Molar mass 281.477 g/mol Appearance Creamy solid | Density 879 kg/m³ | |
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Oleamide is an organic compound with the formula CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7C(O)NH2. It is the amide derived from the fatty acid oleic acid. It is a colorless waxy solid. It is naturally occurring. Sometimes labeled as a fatty acid primary amide (FAPA), it is biosynthesized from N-oleoylglycine.
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Biochemical and medical aspects
In terms of natural occurrence, oleamide was first detected in human plasma. It was later shown to accumulate in the cerebrospinal fluid during sleep deprivation and induces sleep in animals.
It has been considered as a potential treatment for mood and sleep disorders, as well as cannabinoid-regulated depression.
In terms of its sleep inducing effects, it is speculated that oleamide interacts with multiple neurotransmitter systems.
Other occurrences
Synthetic oleamide has a variety of industrial uses including as a slip agent, a lubricant, and a corrosion inhibitor.
Oleamide was found to leaking out of polypropylene plastics in laboratory experiments, affecting experimental results. Since polypropylene is used in a wide number of food containers such as those for yogurt, the problem is being studied.
Analysis of 44 products containing synthetic cannabinoid drugs marketed as "herbal incense" revealed oleamide in 7 of the products tested.