Elaidic acid

Elaidic acid is the organic compound with the formula CH3(CH2)7CHCH(CH2)7CO2H. Classified as an unsaturated trans fatty acid, it is a colorless oily solid. This compound has attracted attention because it is a major trans fat found in hydrogenated vegetable oils, and trans fats are implicated in heart disease. Elaidic acid is the organic compound with the formula CH3(CH2)7CHCH(CH2)7CO2H. Classified as an unsaturated trans fatty acid, it is a colorless oily solid. This compound has attracted attention because it is a major trans fat found in hydrogenated vegetable oils, and trans fats are implicated in heart disease. It is the trans isomer of oleic acid. The name of the elaidinization reaction comes from elaidic acid. Elaidic acid occurs naturally in small amounts in caprine and bovine milk (very roughly 0.1% of the fatty acids) and in some meats. It also comprises 2.50% of the fats from the fruit of the durian species Durio graveolens. Elaidic acid increases plasma cholesterylester transfer protein (CETP) activity which lowers HDL cholesterol.