Arachidic Acid, also known as Eicosanoic Acid, is a long-chain saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C20H40O2 and a molecular weight of 312.53. It is a white, glistening powder or flake with a melting point ranging from 74-76°C and a boiling point of 328°C.This acid is practically insoluble in water but is soluble in chloroform, with a reported solubility of 50 mg/mL in chloroform.
Arachidic Acid is found in various natural sources, including peanut butter and certain anaerobic fungi. It is known to inhibit rabbit neutrophil aggregation induced by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) at a concentration of 5 μM.The acid is also used in the formulation of surfactants for soaps and cosmetics due to its properties.
This fatty acid is used in the production of detergents, photographic materials, and lubricants。 It is also used as a component in the manufacture of laundry powders, photographic materials, and lubricating oils. Arachidic Acid is derived from natural oils, with peanut oil containing 2.4% of Arachidic Acid. It is extracted from peanut oil hydrolysis or from the fatty acid mixture obtained by oxidizing paraffin.
In terms of safety, Arachidic Acid is classified with danger category codes 36/37/38-20/21/22 and has safety instructions 24/25-36-26.It is important to handle this substance with care, avoiding contact with strong oxidizing agents and maintaining proper storage conditions.