. This chemical structure comprises a long-chain fatty acid with two trans double bonds, which are esterified with methanol at the carboxyl end, enhancing its solubility in organic solvents compared to its free acid form. In research settings, methyl linolelaidate is particularly useful for studying the effects of trans fatty acids in various experimental systems. Its ability to integrate into lipid membranes allows researchers to investigate how the trans configuration of double bonds affects the physical properties of lipids, such as membrane fluidity and phase behavior. Additionally, methyl linolelaidate serves as a model compound in the study of lipid oxidation processes because the presence of trans double bonds can influence the rate and nature of lipid peroxidation. This aspect is crucial for understanding the stability and degradation of lipids under various conditions, which has implications for both food science and industrial applications. Moreover, the ester form of this fatty acid is often used in the synthesis of lipid-based materials, where the manipulation of lipid structures is needed to tailor material properties for specific uses.