Oleic acid

Oleic acid	Last updated: 25/08/2025
(Not known by any other names)

Hazard alerts

The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement. These hazard alerts do not take account of usage patterns or exposure, thus do not represent risk.

Environmental fate	Ecotoxicity	Human health
	Ecotoxicity Moderate alert: Daphnia acute ecotoxicity: Moderate Warning: Significant data are missing	Human health Low alert Warning: Significant data are missing

GENERAL INFORMATION

Description

A naturally occuring monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid abundant in olive oil, various nuts and seeds, and animal fat that has some insecticidal activity

Example pests controlled

Cockroaches; Spider mites; Beetles including Asian cabinet beetle (Trogoderma granarium)

Example applications

Stored grain; Ornamentals; Cucumber; Strawberry; Tomato

Efficacy & activity

Appearance and life cycle

Taxonomic classification

GB regulatory status

GB COPR regulatory status

Approved (as fatty acid C7-C20)

Date COPR inclusion expires

31/08/2029

GB LERAP status

None

EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414)

EC Regulation 1107/2009 status

Not approved

Dossier rapporteur/co-rapporteur

Not applicable

Date EC 1107/2009 inclusion expires

Not applicable

EU Candidate for substitution (CfS)

Listed in EU database

Yes

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 in the following EU Member States

ATAustria	BEBelgium	BGBulgaria	CYCyprus	CZCzech Republic	DEGermany	DKDenmark	EEEstonia	ELGreece

ESSpain	FIFinland	FRFrance	HRCroatia	HUHungary	IEIreland	ITItaly	LTLithuania	LULuxembourg

LVLatvia	MTMalta	NLNetherlands	PLPoland	PTPortugal	RORomania	SESweden	SISlovenia	SKSlovakia

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 by Mutual Recognition of Authorisation and/or national regulations in the following EEA countries

ISIceland	NONorway

Additional information

Known to be also used in the following countries

Chemical structure

Isomerism

Isomeric. Oleic acid is the cis-isomer and occurs naturally. The trans-isomer is known as elaidic acid and is abundant in diet as a major component of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Chemical formula

C₁₈H₃₄O₂

Canonical SMILES

CCCCCCCC/C=C\CCCCCCCC(=O)O

Isomeric SMILES

International Chemical Identifier key (InChIKey)

ZQPPMHVWECSIRJ-KTKRTIGZSA-N

International Chemical Identifier (InChI)

InChI=1S/C18H34O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18(19)20/h9-10H,2-8,11-17H2,1H3,(H,19,20)/b10-9-

2D structure diagram/image available?

Yes

General status

Biopesticide type

Insecticide; Other substance

Other bioactivity & uses

Surfactant; Antimicrobial; Antiviral

Substance groups

Plant-derived substance; Animal-derived substance

Minimum active substance purity

Known relevant impurities

Substance origin

Natural

Mode of action

No direct insecticidal activity but can disrupt the lipid structure of insect cuticles, making it easier for other chemicals to penetrate. It may also influence insect behaviour making them better exposed ro control.

Substance source

A naturally occuring monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid abundant in olive oil, various nuts and seeds, and animal fat that has some insecticidal activity

Uses

Crop protection

Target pests

Cockroaches; Spider mites; Beetles including Asian cabinet beetle (Trogoderma granarium)

Target host

Stored grain; Ornamentals; Cucumber; Strawberry; Tomato

Farming system suitability

CAS RN

112-80-1

EC number

204-007-1

CIPAC number

US EPA chemical code

PubChem CID

445639

Molecular mass

282.47

PIN (Preferred Identification Name)

(Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid

IUPAC name

(Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid

CAS name

Forever chemical

Other status information

GRAS

Relevant Environmental Water Quality Standards

Herbicide Resistance Class (HRAC MoA class)

Not applicable

Herbicide Resistance Class (WSSA MoA class)

Not applicable

Insecticide Resistance Class (IRAC MoA class)

Not classified

Fungicide Resistance Class (FRAC MOA class)

Not applicable

Examples of recorded resistance

Physical state

Colourless to pale yellow, visous oily liquid

Commercial

Property

Value

Availability status

Current

Introduction & key dates

late 19th century, first agricultural use

Example manufacturers & suppliers of products using this active now or historically

Bayer CropScience
Evergreen Garden Care UK

Example products using this active

Flipper
RoseClear 3 in 1

Formulation and application details

Often supplied as ready-to-use formulations and as liquid concentrates

Commercial production

Commercial production of oleic acid involves extracting this monounsaturated fatty acid primarily from vegetable oils such as olive, sunflower, and canola oil, though animal fats like tallow and lard are also used in some regions. The process typically begins with hydrolysis, where triglycerides in the oils or fats are broken down into glycerol and free fatty acids. Oleic acid is then isolated and purified using fractionation techniques like distillation and crystallisation. In some cases, chemical catalysis, including hydrogenation and esterification, is employed to convert other fatty acids into oleic acid.

Impact on climate of production and use

GHG emissions during the production of oleic acid vary significantly depending on the feedstock and processing method. Based on GREET model data and similar LCAs Vegetable oil-derived oleic acid emits approximately 1.5–3.5 kg CO₂e per kg; tallow-derived oleic acid emits slightly higher GHG due to methane emissions from livestock. Petroleum-derived oleic acid , a less common production approach, has estimated emissions of 5–7 kg CO₂e per kg. These estimates include agricultural emissions, oil extraction and refining and fatty acid distillation and purification where appropriate.

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Solubility - In water at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

Solubility - In organic solvents at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

Melting point (°C)

16.3

Boiling point (°C)

286

Degradation point (°C)

Flashpoint (°C)

113

(closed cup)

Octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7, 20 °C

5.37 X 10⁰⁷

Calculated

Log P

7.73

High

Fat solubility of residues

Solubility

Data type

Density (g ml⁻¹)

Dissociation constant pKa) at 25 °C

Vapour pressure at 20 °C (mPa)

Henry's law constant at 25 °C (Pa m³ mol⁻¹)

Volatilisation as max % of applied dose lost

From plant surface

From soil surface

Maximum UV-vis absorption L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹

Surface tension (mN m⁻¹)

Degradation

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

General biodegradability

Soil degradation (days) (aerobic)

DT₅₀ (typical)

DT₅₀ (lab at 20 °C)

DT₅₀ (field)

DT₉₀ (lab at 20 °C)

DT₉₀ (field)

DT₅₀ modelling endpoint

Note

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on plant matrix

Value

Note

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on and in plant matrix

Value

Note

Aqueous photolysis DT₅₀ (days) at pH 7

Value

Note

Aqueous hydrolysis DT₅₀ (days) at 20 °C and pH 7

Value

Note

Water-sediment DT₅₀ (days)

Water phase only DT₅₀ (days)

Sediment phase only DT₅₀ (days)

Air degradation

As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below.

Decay in stored produce DT₅₀

Soil adsorption and mobility

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Linear

K_d (mL g⁻¹)

K_oc (mL g⁻¹)

Notes and range

Freundlich

K_f (mL g⁻¹)

K_foc (mL g⁻¹)

¹/_n

Notes and range

pH sensitivity

Known metabolites

None

ECOTOXICOLOGY

Terrestrial ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 10000

Rat

Low

Mammals - Short term dietary NOEL

(mg kg⁻¹)

(ppm diet)

Mammals - Chronic 21d NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Birds - Acute LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Birds - Short term dietary (LC₅₀/LD₅₀)

Birds - Chronic 21d NOEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Earthworms - Acute 14 day LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Earthworms - Chronic NOEC, reproduction (mg kg⁻¹)

Soil micro-organisms

Collembola

Acute LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Chronic NOEC (mg kg⁻¹)

Non-target plants

Vegetative vigour ER₅₀ (g ha⁻¹)

Seedling emergence ER₅₀ (g ha⁻¹)

Honeybees (Apis spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Unknown mode acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Chronic

Notes

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Mason bees (Osmia spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Other bee species (1)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Other bee species (2)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Beneficial insects (Ladybirds)

Beneficial insects (Lacewings)

Beneficial insects (Parasitic wasps)

Beneficial insects (Predatory mites)

Beneficial insects (Ground beetles)

Aquatic ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

205

Pimephales promelas

Low

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

Tropical Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

2.8

Daphnia magna

Moderate

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

Tropical Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Aquatic crustaceans - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, static, water (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, sediment (mg kg⁻¹)

Aquatic Plants (free-floating, fonds growth, fresh) - 7 day (mg l⁻¹)

Aquatic plants (rooted, growth rate, fresh) - 14 day (mg l⁻¹)

Algae - Acute (growth rate, fresh; mg l⁻¹)

Algae - Chronic (growth rate, fresh; mg l⁻¹)

Mesocosm study data

NOEAEC mg l⁻¹

Marine bivalves

HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION

General

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Threshold of Toxicological Concern (Cramer Class)

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 10000

Rat

Low

Mammals - Dermal LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ body weight)

Mammals - Inhalation LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Other Mammal toxicity endpoints

Intravenous LD₅₀ = 2.4 mg kg⁻¹

Rat

ADI - Acceptable Daily Intake (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

ARfD - Acute Reference Dose (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

AAOEL - Acute Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

AOEL - Acceptable Operator Exposure Level - Systemic (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

Dermal penetration studies (%)

Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464

Exposure Routes

Public

Occupational

Mammalian dose elimination route and rate

Health issues

Specific human health issues

Carcinogen

Genotoxic

Endocrine disruptor

; ; ; ;

Reproduction / development effects

Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor

Neurotoxicant

No data found

Respiratory tract irritant

Skin irritant

Skin sensitiser

No data found

Eye irritant

Phototoxicant

No data found

General human health issues

May offer health benefits including preventing cardiovascular issues and Type 2 diabetes

Handling issues

Property

Value and interpretation

General

Not explosive or oxidising
Combustable liquid

CLP classification 2013

WHO Classification

UN Number

Not regulated

Waste disposal & packaging

Shelf-life, storage, stability and reactivity

Substance is light and air sensitive - store in the dark and in air tight container at 15-25 DegC. Non-reactive.

TRANSLATIONS

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Name

English

oleic acid

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Record last updated:	25/08/2025
Contact:	aeru@herts.ac.uk
Please cite as:	Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242