Overview
Alpha-linolenic acid (CAS 463-40-1 ), commercially known as ALA, is an essential omega-3 fatty acid sourced primarily from flaxseed, chia, and other plant-based oils.
As a bioactive lipid ingredient, it functions as a nutritional supplement component, skin-conditioning agent, and emulsifier across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care manufacturing.
In functional food and dietary supplement production, ALA is incorporated into fortified oils, capsules, and nutritional blends to deliver plant-sourced omega-3 content to finished products.
Personal care formulators use it in facial oils, moisturizers, and hair treatments, where its skin-barrier-supporting properties justify premium positioning in naturals-oriented product lines.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers incorporate ALA into softgel and lipid-based drug delivery systems requiring a defined fatty acid profile for specialized therapeutic applications.
In specialty emulsion formulations, it contributes to dispersion stability in products where polyunsaturated fatty acid composition is a labeled or regulated specification.
Alpha-linolenic acid is supplied as a liquid oil, typically in bulk drums or intermediate bulk containers, and as standardized flaxseed oil fractions with defined ALA content.
Food-grade and USP -grade specifications are available to meet regulatory requirements across nutrition and pharmaceutical applications. Technical-grade material is also offered.
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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
Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P333+P317 Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29161500 |
| UN Number | 1170 |
| Packing Group | II |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 463-40-1
- EC Number
- 207-334-8
- Mol. Weight
- 278.4
- HS Code
- 29161500
- Category
- Flavors & Fragrances