What is "lesquerolic acid"

n. (context organic compound English) A hydroxy acid found in the oil of most species of ''Lesquerella'' (= ''Physaria''; the bladderpods).

Lesquerolic acid is a hydroxy acid that occurs naturally in Paysonia lasiocarpa and other Paysonia and Physaria species. It was first isolated in 1961 by a team from the Northern Regional Research Laboratory. This compound has the R configuration at the alcohol-bearing stereocenter, and it is of the Z configuration at the olefin. Lesquerolic acid is chemically similar to ricinoleic acid, but with two additional carbons at the carboxyl end of the carbon chain. Lesquerolic acid, with other hydroxy fatty acids, has important industrial uses, including making resins, waxes, nylons and plastics.