AMMONIUM OLEATE

Ammonium oleate is an organic ammonium salt formed from oleic acid and ammonia, commonly used as a surfactant, emulsifier, and dispersing agent in various formulations.
Ammonium oleates general formula can be represented as C₁₈H₃₃O₂⁻ NH₄⁺.
Ammonium oleate belongs to the class of fatty acid soaps.

CAS Number: 544-60-5
Molecular Formula: C18H37NO2
Molecular Weight: 299.49
EINECS Number: 208-873-1

Synonyms: Ammonium oleate, 544-60-5, Ammonium 9-octadecenoate, Caswell No. 046C, DTXSID50878372, 9-Octadecenoic acid, ammonium salt, EINECS 208-873-1, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, ammonium salt, oleic acid ammonium salt, UNII-EH7L6J9LHN, AMMONIUM OLEATE [MI], EC 208-873-1, (9Z)-9-Octadecenoic acid ammonium salt (1:1), Ammonium 9octadecenoate, RefChem:112187, AMMONIUM OLEATE [INCI], 9Octadecenoic acid, ammonium salt, DTXCID701016421, 208-873-1, AI3-36578, EH7L6J9LHN, Ammonia soap, azane;(Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid, SCHEMBL237023, (9Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid amine, NS00080306, (9Z)-Octadec-9-enoic acid--ammonia (1/1), Q27277190, 9-Octadecenoicacid(Z)-,ammoniumsalt;9-octadecenoicacid,ammoniumsalt;oleicacid,ammoniumsalt;AMMONIUM OLEATE;9-Octadecenoic acid (9Z)-, ammonium salt;(Z)-9-Octadecenoic acid ammonium salt;aMMoniuMolate;ai3-36578

Ammonium oleate consists of the oleate anion (derived from oleic acid, a C18 unsaturated fatty acid) and the ammonium cation (NH₄⁺).
The molecule has a long hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain and a polar ionic head group.
This amphiphilic structure gives it surface-active properties.

Ammonium oleate typically appears as a soft, waxy solid or viscous liquid, depending on concentration and formulation.
Ammonium oleate is soluble or dispersible in water, forming colloidal or micellar systems.
It may have a slight fatty or soap-like odor.

Ammonium oleate exhibits surfactant behavior, reducing surface tension between liquids or between liquids and solids.
Ammonium oleate can form micelles in aqueous solution.
This allows it to emulsify oils and disperse particles.

The compound functions as an emulsifier and stabilizer in formulations.
Ammonium oleate helps mix oil and water phases.
This improves formulation stability.

Ammonium oleate also acts as a dispersing and wetting agent.
IAmmonium oleatet improves the distribution of particles in liquids.
This is useful in coatings and chemical systems.

Ammonium oleate is generally stable under normal conditions, but may decompose under strong heat or extreme pH.
It performs best in mildly alkaline environments.
Proper storage helps maintain its properties.

Ammonium oleate is best described as a fatty acid-based ammonium surfactant used for emulsification, dispersion, and surface tension reduction, especially in soaps, coatings, and industrial formulations.
Ammonium oleate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula C17H33COONH4.
This is an organic ammonium salt of oleic acid.

Ammonium oleate is formed by the reaction between oleic acid and aqueous ammonia.
Ammonium oleate can contribute to formation of soft, flexible interfacial films around droplets or particles.
These films help stabilize emulsions and dispersions.

This improves resistance to coalescence.
Ammonium oleate exhibits moderate foaming ability with relatively soft foam structure.
It is not as strong as synthetic detergents but provides sufficient foam in many systems.

This is useful in mild cleaning applications.
Ammonium oleate can influence rheology and viscosity in emulsions.
At higher concentrations, it may thicken systems slightly.

This supports formulation control.
Because it is derived from oleic acid, it shows compatibility with natural oils and fatty materials.
It blends well in formulations containing plant-based ingredients.

This is beneficial in eco-oriented products.
The compound may undergo oxidative degradation over time, especially due to the unsaturated double bond.
Exposure to air, heat, or light can accelerate this process.

Antioxidants may be added to improve stability.
Ammonium oleate can act as a temporary emulsifier in systems where phase separation is later required.
Changes in pH can break the emulsion.

This makes it useful in controlled processing steps.
Ammonium oleate shows good dispersing ability for pigments and fine particles.
Ammonium oleate helps maintain uniform distribution in suspensions.

This is important in coatings and inks.
The compound can provide mild cleansing and solubilizing action.
Ammonium oleate helps remove oils and contaminants from surfaces.

This supports cleaning applications.
Ammonium oleate is a versatile, pH-responsive surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties, suitable for systems requiring moderate performance and flexibility.
Ammonium oleate emits toxic oxides of nitrogen when heated excessively, Ammonium oleate is soluble in water.

Melting point: 70–72 °F
Boiling point: 440.8 °C (rough estimate)
Density: 0.9758 (rough estimate)
Refractive index: 1.5000 (estimate)
Solubility: soluble in H₂O; slightly soluble in acetone
Form: yellow-brown paste
Color: yellow-brown paste
Water solubility: soluble in H₂O (27 °C); slightly soluble in acetone
Cosmetics ingredient functions: surfactant – emulsifying; cleansing; surfactant – cleansing
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): ammonium oleate (544-60-5)
LogP: 7.698 (estimated)

Ammonium oleate is a typical soap-type surfactant formed by neutralization of oleic acid with ammonia.
This reaction produces an ionic compound with amphiphilic character.
Such compounds are widely used in emulsification systems.

The molecule contains a long unsaturated hydrocarbon chain (C18 with one double bond).
This hydrophobic tail interacts strongly with oils and nonpolar substances.
Ammonium oleate plays a key role in emulsification and solubilization.

The ammonium head group (NH₄⁺) provides hydrophilicity.
Ammonium oleate interacts with water and stabilizes micelles.
This dual structure allows the formation of stable oil–water systems.

Ammonium oleate forms micelles and colloidal dispersions in aqueous solutions.
These structures trap oils and hydrophobic particles.
This enables effective cleaning and dispersion.

The compound shows pH-dependent behavior.
In alkaline conditions, it remains stable as a soap.
In acidic conditions, it can convert back to oleic acid and ammonia.

Ammonium oleate can contribute to foam formation and stabilization in certain systems.
Ammonium oleate produces moderate foam compared to other surfactants.
This is useful in cleaning and processing applications.

The presence of the double bond in the oleate chain can influence oxidative stability.
It may undergo oxidation over time if exposed to air.
Stabilizers may be used in formulations.

Ammonium oleate is generally compatible with other surfactants and formulation ingredients, especially in aqueous systems.
It can be combined with anionic or nonionic surfactants.
This enhances formulation flexibility.

Ammonium oleate is a soap-like amphiphilic compound that forms micelles, stabilizes emulsions, and interacts strongly with both water and oils, making it useful in cleaning, coating, and formulation systems.
Ammonium oleate exhibits surface activity driven by its amphiphilic structure, allowing it to orient at interfaces between oil and water.
The hydrophobic tail aligns with nonpolar phases, while the ionic head remains in water.

This reduces interfacial tension and stabilizes emulsions.
The compound is capable of forming liquid crystalline or structured phases at certain concentrations.
These structures can influence viscosity and texture.

This behavior is useful in formulation design.
Ammonium oleate can act as a wetting agent, improving the spreading of liquids over solid surfaces.
It reduces contact angle and enhances surface coverage.

This is important in coatings and cleaning systems.
Because it is an ammonium salt, it can be volatile under certain conditions, releasing ammonia when heated or under acidic conditions.
This can affect stability and odor.

Proper formulation control is necessary.
The compound shows moderate biodegradability, as it is derived from fatty acids.
Microorganisms can break down the oleate chain.

This makes it more environmentally compatible than some synthetic surfactants.
Ammonium oleate may interact with metal ions, forming insoluble soaps or complexes.
This can influence formulation stability in hard water.

Chelating agents may be added to control this effect.
Ammonium oleate is often used in systems where temporary emulsification or easy removal is desired, due to its reversible nature under pH changes.
This makes it useful in certain industrial processes.

Ammonium oleate allows controlled destabilization when needed.
The compound contributes to moderate lubrication properties.
It reduces friction between surfaces.

This is beneficial in some processing and coating applications.
Ammonium oleate is a dynamic, pH-sensitive surfactant with emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing capabilities, widely applied in systems requiring flexible and reversible surface activity.

Uses Of Ammonium oleate:
Detergent, solidifying alcohol, demonstrating liquid crystals according to Lehmann.
Ammonium oleate is widely used as an emulsifier in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
It helps mix oil and water phases in creams and lotions.

This improves product stability and texture.
In soaps and cleansing products, ammonium oleate acts as a mild surfactant.
It helps remove oils, dirt, and impurities.

This supports effective but gentle cleaning.
Ammonium oleate is used in coatings, paints, and inks as a dispersing agent.
It helps distribute pigments evenly.

This improves color uniformity and stability.
In industrial cleaning formulations, it functions as a wetting and degreasing agent.
It reduces surface tension and enhances cleaning efficiency.

This is useful for removing oily contaminants.
Ammonium oleate is applied in emulsion polymerization processes.
It helps stabilize polymer particles in aqueous systems.

This supports polymer production.
In textile processing, it is used as a wetting and dispersing agent.
It improves penetration of dyes and chemicals into fibers.

This enhances processing efficiency.
Ammonium oleate is used in metalworking and lubrication systems.
It provides mild lubricating and anti-friction properties.

This supports smoother processing.
In agricultural formulations, it may be used as an emulsifier or dispersant for pesticides or treatments.
It helps distribute active ingredients evenly.

This improves application effectiveness.
Ammonium oleate is also used in ceramic and mineral processing as a dispersing agent.
It helps maintain uniform particle suspension.

This supports material processing.
Ammonium oleate is used wherever emulsification, dispersion, wetting, and mild cleaning properties are required across cosmetics, coatings, cleaning, and industrial applications.

Ammonium oleate is used in emulsion-based cosmetic products, such as creams and lotions, to improve texture and stability.
Ammonium oleate helps maintain a smooth and uniform consistency.
This enhances product performance and appearance.

In hair-care formulations, it acts as a mild cleansing and conditioning agent.
Ammonium oleate helps remove oils while maintaining softness.
This supports balanced hair care.

Ammonium oleate is applied in liquid soaps and detergents where moderate foaming and emulsifying properties are sufficient.
Ammonium oleate contributes to cleaning efficiency.
This is useful in mild or specialty formulations.

In printing inks, it serves as a dispersant for pigments and dyes.
Ammonium oleate helps maintain even distribution and prevents settling.
This improves print quality.

Ammonium oleate is used in leather processing to assist in wetting and emulsifying oils.
It helps improve penetration of treatment agents.
This enhances material quality.

In pesticide and agrochemical formulations, ammonium oleate acts as an emulsifier for oil-based actives.
Ammonium oleate helps achieve uniform spraying and coverage.
This improves effectiveness.

Ammonium oleate is used in lubrication and metal treatment systems to reduce friction and improve surface interaction.
Ammonium oleate supports smoother processing conditions.
This enhances operational efficiency.

In ceramic and mineral slurries, it helps disperse fine particles and prevent aggregation.
It maintains stable suspensions.
This is important for uniform processing.

It is also applied in temporary emulsification systems, where controlled separation is required later.
Its pH-sensitive behavior allows reversible emulsification.
Ammonium oleate is used wherever moderate surfactant performance, emulsification, dispersion, and wetting properties are needed, especially in flexible and pH-responsive systems.

Safety Profile Of Ammonium oleate:
Ammonium oleate is generally considered to have low to moderate hazard potential, but it can cause irritation and should be handled with standard safety precautions.
Risks are mainly associated with its surfactant nature and possible release of ammonia.
Proper handling and hygiene practices are recommended.

Skin contact may cause mild irritation or dryness, especially with prolonged exposure.
It can remove natural skin oils due to its surfactant properties.
Protective gloves are recommended during bulk handling.

Eye contact may result in irritation and discomfort.
Symptoms can include redness, tearing, and burning sensation.
Eyes should be rinsed thoroughly with water if exposure occurs.

Inhalation risk is generally low, but aerosols or decomposition releasing ammonia may cause respiratory irritation.
Symptoms can include coughing or throat irritation.
Adequate ventilation should be maintained.

Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Symptoms may include nausea or stomach discomfort.
Ammonium oleate is not intended for oral consumption unless specifically approved.

Ammonium oleate is not highly flammable, but it can burn under strong heat.
Thermal decomposition may release ammonia and carbon oxides.

Standard fire safety precautions should be followed.
Ammonium oleate may undergo decomposition under acidic conditions, releasing ammonia gas.