Triolein

Other names: Glycerol trioleate, 1,2,3-Propanetriyl trioleate, Propane-1,2,3-triyltri[( 9Z )-octadec-9-enoate]

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Triolein is a glyceride that is considered one of the main components of the oil. Chemically, it consists of three oleic acid molecules bound to a glycerol molecule. Triolein acts as a biomarker for the presence of fat in food and in the human body. It is also a component of various forms of fat including animal fat and some types of vegetable oil. Its other names include Glycerol trioleate, 1,2,3-Propanetriyl trioleate and Propane-1,2,3-triyltri[(9Z)-octadec-9- enoate].

Triolein is used in many industrial and food products. In the food industry it is used to make margarine and other types of artificial fats. Since it is one of the main components of olive oil, it is widely used in the production of soaps and cosmetics. In industry, triolein is used as a lubricant and also as a fuel in some types of diesel engines. It is also a component in the production of biofuels and in the manufacture of certain types of plastics and polymers.