Linoleate

Linoleic acid (LA) is a polyunsaturated, omega6 fatty acid with the formula CH3(CH2)4CH=CHCH2CH=CH(CH2)7COOH. Both alkene groups (CH=CH) are cis. It is a fatty acid sometimes denoted 18:2 (n6) or 18:2 cis-9,12. A linoleate is a salt or ester of this acid. It typically occurs in nature as a triglyceride (ester of glycerin) rather than as a free fatty acid. It is one of two essential fatty acids for humans, who must obtain it through their diet, and the most essential, because the body uses it as a base to make the others. Name derives from Latin linum 'flax' and oleum 'oil'. First isolated from linseed oil.