Elaidinization is any chemical reaction which convert a cis- olefin to a trans- olefin in unsaturated fatty acids. This is often performed on fats and oils to increase both the melting point and the shelf life without reducing the degree of unsaturation. The term originates from elaidic acid, the trans-isomer of oleic acid.
Reaction
Elaidinization of oleic acid, a common component of vegetable oils, yields its trans-isomer elaidic acid.
| Oleic acid | Elaidic acid |
|---|---|
| Oleic acid is a cis unsaturated fatty acid, a common component of natural vegetable oils. | Elaidic acid is a trans unsaturated fatty acid often created by partial hydrogenation or elaidinisation of vegetable oils. |
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| These fatty acids are isomers (chemically identical except for the orientation of the double bond). | |
References
- Kass, J.P. (1 May 1939). "The Elaidinization of Linoleic Acid". J. Am. Chem. Soc. 61 (5): 1062–1066. doi:10.1021/ja01874a022. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
- "Oxford Dictionary". Oxford Dictionary. Oxford Dictionary. Retrieved 25 August 2021.