Arachidic acid
What is Arachidic acid?
Arachidic acid (CAS 506-30-9), also known as eicosanoic acid, is a saturated C20 fatty acid derived primarily from peanut oil, fish oil, and other natural fats.
Where is Arachidic acid used?
- Food: stabilizer and antioxidant component in fat-based systems
- Personal care: texture and consistency adjuster in creams, lotions, and lip products, contributing to a smooth, stable emulsion structure
- Lubricants and metalworking: boundary lubricant and surface modifier that improves film adhesion on metal substrates
- Surfactant production: fatty acid feedstock for soaps, esters, and amide-based emulsifiers
- It functions as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and surface-active agent in industrial formulations.
Good to know: Oxidative stability and shelf life are procurement priorities in fat-based systems.
Commercial specifications
- Technical grade for industrial applications; higher-purity grades for cosmetic and food-contact formulations
- GC purity typically 90% to 99%+ depending on end-use requirements
Other Names (Synonyms)
n-eicosanoic acid|eicosoic acid|CH3-[CH2]18-COOH|C20:0|arachidinic acid|Arachic acid|Icosanoic acid|EICOSANOIC ACID