Arachidic acid, with the CAS number 506-30-9, is a saturated long-chain fatty acid, also known as Eicosanoic acid. Its molecular formula is C₂₀H₄₀O₂, and its molecular weight is 312.53 g/mol. As a naturally occurring fatty acid, it is mainly found in plant oils (such as peanut oil, palm oil, and coconut oil) and animal fats, featuring good stability, low reactivity, and unique physical and chemical properties, making it widely used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial fields.
Physically, Arachidic acid appears as a white to off-white waxy solid or crystalline powder. It has a melting point of approximately 75-77℃ and a boiling point of 328℃ (at 760 mmHg). It is insoluble in water but soluble in common organic solvents such as ethanol, free organic solvents, and vegetable oils. It is odorless and tasteless, with good thermal stability under normal temperature and pressure, and remains stable when stored in a dry environment, facilitating easy handling and storage.
Chemically, it is a saturated fatty acid with a linear carbon chain and a carboxyl group at one end, which is the key functional group determining its chemical properties. It is relatively stable and not easy to oxidize compared to unsaturated fatty acids, and can undergo esterification, saponification, and other reactions with alcohols, bases, and other substances. Its saturated structure ensures good compatibility with other lipids, making it an ideal raw material for preparing esters and surfactants.
Its core applications cover multiple fields. In the food industry, it is used as a food additive, serving as a lubricant, emulsifier, and stabilizer to improve the texture and shelf life of food products such as chocolates, baked goods, and dairy products. In the cosmetic industry, it is added to skin care products and cosmetics as a moisturizer and emollient, helping to lock in skin moisture and improve skin smoothness.
In the pharmaceutical industry, it acts as an intermediate for synthesizing drugs, especially lipid-based pharmaceuticals and drug carriers, and is also used in the preparation of medical ointments and creams. In industrial fields, it is used to produce surfactants, lubricants, candles, and plasticizers. Safety-wise, it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), non-toxic and non-irritating under normal handling. It should be stored in a sealed, cool, dry, and dark environment, away from oxidants and high temperatures, to prevent melting and degradation. With its versatile applications and excellent stability, it is an important raw material in multiple industries.
english
français
Deutsch
Italiano
Русский
Español
português
Nederlandse
ελληνικά
日本語
한국
polski
فارسی
বাংলা
ไทย
tiếng Việt
العربية
हिन्दी
Türkçe
indonesia
