Arachidonic Acid (CAS 506-32-1) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid serving as a critical lipid ingredient in infant formula production and pharmaceutical synthesis. Chemically identified as 5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraenoic acid or ARA, this viscous liquid functions as a fundamental structural component of cell membranes and a precursor for eicosanoid biosynthesis. As a high-purity Icosatetraenoic acid source, it is integrated into nutritional lipid emulsions and dietary supplement formulations to replicate essential biological profiles. We ensure bulk supply capabilities for this material, providing access to competitive factory pricing and customized specifications to meet specific oil or powder form requirements. Full technical documentation, including MSDS, TDS, COA, is available to support compliance and safety protocols.
Arachidonic Acid CAS 506-32-1
- CAS: 506-32-1
- Synonyms: Arachidonic Acid (ARA) / Eicosatetraenoic Acid
- Einecs: 208-033-4
- Molecular Formula: C20H32O2
- Grade: Food Grade / Infant Grade / Feed Grade
- Package: Oil: 20kg Aluminum Drum / 190kg Steel Drum (Nitrogen filled) Powder: 1kg/5kg Aluminum Foil Bag / 25kg Fiber Drum
Product Description
Arachidonic Acid (ARA) is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) belonging to the Omega-6 family. It is a key structural component of human cell membranes and is particularly abundant in the brain and retina.
Our ARA is extracted using advanced physical separation techniques without the use of harmful organic solvents. It is crucial for early physiological development, particularly in infants, supporting brain growth, visual acuity, and immune system function. For adults, it serves as an important precursor to eicosanoids, playing a vital role in metabolic regulation. The product features low odor, low peroxide value, and high stability.
Physicochemical Properties
The following specifications represent our standard ARA Oil (40% Purity) and ARA Powder (10%/20% Purity).
| Parameter | Specification (ARA Oil 40%) | Specification (ARA Powder 10%/20%) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow clear oily liquid | White to light yellow free-flowing powder |
| Odor & Taste | Characteristic, mild, no rancid odor | Mild, characteristic |
| ARA Content (C20:4) | ≥ 40.0% | ≥ 10.0% / ≥ 20.0% |
| Peroxide Value | ≤ 5.0 meq/kg | ≤ 5.0 meq/kg |
| Acid Value | ≤ 1.0 mg KOH/g | N/A |
| Moisture / Loss on Drying | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 5.0% |
| Trans Fatty Acids | ≤ 1.0% | ≤ 1.0% |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; Soluble in organic solvents | Soluble / Dispersible in water |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 0.1 ppm | ≤ 0.1 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 0.1 ppm | ≤ 0.1 ppm |
Applications
- Infant Formula:
- Added to infant milk powder and baby food to match the fatty acid profile of breast milk.
- Supports neurodevelopment and retinal formation in newborns and toddlers.
- Dietary Supplements:
- Softgel capsules (Oil) or Tablets/Powder mixes for cognitive support and sports nutrition (muscle growth support).
- Functional Foods & Beverages:
- Used in dairy products, liquid milk, and yogurts (Powder form recommended for water-solubility).
- Animal Nutrition:
- Essential additive for pet food (especially for cats, as they cannot synthesize ARA) to ensure healthy skin and coat.
Storage Conditions
- Temperature:
- Oil: Store under 0°C to 10°C (Refrigeration recommended).
- Powder: Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature (below 25°C).
- Atmosphere: The product is sensitive to oxidation. Packaging should be nitrogen-flushed and kept tightly sealed.
- Light: Protect from direct sunlight and strong artificial light.
- Shelf Life:
- Oil: 12 months (unopened, under nitrogen).
- Powder: 24 months (unopened).
Safety Precautions
- Handling: ARA is a food ingredient and is generally safe. However, standard hygiene practices should be followed.
- Oxidation: Avoid prolonged exposure to air. Once opened, use immediately or reseal with nitrogen flushing to prevent rancidity (oxidative degradation).
- Allergens:
- Powder: May contain carriers like Sodium Caseinate (Milk) or Starch. Check specific allergen statement per batch.
- Oil: Generally free from allergens but derived from fermentation.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is Arachidonic Acid CAS 506-32-1?
A: Arachidonic Acid CAS 506-32-1, also called ARA or eicosatetraenoic acid, is an all-cis omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid with the formula C20H32O2. It is supplied as a high-purity ARA oil or microencapsulated powder for infant nutrition, functional foods, supplements and animal feed. -
Q:
What ARA oil and powder grades are available?
A: The standard oil grade is standardized to at least 40% arachidonic acid and appears as a light yellow to yellow clear liquid. The powder grades are standardized to 10% or 20% ARA and are white to light yellow free-flowing powders for dry-blend and water-dispersible applications. -
Q:
Why is Arachidonic Acid added to infant formula?
A: ARA helps match the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid profile of breast milk. It supports brain and visual development and contributes to immune function in infants, so it is commonly formulated together with DHA in infant formula and baby food. -
Q:
What specifications help keep Arachidonic Acid stable?
A: The oil and powder grades control peroxide value at no more than 5.0 meq/kg, and the oil grade limits acid value to no more than 1.0 mg KOH/g. Low trans fatty acids, mild odor and the absence of rancid odor help protect this omega-6 fatty acid from oxidative degradation. -
Q:
How should Arachidonic Acid oil and powder be stored?
A: Keep ARA oil refrigerated at 0-10 C in nitrogen-flushed, tightly sealed packaging, and store the powder below 25 C in a cool, dry place. Both forms should be protected from direct sunlight, strong light and prolonged exposure to air. -
Q:
What is the difference in solubility between ARA oil and powder?
A: ARA oil is practically insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents. ARA powder is water-soluble or dispersible and forms an emulsion, which makes it more convenient for liquid milk, yogurt and other water-based nutritional products. -
Q:
Is Arachidonic Acid suitable for pet food?
A: Yes. Arachidonic Acid is especially important for cats because cats cannot synthesize sufficient ARA on their own. It is used in pet food and animal nutrition to support healthy skin, coat and normal metabolic function. -
Q:
Is Arachidonic Acid the same as DHA?
A: No. Arachidonic Acid is an omega-6 fatty acid, while DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid. Both are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important for infant development, but they have different chemical structures and physiological roles.
Ordering & Documentation
Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.
Documents
COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.
Quotation
Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.
Sample & Supply
Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.
Storage & Shipping
Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.
