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Arachidonic acid serves as a vital polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid present in the phospholipids of cell membranes. Its molecular formula, C20H32O2, and its structure—twenty carbon atoms and four cis-double bonds—define its chemical identity. Most people recognize it from its key role in the body’s inflammatory response as a precursor to prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This acid often comes from animal-based sources, such as meat, eggs, and some fish, but it can be extracted and purified to suit production environments in research or food manufacturing.
In its pure form, arachidonic acid appears as an off-white to pale-yellow solid at room temperature, with a melting point close to 49.5°C and a boiling point around 169-170°C under a reduced pressure. The substance can be found in various forms—powder, flakes, pearls, crystals, or as a viscous liquid, depending on temperature and storage. Density measures around 0.94 g/cm³. The acid dissolves in organic solvents like ethanol and chloroform but resists mixing with water. This physical resistance points to its hydrophobic fatty acid nature, relevant for those considering formulation or blending.
Chemical structure influences its high reactivity and biological function. With a backbone of twenty carbons and four double bonds at the 5, 8, 11, and 14 positions, the acid bends and twists more than saturated fatty acids. This structure enables arachidonic acid to act as a flexible substrate for enzymes involved in inflammation and cell signaling. Its molar mass clocks in at 304.47 g/mol. Those handling the chemical need awareness that its reactive nature can lead to degradation if exposed to oxygen or strong light, so strict storage conditions—dark, cool, inert atmosphere—ensure its quality over time.
Refined arachidonic acid usually matches strict purity and specification standards, given the sensitivity of its final uses. As a raw material, it finds application in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, food fortification, and research-grade biochemistry. Industrial buyers should check for data including assay (often 98%+ by GC), minimal free acid, low peroxide value, low heavy metals, and the absence of harmful solvents. Manufacturers optimize extraction from fungal or algal sources apart from traditional animal tissue, raising sustainability options. Spec sheets often highlight appearance, solubility, specific gravity, and trace impurities, prerequisites for any responsible, GMP-compliant operation.
For customs and trade, the Harmonized System (HS) code typically falls under 2916.19, part of the “Unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids” grouping. Accurate HS code use ensures smooth import and export, avoids legal headaches, and supports transparency. Knowledge of region-specific registration, such as REACH in the EU or TSCA in the US, protects stakeholders and opens markets. This attention to regulatory frameworks isn’t just paperwork—it’s a practical step that shields both sellers and buyers from disruptions that can destroy years of development or supply chain reliability.
Handling comes with basic but necessary safety requirements. This material, like other long-chain fatty acids, can irritate skin and eyes if direct contact occurs, so gloves, goggles, and lab coats make sense in the workspace. Inhalation of dust or respiration of concentrated fumes poses risks, though this happens rarely under normal laboratory handling conditions. No evidence ties arachidonic acid itself to profound acute toxicity in typical industrial usage, but awareness of spill clean-up, incompatibilities with strong oxidizers, and proper labeling remain crucial practices. Storing the acid in sealed, opaque, inert-gas-purged containers prevents rapid degradation, loss of potency, and formation of irritating, sometimes harmful, decomposition byproducts.
Sourcing sustainable, consistent arachidonic acid creates opportunities for plant-based fermentation technologies to replace animal extraction, answering ethical and supply constraints. Investment in robust testing procedures for identifying oxidation products, impurities, and ensuring traceability from batch to batch will tighten trust and product quality. Developing worker training programs increases safety and minimizes accidental contamination or hazardous exposure incidents. Storage and transport standards that maintain cool temperatures, block out light, and reduce oxygen infiltration further preserve quality and cut long-term costs associated with spoilage or loss.
Every time this fatty acid enters supply chains, whether for pharmaceutical capsules, infant formula, or study reagents, quality and safety make the difference between success and setback. Decisions that weigh molecular weight, purity, hazardous handling, or HS code implications keep business moving and science credible. By knowing these nuts-and-bolts aspects, teams in formulation, procurement, logistics, and compliance all support a common goal—getting the right material to the right hands, safely, and with as little headache as possible. The more attention paid to properties, handling, and sourcing, the more confidently organizations can deliver on their mission, whether that’s feeding people, healing the sick, or uncovering the next discovery in human biology.
West Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China
