Alpha-linolenic acid
CAS 463-40-1
EC 207-334-8
Formula C18H30O2
MW 278.43 g/mol
Oils, Fats & Waxes Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & NutritionPharmaceuticals & Healthcare Emulsification & DispersionHumectant & MoisturizingFlavoring & AcidulantpH Regulation & Buffering
Description
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, α-LA, C18:3 n-3) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid occurring naturally in flaxseed, chia, and hemp oils. It carries no assigned E-code and is identified under CAS 463-40-1 and EC 207-334-8. It is also referenced in formulation contexts as ALPHA-LNN or linolenic acid.
In food and nutrition, ALA functions as a flavorant and nutritional lipid, contributing characteristic notes to cold-pressed plant oils while serving as a dietary precursor to EPA and DHA. In personal care formulations, its polyunsaturated structure allows rapid skin absorption, where it acts as an emollient and skin conditioner by reinforcing the lipid barrier and reducing transepidermal water loss.
Alpha-linolenic acid is available in food-grade and cosmetic-grade forms, with quality benchmarks referenced against FCC and Ph.Eur. monographs for fatty acid purity. The substance is registered under REACH and classified under HS code 29161500. Packaging typically follows standard liquid chemical formats subject to supplier specification.
In food and nutrition, ALA functions as a flavorant and nutritional lipid, contributing characteristic notes to cold-pressed plant oils while serving as a dietary precursor to EPA and DHA. In personal care formulations, its polyunsaturated structure allows rapid skin absorption, where it acts as an emollient and skin conditioner by reinforcing the lipid barrier and reducing transepidermal water loss.
Alpha-linolenic acid is available in food-grade and cosmetic-grade forms, with quality benchmarks referenced against FCC and Ph.Eur. monographs for fatty acid purity. The substance is registered under REACH and classified under HS code 29161500. Packaging typically follows standard liquid chemical formats subject to supplier specification.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -16.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 147-149 °C @ Press: 0.16 Torr |
| Density | 0.887 g/cm³ (liquid) @ Temp: 15 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | clear light yellow to yellow liquid |
| Color | Clear colorless to light yellow |
| Odor | faint fatty |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | INSOLUBLE |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.480(lit.) |
| Log P | 6.52 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Warning GHS07
H
H317
P
P261P272P280P321P501P302+P352P333+P317P362+P364
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29161500 |
| UN Number | 1170 |
| Packing Group | II |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
Α-Linolenic AcidLinolenic Acid(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acidα-LAC18:3(n-3)ALAALPHA-LNN
Related Products
Raw Materials
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