Lithium oleate,7384-22-7

Physical Properties

• Appearance: White solid.

• Structural Features: A lithium salt of oleic acid, chemically known as lithium (Z)-octadec‑9‑enoate.

• Boiling Point: Approximately 360 °C (at 760 mmHg).

• Flash Point: Approximately 270.1 °C.

Chemical & Industrial Uses

1. Lubricants and Grease Industry (Primary Application)

Lithium oleate is an important component in many lithium-based greases:

• Functions as a thickener, forming the colloidal structure of lubricating grease together with other lithium fatty acid salts.

• Provides excellent thermal stability, mechanical stability, and water resistance.

• Widely used in:

  • Industrial machinery lubrication

  • Automotive greases

  • High‑temperature grease formulations

Guidechem notes that lithium oleate exhibits excellent lubricating and emulsifying properties, making it widely used in the lubricant industry.

2. Cosmetics Industry

As a lithium salt of a fatty acid, it has:

• Emulsifying properties

• Surface‑active characteristics

Common applications include:

• Creams and ointments

• Cosmetic emulsification systems

• Emollient formulations

Its role is to improve system stability and texture. Guidechem also indicates its broad use in cosmetic formulations.

3. Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemical Industry

Lithium oleate can serve as:

• An intermediate for organic lithium compounds

• A surfactant

• An auxiliary reagent in organic synthesis

It is used in certain pharmaceutical formulations or lipid systems to improve dispersion and stability.

4. Other Applications

• Surface treatment agent: Used for treating metal or material surfaces.

• Dispersant: Applied in oil‑based systems to enhance dispersion.

• Chemical reagent: Used in research involving fatty acid salts and their reaction behavior.