PRODUCTS

ARACHIDIC ACID

Arachidic acid serves primarily as a reference standard in analytical chemistry, particularly in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for quantifying fatty acids in lipid extracts from cells or biological samples.
Arachidic acid also finds application as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulations due to its surfactant properties.
Arachidic acid serves as a model substrate in biochemical assays to study enzyme kinetics involved in fatty acid metabolism, particularly in decarboxylation and oxidation pathways.

CAS Number: 506-30-9
EC Number: 208-031-3
MDL number: MFCD00002755
IUPAC Name: icosanoic acid
Linear Formula: CH3(CH2)18COOH
Chemical Formula: C₂₀H₄₀O₂
Molecular Weight: 312.53 g/mol

SYNONYMS:
arachidic acid arachinsaeure arachidinic acid arachate, C20 fatty acid, Peanut acid, n-Eicosanic acid, NSC 93983, Arachic acid, Icosanoic acid, n-Eicosanoic acid, Arachidic acid, C 20, Icosanoic acid, Eicosanoate, Arachidate, n-Eicosanoic acid, C20:0, Arachic acid, Arachidic acid, Icosanoic acid, n-Eicosanoic acid, Arachic acid, C20:0 (Lipid numbers), Arachic acid, Arachidic acid, Icosanoic acid, n-Eicosanoic acid, Arachidic acid (synthetic), Icosanoic acid, Eicosanoic acid, Arachic acid, Arachic acid, Arachidinic acid, Eicosanoic acid, Icosanoic acid, NSC 93983, Eicosansαure, n-Eicosansαure, Arachidic Acid(C20:0), ARACHIC ACID, ARACHIDIC ACID, ARACHIDINIC ACID, EICOSANOIC ACID, C20:0 FATTY ACID, Icosanoic acid, Eicosanoic acid, n-Eicosanoic acid, Arachidic acid, Arachic acid, C20:0 (Lipid numbers), arachic acid, arachidinic acid, 11-eicosanic acid, eicosanoic acid, N-eicosanoic acid, eicosanoicacid, icosanoic acid, Arachidic acid, Icosanoic acid, EICOSANOIC ACID, 506-30-9, Arachic acid, n-Eicosanoic acid, Arachidinic acid, arachidate, eicosanoate, MFCD00002755, NSC 93983, Arachinsaeure, PQB8MJD4RB, UNII-PQB8MJD4RB, CHEBI:28822, Elcosanoic Acid, C20:0, eicosatrienoic-acid, EINECS 208-031-3, NSC-93983, DTXSID1060134, EC 208-031-3, n-eicosanoate, CH3-(CH2)18-COOH, CH3-[CH2]18-COOH, Icosanoicacid, Arachate, [1-Hydroxy-3-(methylisopentylamino)propylidene] Bisphosphonic Acid Monosodium Salt(Ibandronic Acid Impurity), fatty acid 20:0, Arachidic acid, ?99%, Arachidic acid (Standard), Arachidic acid (synthetic), Arachidic acid, >=99%, SCHEMBL6539, ARACHIDIC ACID [MI], WLN: QV19, CHEMBL1173381, DTXCID3040859, FA 20:0a, Arachidic acid, analytical standard, HY-W004260R, NSC93983, BBL027402, BDBM50463966, LMFA01010020, s5570, STL373057, AKOS015839825, CCG-267612, CS-W004260, FA 20:0, HY-W004260, NCGC00475806-03, AC-15197, AS-14639, SY048912, DB-051805, Arachidic acid, synthetic, >=99.0% (GC), NS00010584, Arachidic acid, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 99%, C06425, O11825, A828210, Q409608, ARACHIDIC ACID (CONSTITUENT OF BORAGE SEED OIL), 38660976-A573-4A36-B283-4EA09D1E22EC, InChI=1/C20H40O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20(21)22/h2-19H2,1H3,(H,21,22), Icosanoic acid, Eicosanoic acid, n-Eicosanoic acid, Arachidic acid, Arachic acid, C20:0 (Lipid numbers), Arachidic acid, Arachic acid, Arachidinic acid, Eicosanoic acid, Icosanoic acid, n-Eicosanoic acid, C20:0 fatty acid, Carboxylic acid C20, NSC 93983

Arachidic acid is a saturated fatty acid that functions as a precursor for the biosynthesis of other lipids.
Arachidic acid plays a role in maintaining the structural integrity of cell membranes and is involved in cell signaling processes.
At the molecular level, arachidic acid interacts with various enzymes and proteins involved in lipid metabolism, influencing the composition and fluidity of cellular membranes.

Arachidic acid's mechanism of action includes serving as a substrate for the synthesis of complex lipids, such as phospholipids and glycolipids.
Arachidic acid can modulate the activity of certain transcription factors and signaling pathways, impacting gene expression and cellular responses.
Arachidic acid, also called eicosanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid found in peanut oil.

Arachidic acid's name derives from the Latin arachis — peanut.
Arachidic acid can be formed by the hydrogenation of arachidonic acid.
Arachidic acid is practically insoluble in water, and stable under normal conditions.

Arachidic acid is a surfactant.
Arachidic acid (C20:0) is a minor but functionally useful saturated fatty acid.
Arachidic acid, also known as eicosanoic acid, is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid with the molecular formula C₂₀H₄₀O₂ and the structural formula CH₃(CH₂)₁₈COOH.

Arachidic acid features a 20-carbon aliphatic chain without any double bonds, classifying it as a long-chain fatty acid.
Arachidic acid occurs naturally as a minor constituent in various plant-derived sources, including peanut oil, corn oil, macadamia nuts, cocoa butter, and canola oil, with its name derived from the Latin term for peanut, Arachis hypogaea.

Physically, arachidic acid appears as a white crystalline powder with a melting point of 74–76 °C and a boiling point of approximately 328 °C at standard pressure.
Arachidic acid is practically insoluble in water but readily soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform, diethyl ether, ethanol, and dimethylformamide.
In terms of density, Arachidic acid has a value of about 0.824 g/cm³ at 100 °C, and its flash point is around 110 °C.

Arachidic Acid, also known as eicosanoic acid or n-eicosanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid used in the production of lubricants and detergents.
Arachidic acid-d3 is the deuterium labeled Arachidic acid (HY-W004260).
Arachidic acid (Eicosanoic acid) is a long-chain saturated fatty acid.

Arachidic acid can be found in the human organism from the plasma phospholipid, fish, cannabis and other plant oils.
Arachidic acid conjugated with Chitosan oligosaccharide (HY-112108) can be used for anti-cancer drug delivery research.
Arachidic Acid is a fatty acid.

Arachidic acid, also known as icosanoic acid, is a saturated long-chain fatty acid with a 20-carbon backbone.
Arachidic acid, also known as icosanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with a 20-carbon chain.
Arachidic acid is a minor constituent of cupuaçu butter (7%), perilla oil (0–1%), peanut oil (1.1–1.7%), corn oil (3%), and cocoa butter (1%).

The salts and esters of arachidic acid are known as arachidates.
Arachidic acid's name derives from the Latin arachis—peanut.
Arachidic acid can be formed by the hydrogenation of arachidonic acid.

Reduction of arachidic acid yields arachidyl alcohol.
Arachidic acid is a C20 straight-chain saturated fatty acid which forms a minor constituent of peanut (L. arachis) and corn oils.
Arachidic acid has a role as a plant metabolite.

Arachidic acid is a long-chain fatty acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid.
Arachidic acid is a conjugate acid of an icosanoate.
Arachidic acid has been reported in Calodendrum capense, Amaranthus hybridus, and other organisms with data available.

Arachidic Acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid with a 20-carbon backbone.
Arachidic acid is found naturally as a minor component of peanut oil.
Arachidic acid, also known as icosanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with a 20-carbon chain.

Arachidic acid is a minor constituent of butter, perilla oil, peanut oil, corn oil, and cocoa butter.
Arachidic acid also constitutes 7.08% of the fats from the fruit of the durian species Durio graveolens.
The salts and esters of arachidic acid are known as arachidates.

Arachidic acid's name derives from the Latin arachis that means peanut.
Arachidic acid can be formed by the hydrogenation of arachidonic acid.
The reduction of arachidic acid yields arachidyl alcohol.

Arachidic acid belongs to the class of organic compounds known as long-chain fatty acids.
These are fatty acids with an aliphatic tail that contains between 13 and 21 carbon atoms.
Arachidic acid is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral.

Arachidic acid belongs to the class of organic compounds known as long-chain fatty acids.
These are fatty acids with an aliphatic tail that contains between 13 and 21 carbon atoms.
Arachidic acid, or arachic acid, is a very long-chain saturated fatty acid (VLCSFA).

Arachidic acid, behenic acid, and lignoceric acid, contain aliphatic, long fatty acid chains (the aliphatic tail) of 20, 22, and 24 carbon atoms, respectively.
Arachidic acid is a minor constituent of peanuts, macadamia nuts, cocoa butter, corn oil, canola oil, and peanut oil, with its name deriving from the Latin arachis, meaning peanut.
Although it is used in the production of detergents, photographic materials, and lubricants, a growing body of research suggests arachidic acid has key properties in supporting human health and reducing the risk for a variety of diseases.

Arachidic acid (Icosanoic Acid) is a saturated fatty acid found naturally in fish and vegetable oils (such as those from peanuts).
Arachidic acid can also be formed by the hydrogenation of arachidonic acid.

USES and APPLICATIONS of ARACHIDIC ACID:
Arachidic acid and its salts serve as surfactants and emulsifiers in the production of soaps, detergents, and cosmetics, leveraging their ability to reduce surface tension and stabilize emulsions.
In cosmetic formulations, Arachidic acid functions as a cleansing surfactant, emulsion stabilizer, viscosity-increasing agent, opacifying agent, and anticaking agent, with reported use in products such as mascaras (up to 0.065%), bath soaps and detergents (0.0002%), and body and hand products.

Arachidic acid's surfactant properties arise from the amphiphilic nature of the fatty acid chain, enabling effective dispersion in aqueous and oily phases for cleansing and emulsification.
Due to its high melting point of 75.5°C, arachidic acid contributes to the thermal stability of lubricants and greases, particularly in high-temperature applications.
In lithium-based greases, soaps derived from arachidic acid exhibit dropping points around 360°F and low bleed rates (3-5%), enhancing gel strength and consistency when blended with oils such as Pennsylvania or California types.

This stability makes it suitable for industrial greases requiring resistance to softening under heat.
In the food industry, arachidic acid appears as a minor component in shortenings derived from natural fats like peanut and corn oils, influencing texture and melting behavior without serving as a primary additive.

Arachidic acid is also used in food packaging.
Arachidic acid functions as an excipient in pharmaceutical creams and ointments, acting as a foam adjuvant to improve foam stability, reduce specific gravity, and enhance surfactant foaming capacity in topical formulations.

Arachidic acid is incorporated into body and hand products for emulsification and consistency.
In photographic materials, arachidic acid is employed as an emulsion stabilizer, often in Langmuir-Blodgett films or interlayers to support spectral sensitization and maintain structural integrity during processing.

Arachidic acid's long-chain structure aids in forming stable monolayers that protect silver halide emulsions.
Arachidic acid is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, soaps, cosmetics, and food packaging because of its surfactant-like properties.
Arachidic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a 20 carbon chain.

Diets rich in saturated fats like arachidic acid are associated with increased levels of serum low density lipoproteins.
In food, Arachidic acid appears naturally and helps with texture and stability.
In industry, Arachidic acid appears as a feedstock for lubricants, surfactants and specialty additives.

At normal dietary level, Arachidic acid does not present unique safety concerns — industrial use requires routine protective measures.
When looking into arachidic acid uses in food and industry, it is best to consider both its nutritional presence and its value in chemical processes.
Arachidic acid serves primarily as a reference standard in analytical chemistry, particularly in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for quantifying fatty acids in lipid extracts from cells or biological samples.

Arachidic acid also finds application as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulations due to its surfactant properties.
While not essential for human nutrition, Arachidic acid contributes to the overall fatty acid profile in dietary fats from its natural sources.
Arachidic acid serves as a model substrate in biochemical assays to study enzyme kinetics involved in fatty acid metabolism, particularly in decarboxylation and oxidation pathways.

Diets rich in saturated fats like arachidic acid are associated with increased levels of serum low density lipoproteins.
Arachidic acid is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, soaps, cosmetics, and food packaging because of its surfactant-like properties.
Arachidic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a 20 carbon chain.

Cytochrome P450 peroxygenases, such as OleT, utilize eicosanoic acid (arachidic acid) as a substrate for decarboxylation to form terminal alkenes, with high catalytic efficiency (k_cat/K_m ≈ 1.1 × 10^6 M⁻¹ s⁻¹), highlighting the enzyme's preference for saturated long-chain fatty acids.
These assays, often conducted via stopped-flow spectroscopy, elucidate the dimer-assisted mechanism where the acid's carboxylate interacts with arginine residues in the active site, facilitating proton transfer and compound I formation for C-C bond cleavage.

In broader metabolic contexts, arachidic acid is employed to probe β-oxidation enzymes like acyl-CoA dehydrogenases, providing quantitative data on chain-length specificity in lipid catabolism models.
As a model compound for saturated fatty acids, arachidic acid is integral to studies of membrane behavior, offering a simplified system to examine lipid packing, phase transitions, and dynamics in biomimetic bilayers.

Synchrotron X-ray diffraction analyses of arachidic acid monolayers at the air-water interface reveal a tilted chain conformation with a lattice spacing of 4.9 Å, enabling the investigation of headgroup ionization and pH-dependent ordering that parallels phospholipid behavior in cell membranes.
In bilayer models, arachidic acid forms highly ordered crystalline structures, as evidenced by atomic-scale simulations showing van der Waals interactions stabilizing the all-trans conformation, which influences membrane fluidity and permeability in mixed lipid systems.

Single-molecule probes in arachidic acid-containing monolayers further demonstrate its utility in probing lipid domain formation and cholesterol interactions, with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy indicating diffusion coefficients of 0.1–1 μm²/s relevant to protein-lipid dynamics.
Recent post-2020 studies have explored arachidic acid's potential in biomaterials and drug delivery, leveraging its biocompatibility and gel-forming properties for sustained release systems.

In lipid-based intramuscular injectables, incorporation of 5% arachidic acid into oleogels extends drug release over seven days by modulating viscosity and erosion rates, as demonstrated in pharmacokinetic models for long-acting formulations.
ROS-responsive core-shell microgels with an arachidic acid-olive oil oleogel core enable phase-specific delivery of anti-inflammatory agents, where oxidative triggers degrade the shell for targeted release in inflamed tissues, achieving up to 80% payload liberation within 24 hours under stress conditions.

These advancements underscore arachidic acid's role in enhancing biomaterial stability and controlled pharmacokinetics without eliciting significant immunogenicity.
Uses / Applications of Arachidic acid: Cosmetics: Emollient, thickener, stabilizer.
Lubricants: Arachidic acid improves thermal stability.

Soaps and detergents: Arachidic acid increases hardness and durability Arachidic acid is used surfactants and emulsifiers, Pharmaceutical formulations, Chemical intermediate in organic synthesis.
Arachidic acid is used for the production of detergents, photographic materials and lubricants.

Arachidic acid is used as an organic thin film in the production of liquid crystals for a wide variety of technical applications.
Arachidic acid is used for the production of detergents, photographic materials and lubricants.

-Food applications (practical view) of Arachidic acid:
You will not usually find arachidic acid listed as a standalone food additive.
Instead, Arachidic acid appears as a natural component of certain oils and fats.
That presence alters texture, shelf life and melting characteristics in modest but measurable ways.
For example, chocolate formulations and some spreads benefit from minor amounts of long-chain saturated fatty acids to achieve a firmer bite and predictable tempering behavior.

-Industrial applications of Arachidic acid — where Arachidic acid adds value:
Industrial uses focus on the chemistry of a 20-carbon saturated chain.
Arachidic acid or its derivatives are chosen when longevity, low volatility and a stable fatty backbone are needed.

Typical roles include:
*Raw material for specialty lubricants and greases where a high melting point helps maintain film integrity.
*Precursor to surfactants and emulsifiers with controlled foaming or mildness properties.
*Components in cosmetic formulations as thickeners or emollients that add body without greasiness.
*Additives for polymer blends to improve processing and finished feel in niche applications.

SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH USES of ARACHIDIC ACID:
Arachidic acid is widely employed in monolayer studies, particularly through the formation of Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films, which serve as model systems for investigating interfacial phenomena in nanotechnology and sensor development.

These films, formed by compressing arachidic acid molecules at the air-water interface and transferring them onto solid substrates, exhibit ordered molecular packing that mimics biological membranes and enables precise control over film thickness at the nanoscale.
Researchers have utilized arachidic acid LB films to fabricate sensitive acoustic wave sensors for detecting nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) gas, where the films' viscoelastic properties enhance mass loading sensitivity and response time.

Additionally, these films have been explored in chemical nano-biosensors, leveraging novel phenomena such as phase transitions to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with high selectivity due to Arachidic acid's amphiphilic nature and structural purity.
Nanomechanical investigations of arachidic acid LB monolayers deposited at varying surface pressures (1–35 mN/m) reveal modulus values ranging from 0.5 to 5 GPa, providing insights into film stability for potential applications in flexible electronics and biomimetic coatings.

In crystal growth research, arachidic acid monolayers act as epitaxial templates to direct the formation of inorganic nanocrystals with controlled size and orientation, advancing nanomaterials synthesis.
For instance, cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystals have been grown under arachidic acid monolayers at the air-water interface, resulting in size-quantized particles with diameters of 3–5 nm and hexagonal wurtzite structure, where the monolayer's carboxylic headgroups template the (0001) crystal plane for oriented growth.

This approach yields uniform, two-dimensional arrays of CdS nanocrystals at room temperature, as characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), demonstrating the monolayer's role in restricting nucleation to submonolayer dimensions and preventing aggregation.
Such templating has broader implications for semiconductor nanoparticle production, with arachidic acid's long alkyl chain providing steric stabilization during synthesis.

PROPERTIES — WHAT MAKES ARACHIDIC ACID USEFUL:
Arachidic acid (eicosanoic acid) is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid with 20 carbon atoms.
Its length and saturation give Arachidic acid a relatively high melting point and a waxy solid appearance at room temperature.
Those physical traits matter: a small fraction of C20:0 in a fat blend raises firmness, slows oxidation relative to more unsaturated molecules, and changes melting behavior — which explains Arachidic acid's practical role despite low abundance in many oils.

KEY POINTS ABOUT ARACHIDIC ACID:
Here are some key points about arachidic acid:
*Chemical Structure:
Arachidic acid is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid.
Arachidic acid consists of 20 carbon atoms (C20) in its hydrocarbon chain, hence the name "icosanoic acid."
The chemical formula for arachidic acid is typically written as CH₃(CH₂)₁₈COOH.

*Natural Occurrence:
Arachidic acid is found naturally in various plant oils, although it is present in relatively minor amounts.
Arachidic acid is a minor constituent of oils such as peanut oil, corn oil, and cocoa butter.

*Plant Metabolite:
Arachidic acid is classified as a plant metabolite, indicating that it is a compound produced as part of the metabolic processes in plants.
Arachidic acid is one of the fatty acids present in the lipids of plant tissues.

*Derivation:
The name "arachidic" is derived from the Latin word "arachis," which means peanut.
This is because arachidic acid is found in peanuts.

*Uses:
Arachidic acid has various industrial applications.
Arachidic acid is used in the production of detergents, photographic materials, and lubricants.
Additionally, Arachidic acid can be hydrogenated to form arachidyl alcohol.

*Salts and Esters:
The salts and esters of arachidic acid are known as arachidates.
These compounds may have specific applications in different industries.

*Hydrogenation:
Arachidic acid can be formed by the hydrogenation of another fatty acid called arachidonic acid.
Overall, arachidic acid is a saturated fatty acid that, while present in small amounts in certain natural oils, finds use in various industrial processes and applications.

SOLUBILITY of ARACHIDIC ACID:
Arachidic acid is soluble in chloroform, ether, ethanol, and DMF.
Arachidic acid is insoluble in water.

NOTES of ARACHIDIC ACID:
Keep Arachidic acid container tightly closed.
Store Arachidic acid away from oxidizing agents.

ALTERNATIVE PARENTS of ARACHIDIC ACID:
*Straight chain fatty acids
*Monocarboxylic acids and derivatives
*Carboxylic acids
*Organic oxides
*Hydrocarbon derivatives
*Carbonyl compounds

SUBSTITUENTS of ARACHIDIC ACID:
*Long-chain fatty acid
*Straight chain fatty acid
*Monocarboxylic acid or derivatives
*Carboxylic acid
*Carboxylic acid derivative
*Organic oxygen compound
*Organic oxide
*Hydrocarbon derivative
*Organooxygen compound
*Carbonyl group
*Aliphatic acyclic compound

CHARACTERISTICS of ARACHIDIC ACID:
*Long-chain saturated fatty acid (20 carbons)
*Hydrophobic (water-repelling)
*Lipophilic (fat-soluble)
*Waxy, solid at room temperature
*Low volatility
*High thermal stability

COMMERCIAL EXTRACTION of ARACHIDIC ACID:
Arachidic acid is commercially extracted primarily from natural triglyceride sources such as peanut oil and corn oil, where it constitutes a minor fraction (typically 1-3% in peanut oil and less than 1% in corn oil).
The process begins with hydrolysis of the triglycerides to liberate free fatty acids, including arachidic acid.

Industrially, this is achieved through high-pressure fat splitting, a continuous process where vegetable oils are reacted with water or steam at temperatures around 250-260°C and pressures of 50-60 bar, yielding crude fatty acids and glycerol (sweet water).
This method, known as the Colgate-Emery process, achieves near-complete hydrolysis (over 98%) and is preferred for its efficiency in large-scale production.

Following hydrolysis, the crude fatty acid mixture is purified to isolate arachidic acid.
Fractional distillation under vacuum separates the components based on boiling points, with arachidic acid (boiling point approximately 328°C at reduced pressure) collected in the higher-boiling fractions alongside other long-chain saturated acids like behenic acid.

Alternatively, crystallization techniques, such as cooling the mixed acids in solvents like ethanol or hexane, exploit the higher melting point of arachidic acid (75-76°C) to precipitate it from unsaturated fatty acids.
These methods ensure high recovery from mixed streams, often as a co-product in oleochemical plants processing peanut or corn oils.

Arachidic acid production often occurs as a byproduct during the refining of edible oils, where hydrolysis steps generate free fatty acids that are subsequently isolated during deodorization or degumming.
Global output remains minor compared to shorter-chain saturated fatty acids like palmitic acid, with estimates suggesting arachidic acid accounts for less than 0.5% of total commercial fatty acid production (on the order of thousands of tons annually versus millions for palmitic).

This limited scale reflects Arachidic acid's low natural abundance and niche applications.
Purity standards vary by end-use: food-grade arachidic acid must meet specifications such as greater than 98% purity by gas chromatography, low levels of unsaponifiable matter (<0.5%), and compliance with food additive regulations (e.g., FCC or EU standards), ensuring absence of contaminants like heavy metals or trans fats.

Industrial-grade material typically requires 90-95% purity, suitable for non-food uses like lubricants, with tolerances for impurities up to 5-10% other fatty acids.
These standards are verified through analytical methods like GC-MS to confirm composition and safety.

BENEFITS / IMPORTANCE of ARACHIDIC ACID:
Arachidic acid provides stability in formulations (heat-resistant)
Arachidic acid enhances texture and consistency in cosmetics
Arachidic acid improves lubrication performance
Non-volatile and relatively safe compared to reactive chemicals
Useful in producing long-lasting soaps and creams

NOMENCLATURE AND STRUCTURE of ARACHIDIC ACID:
SYNONYMS AND IDENTIFIERS
Arachidic acid is the common name for this saturated fatty acid, derived from the Latin term arachis, referring to the peanut (Arachis hypogaea), as it was first identified as a component of peanut oil.

The official IUPAC name is icosanoic acid, reflecting Arachidic acids systematic nomenclature as a straight-chain carboxylic acid with 20 carbon atoms.
Key chemical identifiers for arachidic acid include the CAS Registry Number 506-30-9, assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service for unique identification in chemical literature and regulatory contexts.

Arachidic acid's PubChem Compound ID (CID) is 10467, a database entry in the National Center for Biotechnology Information's repository that catalogs its structure and properties.
The molecular formula of Arachidic acid is C20H40O2, denoting a 20-carbon chain with a carboxylic acid group.
The canonical SMILES notation of Arachidic acid is CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)O, representing the linear alkyl chain attached to the carboxyl functional group.

Other synonyms include Arachidic acid (an alternative spelling variant of the IUPAC name, derived from the Greek eikosi for twenty) and arachic acid, a historical abbreviation used in early lipid chemistry literature.
Additional terms such as n-eicosanoic acid emphasize Arachidic acid's unbranched structure, while older naming conventions occasionally referred to it simply as C20:0 fatty acid in biochemical contexts.

MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
Arachidic acid, also known as icosanoic acid, is a long-chain saturated fatty acid featuring a straight-chain alkane backbone composed of 20 carbon atoms with no carbon-carbon double bonds, ensuring its fully saturated nature.
This linear hydrocarbon chain provides structural rigidity typical of saturated fatty acids, distinguishing Arachidic acid from unsaturated variants that contain double bonds.

At one terminus of the chain, arachidic acid bears a carboxylic acid functional group (-COOH), which imparts its acidic properties and enables participation in esterification reactions common to fatty acids.
The general formula for saturated fatty acids, CH3(CH2)nCO2H, applies here with n = 18, yielding the molecular formula C20H40O2.

The molecular architecture consists of an unbranched chain where carbon atoms are numbered sequentially from C1, the carbonyl carbon in the -COOH group, through 18 methylene (-CH₂-) units, to C20, the terminal methyl (-CH₃) group.
This extended, linear arrangement maximizes hydrophobic interactions along the chain, a key feature of long-chain fatty acids.

In comparison to shorter-chain saturated fatty acids like stearic acid (CH3(CH2)16CO2H, C18:0), arachidic acid's additional two methylene groups elongate the chain, enhancing molecular packing efficiency and influencing overall stability in lipid assemblies.

BIOLOGICAL AND METABOLIC ROLE of ARACHIDIC ACID:
In Human Physiology
Arachidic acid, a very-long-chain saturated fatty acid (C20:0), is absorbed in the human small intestine primarily as a component of dietary triglycerides.
Upon ingestion, these triglycerides are hydrolyzed by pancreatic lipases into free fatty acids and 2-monoacylglycerols, which are then incorporated into mixed micelles along with bile salts, phospholipids, and cholesterol to facilitate solubilization and transport across the aqueous mucosal layer.

This micellar form enables passive diffusion and protein-mediated uptake, such as via CD36 and FABP2 transporters, into enterocytes, where arachidic acid is re-esterified into triglycerides for chylomicron assembly and lymphatic transport into the bloodstream.
Dietary sources like peanut oil contribute to its intake, though overall absorption efficiency for long-chain saturated fatty acids approaches 95% under normal conditions.

In human metabolism, arachidic acid can be synthesized endogenously through elongation of shorter saturated fatty acids, such as stearic acid (C18:0), primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum.
This process is catalyzed by elongase enzymes, notably ELOVL1, which performs the rate-limiting condensation step adding a two-carbon unit from malonyl-CoA to the acyl-CoA substrate, followed by reduction, dehydration, and a second reduction.

ELOVL1 preferentially elongates saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids from C18 to C20 and beyond, contributing to the pool of very-long-chain fatty acids, though this pathway is less active compared to dietary sources.
For catabolism, arachidic acid is oxidized via mitochondrial beta-oxidation after activation to arachidoyl-CoA in the cytosol and transport into mitochondria via the carnitine palmitoyltransferase system.

The beta-oxidation spiral involves four enzymatic steps—acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, enoyl-CoA hydratase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and thiolase—repeatedly removing two-carbon units as acetyl-CoA, ultimately generating energy through the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain.
This pathway is essential for utilizing arachidic acid as an energy substrate, particularly during fasting or high-fat diets.

Arachidic acid is incorporated into membrane lipids, including phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, where it acylates the sn-1 position via acyl-CoA:lysophospholipid acyltransferases.
Arachidic acid also esterifies cholesterol to form cholesteryl arachidate, contributing to lipid transport and storage in lipoproteins.
These incorporations maintain membrane fluidity and barrier function, with arachidic acid often enriched in specific cellular compartments like myelin sheaths.

Endogenous levels of arachidic acid in human plasma are trace, typically comprising 0.1–0.5% of total fatty acids (approximately 5–30 μmol/L in total plasma lipids), predominantly derived from dietary intake rather than de novo synthesis.
These low concentrations reflect limited elongation capacity and efficient beta-oxidation, ensuring minimal accumulation under normal physiological conditions.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of ARACHIDIC ACID:
Arachidic acid is a white crystalline solid at room temperature.
Arachidic acid melts at 75.4 °C.
The boiling point of Arachidic acid is 328 °C at standard atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg).

In Arachidic acid's liquid state, the density is 0.824 g/cm³ at 100 °C.
The refractive index of Arachidic acid is 1.425 at 100 °C.

Arachidic acid is insoluble in water (solubility ~0.0003 mg/L at 25 °C) but freely soluble in organic solvents including ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroform, benzene, and petroleum ether.
Infrared spectroscopy reveals characteristic absorption bands for a saturated carboxylic acid, including C-H stretching vibrations at approximately 2920 cm⁻¹ and 2850 cm⁻¹, and a C=O stretching band at around 1710 cm⁻¹.

CHEMICAL REACTIVITY of ARACHIDIC ACID:
Arachidic acid, as a long-chain carboxylic acid, displays the characteristic acidic properties of this functional group, including dissociation in aqueous solutions with a pKa value of 4.78 ± 0.10.
This acidity enables Arachidic acid to participate in proton transfer reactions and act as a weak acid in physiological and chemical environments, similar to other saturated fatty acids.
A primary reactive pathway for arachidic acid involves esterification, where it reacts with alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst to form corresponding esters, such as arachidic acid methyl ester, which serves as a minor component in biodiesel formulations.

Conversely, these esters undergo saponification under basic conditions, hydrolyzing to yield arachidic acid and the alcohol, a process fundamental to soap production from fatty acid derivatives.
Arachidic acid also readily forms salts with metal hydroxides or bases; for instance, sodium arachidate is generated by neutralization, and this salt functions as a surfactant by reducing surface tension in cosmetic and emulsifying applications.

Due to its fully saturated hydrocarbon chain, arachidic acid exhibits high resistance to oxidative degradation, as there are no carbon-carbon double bonds vulnerable to peroxidation or auto-oxidation processes that affect unsaturated fatty acids.
Consequently, hydrogenation is irrelevant for arachidic acid, which is already in its saturated form and can instead be produced via hydrogenation of polyunsaturated precursors like arachidonic acid.

NATURAL OCCURRENCE AND SOURCES of ARACHIDIC ACID:
Biological Sources
Arachidic acid, a long-chain saturated fatty acid, occurs naturally as a minor component in the lipids of various plant sources, particularly in certain seed oils and butters.
Arachidic acid is most prominently found in peanut oil derived from Arachis hypogaea, where it constitutes up to 2-3% of the total fatty acids.

Other primary plant oils containing notable levels include corn oil (typically 0.4-0.6%) and canola oil (typically 0.6-1.0%).
Additional plant sources encompass macadamia nuts, cocoa butter, and cupuaçu butter (Theobroma grandiflorum), where arachidic acid levels range from 1% in cocoa butter to 4-13% in cupuaçu butter, reflecting its role in the structural lipids of these materials.

In general, arachidic acid represents 0.5-3% of the total fatty acids across these oils and butters, serving as a trace but consistent element in their profiles.
Arachidic acid is present in minor amounts in certain animal fats, such as those from ruminants (typically 0.1-0.5%) and poultry (up to 1.1%).

Arachidic acid also appears in the lipids of some anaerobic fungi, including rumen fungi like those in the Neocallimastigomycota phylum, at concentrations that support fungal membrane integrity.
In plant lipid biosynthesis, arachidic acid is synthesized via fatty acid elongation pathways and integrated into glycerolipids, where its saturated chain structure enhances membrane stability by reducing fluidity and protecting against environmental stresses.

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of ARACHIDIC ACID:
Formula: C20H40O2
Molecular weight: 312.5304
IUPAC Standard InChI: InChI=1S/C20H40O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20(21)22/h2-19H2,1H3,(H,21,22) Copy
InChI version 1.06
IUPAC Standard InChIKey: VKOBVWXKNCXXDE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copy
CAS Registry Number: 506-30-9
CAS: 506-30-9
IUPAC Name: icosanoic acid
Molecular Formula: C20H40O2
InChI Key: VKOBVWXKNCXXDE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O
Molecular Weight (g/mol): 312.54
Appearance (Color): White to almost white

Appearance (Form): Crystalline powder or crystals or flakes
Infrared spectrum: Conforms
Melting point: 72°C to 78°C
Titration with TBAH: 97.5 to 102.5 %
GC: >=97.5 %
CAS Index Name: Eicosanoic acid
Molecular formula: C20H40O2
Molecular weight: 312.53
Lipid number: C20:0
Smiles: O=C(O)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Isomeric Smiles: C(CCCCCCCCCCCC)CCCCCCC(O)=O

InChI: InChI=1S/C20H40O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20(21)22/h2-19H2,1H3,(H,21,22)
InChIKey: InChIKey=VKOBVWXKNCXXDE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Chemical Formula: C20H40O2
Average Molecular Weight: 312.5304
Monoisotopic Molecular Weight: 312.302830524
IUPAC Name: icosanoic acid
Traditional Name: arachidic acid
CAS Registry Number: 506-30-9
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O
InChI Identifier: InChI=1S/C20H40O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20(21)22/h2-19H2,1H3,(H,21,22)
InChI Key: VKOBVWXKNCXXDE-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Beilstein Number: 1788211
MDL: MFCD00002755
XlogP3: 8.50 (est)
Molecular Weight: 312.53720000
Formula: C20 H40 O2
Chemical Formula: C₂₀H₄₀O₂
Molecular Weight: 312.53 g/mol
IUPAC Name: Icosanoic acid
CAS Number: 506-30-9
EC Number: 208-031-3
Physical Properties:
Appearance: White, odorless powder

Melting Point: 74–77°C (165.2–170.6°F)
Boiling Point: 328°C (622.4°F) at 760 mmHg
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
Assay: 95.00 to 100.00
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: No
Melting Point: 75.40 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Boiling Point: 328.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Flash Point: 337.00 °F. TCC (169.70 °C.) (est)
logP (o/w): 9.290
Soluble in: water, 0.0002999 mg/L @ 25 °C (est)
Chemical formula: C20H40O2
Molar mass: 312.538 g•mol−1

Appearance: White crystalline solid
Density: 0.8240 g/cm3
Melting point: 75.4 °C (167.7 °F; 348.5 K)
Boiling point: 328 °C (622 °F; 601 K)
Solubility in water: Practically insoluble in water
Linear Formula: CH3(CH2)18COOH
CAS Number: 506-30-9
Molecular Weight: 312.53
Beilstein: 1788211
EC Number: 208-031-3
MDL number: MFCD00002755
UNSPSC Code: 85151701

PubChem Substance ID: 329755866
NACRES: NA.24
Water solubility: 0.044 g/l at 33 °C - slightly soluble
Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water
log Pow: 1.57 at 33 °C - Bioaccumulation is not expected.
Vapor pressure: < 0.001 hPa at 25 °C
Density: 0.535 g/cm3 at 33 °C
Relative density: No data available
Relative vapor density: No data available
Particle characteristics: No data available
Explosive properties: Not classified as explosive.

Oxidizing properties: None
Other safety information:
Dissociation constant: 0 at 33 °C
Molecular Formula / Molecular Weight: C20H40O2 = 312.54
Physical State (20 deg.C): Solid
Storage Temperature: Room Temperature (Recommended in a cool and dark place, <15°C)
CAS RN: 506-30-9
Reaxys Registry Number: 1788211
PubChem Substance ID: 87569329
SDBS (AIST Spectral DB): 1630
Merck Index (14): 764
MDL Number: MFCD00002755

Molecular Weight: 312.5 g/mol
XLogP3: 8.5
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 2
Rotatable Bond Count: 18
Exact Mass: 312.302830514 Da
Monoisotopic Mass: 312.302830514 Da
Topological Polar Surface Area: 37.3 Å²
Heavy Atom Count: 22
Formal Charge: 0
Complexity: 226
Isotope Atom Count: 0

Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes
Physical state: Crystalline, powder
Color: White
Odor: Odorless

Melting point/freezing point: Melting point/range: 74 - 76 °C
Initial boiling point and boiling range: 325 °C at 990 hPa - (ECHA)
Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: No data available
Flash point: 110 °C - closed cup
Autoignition temperature: No data available
Decomposition temperature: No data available
pH: 4.85 at 0.5 g/l at 25 °C
Viscosity:
Viscosity, kinematic: No data available
Viscosity, dynamic: No data available

Chemical formula: C20H40O2
Molar mass: 312.538 g·mol−1
Appearance: White crystalline solid
Density: 0.8240 g/cm3
Melting point: 75.4 °C (167.7 °F; 348.5 K)
Boiling point: 328 °C (622 °F; 601 K)
Solubility in water: Practically insoluble in water
Hazards:
Flash point: 110 °C (230 °F; 383 K)

Molecular Formula / Molecular Weight: C20H40O2 = 312.54
Physical State (20 deg.C): Solid
Storage Temperature: Room Temperature (Recommended in a cool and dark place, <15°C)
Packaging and Container: 1G-Glass Bottle with Plastic Insert (View image)
CAS RN: 506-30-9
Reaxys Registry Number: 1788211
PubChem Substance ID: 87569329
SDBS (AIST Spectral DB): 1630
Merck Index (14): 764

MDL Number: MFCD00002755
Chemical Formula: C20H40O2
Average Molecular Weight: 312.5304
Monoisotopic Molecular Weight: 312.302830524
IUPAC Name: icosanoic acid
Traditional Name: arachidic acid
CAS Registry Number: 506-30-9
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O
InChI Identifier: InChI=1S/C20H40O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20(21)22/h2-19H2,1H3,(H,21,22)
InChI Key: VKOBVWXKNCXXDE-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Linear Formula: CH3(CH2)18COOH
CAS Number: 506-30-9
Molecular Weight: 312.53
UNSPSC Code: 85151701
NACRES: NA.24
PubChem Substance ID: 329755866
EC Number: 208-031-3
Beilstein/REAXYS Number: 1788211
MDL number: MFCD00002755

Chemical name: Arachidic acid
IUPAC name: Eicosanoic acid
Molecular formula: C₂₀H₄₀O₂
Molecular weight: 312.53 g/mol
Chemical class: Saturated long-chain fatty acid (C20:0)
CAS Number: 506-30-9
EC Number (EINECS): 208-031-3
MDL Number: MFCD00002755
Beilstein Number: 1788211
Appearance: White crystalline powder or flakes

Odor: Odorless (typical fatty acid)
Melting point: 74–76 °C
Boiling point: ~328 °C
Density: ~0.82–0.90 g/cm³
Flash point: ~110–170 °C
Solubility in water: Practically insoluble
Solubility in organic solvents: Soluble in chloroform, methanol
Refractive index: ~1.425
Vapor pressure: Very low / negligible
LogP: High (lipophilic, ~9)
Acidity:Weak organic acid (carboxylic acid)
pKa: ~4.78

Reactivity:
Reacts with: Bases → salts (arachidates)
Alcohols → esters
Metals → salts + hydrogen (under conditions)
Stability: Chemically stable under normal conditions
Resistant to oxidation compared to unsaturated fatty acids
Combustibility: Combustible at high temperatures
Produces CO₂ and CO when burned
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)O
InChIKey: VKOBVWXKNCXXDE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Structure: Long hydrocarbon chain with terminal carboxyl group
Functional group: Carboxylic acid

FIRST AID MEASURES of ARACHIDIC ACID:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of ARACHIDIC ACID:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of ARACHIDIC ACID:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of ARACHIDIC ACID:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

HANDLING and STORAGE of ARACHIDIC ACID:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of ARACHIDIC ACID:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature) .
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available