Overview
Arachidonic acid (CAS 506-32-1 ), commonly abbreviated as ARA, is a long-chain polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid sourced primarily from animal and fungal lipid fractions.
It functions as a bioactive lipid ingredient in nutritional, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations where specific fatty acid composition is a formulation requirement.
In infant formula, ARA is added alongside DHA to meet regulatory standards for essential fatty acid content in early-life nutrition products for global distribution.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a reference standard and active ingredient in prostaglandin and eicosanoid research, as well as in lipid-based drug delivery systems.
Sports nutrition and dietary supplement producers incorporate ARA to support muscle protein synthesis pathways in performance-focused products and specialized health supplements.
In cosmetic formulations, it is used in skin barrier repair creams and serums where targeted fatty acid delivery to the stratum corneum is required for efficacy.
Arachidonic acid is supplied as a liquid oil or in encapsulated powder form, with encapsulation commonly used to improve oxidative stability for food and supplement applications.
It is available in food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade specifications, with purity levels typically ranging from 40% to >98% depending on the intended use and industry.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -49.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 170 °C |
| Density | 0.9247 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | liquid |
| Color | colorless to light yellow |
| Form | oil |
| Water Solubility | PRACTICALLY INSOLUBLE |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.4872(lit.) |
| Log P | 6.99 |
Safety & Handling
Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H302 Harmful if swallowed H312 Harmful in contact with skin H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H332 Harmful if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29161900 |
| UN Number | 1170 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 10 - Combustible liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 506-32-1
- EC Number
- 208-033-4
- Mol. Weight
- 304.5
- HS Code
- 29161900
- Category
- Surfactants