Icosapent ethyl

Icosanoic acid, also known as Arachidic acid, is a saturated fatty acid used in the creation of detergents, plasticizers, and synthetic lubricants. It is naturally found in peanut oil and corn oil, among other sources.

Chemical Structure

Icosanoic acid is a carboxylic acid with the chemical formula C20H40O2. It consists of a chain of 20 carbon atoms, with a carboxyl group (COOH) at one end. The rest of the molecule is made up of hydrogen atoms. This structure is typical of saturated fatty acids, which contain no double bonds between carbon atoms.

Properties

Icosanoic acid is a white, waxy solid at room temperature. It is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform, but not in water. It has a melting point of 75.5 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 360 degrees Celsius.

Uses

Icosanoic acid is used in the production of detergents, plasticizers, and synthetic lubricants. It is also used in the manufacture of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In addition, it is used as a laboratory reagent in various chemical reactions.

Health Effects

Exposure to icosanoic acid can cause skin irritation and eye irritation. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. However, it is generally considered to be of low toxicity.

See Also

• Fatty acid
• Saturated fat
• Carboxylic acid
• Chemical formula
• Carbon
• Hydrogen
• Double bond
• Organic solvent
• Ethanol
• Chloroform
• Water
• Melting point
• Boiling point
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Laboratory reagent
• Skin irritation
• Eye irritation
• Gastrointestinal