Cetoleic acid

Cetoleic acid is a linear very long-chain fatty acid with 22 carbon atoms and one double bond, in the position 11=12 with cis-configuration. The acid belongs to the Omega-11 group.
Cetoleic acid is a positional isomer of erucic acid. There is also an isomer with a Δ11 double bond in the trans-configuration, also present in nature, called cetoelaidic acid.

Natural occurrence

The acid is present in the wax esters of jojoba oil at 15–20% and in avellana oil from the Chilean hazelnut at about 9–10%. It is also present in the glycerol esters of some fish oils, with the concentration in cod [liver oil] reaching up to 12%. Cetoleic acid is toxic; its toxic effects are similar to those of erucic acid.

Uses

Cetoleic acid may be used in cardiovascular disease research.

Biologcal activity

Cetoleic acid can promote the synthesis of ALA in human HepG2 cells and EPA in vitro in salmon liver cells, affecting cholesterol levels in rodents^]].