Chemical Properties
Arachidic acid is also known as eicosanoic acid or Icosanoic acid, formula CH3(CH2)18COOH. A widely distributed, but minor, component of the fats of certain edible vegetable oils. Shining, white crystalline leaflets; soluble in ether, slightly soluble in water. Decomposes at 328 C. Commercial product derived from groundnut (peanut) oil. Used in organic synthesis, lubricating greases, waxes, and plastics. Source of arachidyl alcohol.
Occurrence
Arachidic acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid and a minor constituent of peanut oil, coconut oil and corn oil.
Uses
Arachidic acid is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, soaps, cosmetics, and food packaging because of its surfactant-like properties. Arachidic acid was also used for the dispersion of the monolayer. By addition of an appropriate amount of arachidic acid to a solution of [Eu(tta)3(phen)] in chloroform, stable monolayers consisting of [Eu(tta)3(phen)] and arachidic acid were obtained, and the [Eu(tta)3(phen)] were found to be dispersed homogeneously in the monolayer.
Definition
ChEBI: Icosanoic acid is a C20 striaght-chain saturated fatty acid which forms a minor constituent of peanut (L. arachis) and corn oils. Used as an organic thin film in the production of liquid crystals for a wide variety of technical applications. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a long-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of an icosanoate.
Preparation
Eicosanoic acid is produced by catalytic hydrogenation of arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is obtained from food or by desaturation and chain elongation of the plant-rich essential fatty acid, linoleic acid.
Reactions
It has the properties of fatty acids, can react with NaHCO3 to form salts, and with alcohols to form esters and so on.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Biochem/physiol Actions
Arachidic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a 20 carbon chain. Arachidic acid occurs naturally in fish and vegetable oils. Diets rich in saturated fats like arachidic acid are associated with increased levels of serum low density lipoproteins.
Purification Methods
Crystallise the C20 acid pKEst ~ from absolute EtOH. [Beilstein 2 IV 1276.]
