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Eicosanoic acid methyl ester, sometimes better known among chemists as methyl arachidate, traces a lineage through both natural oils and the toolkit of organic chemists. This compound arises from eicosanoic acid, a 20-carbon saturated fatty acid originally identified in peanut oil and other plant-based fats back in the late 19th century. Researchers started isolating and modifying these long-chain acids in earnest once analytical chemistry picked up steam in the early 20th century, using everything from cold pressing to steam distillation. As lipid science blossomed, methyl esters slid naturally into the picture, offering both stability and a neat avenue for further reactions. By the post-war era, they found their way into nutrition research, polymer studies, and synthetic routes for specialty chemicals. From then, the journey only gained momentum.
Anyone handling eicosanoic acid methyl ester in the lab quickly notices its waxy consistency at room temperature—something you expect from a molecule with so many carbons strung together. Its colorless or near-colorless appearance makes it pretty unassuming. It doesn’t dissolve easily in water but mixes well in solvents like chloroform, hexane, and other nonpolars, fitting right in with its fatty acid relatives. Chemically, that ester group makes things interesting, giving it a handle for reactions while sliding down the volatility scale just enough for practical separation. Like many saturated esters, it withstands gentle heating and doesn’t release much odor—something researchers in cramped spaces certainly appreciate.
Chemistry doesn’t treat all batches equally, and with eicosanoic acid methyl ester, purity counts for plenty. High-quality material pushes above 98% purity, usually checked by gas chromatography where even small impurities pop up. Labels might call this “methyl eicosanoate” or “methyl arachidate,” but the story underneath stays the same: a chain of twenty carbons capped with a methyl ester group. Regulatory snapshots often include basic hazard warnings, mainly because cold fatty esters can cause slips or mild irritations. Its CAS number pops up in most registries, making tracking easier for compliance or custom blend requests.
Making eicosanoic acid methyl ester starts with a steady supply of eicosanoic acid. For those not living next to an industrial peanut farm, commercial sources abound. The classic approach uses acid-catalyzed esterification—usually adding methanol with a touch of sulfuric acid as a catalyst under reflux until the reaction reaches completion. Once cooled, the product separates from the mix of water and leftovers through partitioning and distillation. Some labs lean on base-catalyzed transesterification, especially for efficiency or when larger volumes need quick turnover. In either setup, small tweaks—solvent switches, drying steps, or repeated distillations—can lift purity without much fuss.
While eicosanoic acid methyl ester proves stable, it also opens up a menu of transformations. The ester group can come off through hydrolysis, bringing back the acid for further work. Hydrogenation, interestingly, offers little in terms of change since the chain comes saturated from the start—but the functional group plays a key role in chemical tagging or labeling, especially in lipidomics or tracking studies. For those in the polymer world, chain modifications spark new avenues, building block copolymers or surfactants. Some researchers even flip the methyl ester into more exotic esters or amides, chasing after specialized properties or bioactivity. The compound’s hearty hydrocarbon backbone rarely poses challenges in controlled settings.
As with many legacy chemicals, eicosanoic acid methyl ester travels under multiple aliases. Methyl arachidate features in older papers. Methyl icosanoate appears in catalogs nowadays. Some suppliers reference FAMEs—Fatty Acid Methyl Esters—where this compound joins a larger mixture, especially in biofuel or profiling applications. No matter the label, traceability stays vital, especially as similar-sounding compounds can differ wildly in physical or toxicological profile. Double-checking synonyms in literature hunts prevents wasted time and missed citations, something every chemist or regulatory officer begrudgingly learns from experience.
Having spent time in both academic and industrial labs, I’ve seen that discipline with fatty acid methyl esters mostly comes down to basic chemical hygiene. Gloves protect against skin contact, not because the ester is acutely toxic but because chronic exposure or careless handling can invite skin irritation. Splashes near eyes or prolonged inhalation of vapors during distillation always call for extra care—fume hoods and face shields remove much of the guesswork. Product data from major suppliers highlight minimal flammability and low acute toxicity, yet regulations push for storage away from heat sources and oxidizers. Good chemical practices—tight labeling, spill kits nearby, and clear documentation—keep minor mishaps from spiraling into headaches nobody wants.
Eicosanoic acid methyl ester finds work in more corners than many realize. Analytical chemistry operations tap this compound for fatty acid profiling, especially in food and feed science. Its methyl group gives a sharp, reproducible signal in gas chromatography, letting analysts sort out dozens of similar compounds in a single run. Biochemists poke at it for nutritional modeling, while industrial researchers eye it as a low-toxicity solvent or a stepping stone to specialty plastics. In the biofuel sphere, long-chain methyl esters get blended for diesel improvement studies. Even artists working with certain paints or restoration chemicals run into it, though usually in blends optimized for drying or other film-forming properties. Years of practical work show that versatility soaks up as much attention as pure performance.
There’s always another layer to peel back with common molecules. Recent research digs into finer points—biodegradation profiles, metabolic fates in animal systems, or efficiencies in transesterification for greener chemical routes. New spectroscopy tools crack open questions about minor impurities, while teams hunt for faster, lower-energy synthesis steps. Cross-disciplinary projects merge eicosanoic acid methyl ester into controlled drug-release research or designer surfactant development, bringing together physicists, chemists, and engineers. Open datasets, along with AI-driven prediction of reactivity, feed into the next wave of modification strategies, showing how old compounds never fully settle down into one job.
Public data shows eicosanoic acid methyl ester carries low acute toxicity in mammals. The saturated chain, by itself, passes through digestive systems much like its parent fatty acid. Long-term studies in animals don’t flag serious red flags, yet ongoing work checks for environmental footprint—especially as interest in bio-based materials rises. Few chemicals escape all scrutiny, and as regulations for food contact and biocompatibility tighten, careful monitoring remains important. Safe disposal practices and routine exposure checks, especially in facilities that process or modify large quantities, help prevent unwanted surprises. Science always asks more questions, and established compounds like this one often return for new rounds of testing as methods evolve.
The road ahead for eicosanoic acid methyl ester looks more dynamic now than ever, driven by changing environmental standards and demand for plant-based chemicals. Green chemistry seeks routes that slash waste and avoid harsh reagents, and this methyl ester’s straightforward synthesis fits neatly into those ambitions. With biofuel research pushing toward long-chain renewable molecules, eicosanoic derivatives become part of conversations about future fuels or lubricants. In pharmaceuticals, the appetite for tracers and custom lipophilic molecules keeps demand steady, sometimes with tweaks to the ester group for specialized delivery systems. Research into sustainable agriculture links back to plant-derived fats, looping eicosanoic acid’s byproducts into value-added cycles that shrink resource footprints. Looking forward, this is a compound that proves a familiar ingredient can always find new relevance, shaped by both tradition and a steady eye on tomorrow’s challenges.
Eicosanoic acid methyl ester finds its identity among the family of fatty acid methyl esters. Chemically, it’s a derivative of arachidic acid, a 20-carbon saturated fatty acid. At first glance, this name probably sounds like something only a chemist would care about, but products like this travel far from their original beaker.
The role of eicosanoic acid methyl ester often shows up in places where most people don’t look—under the surface, playing a silent role in making things around us work a bit better. Take biodiesel, for example. A significant push in recent years is getting away from petroleum and finding options that burn cleaner. Biodiesel producers turn to fatty acid methyl esters for their renewable content, and eicosanoic acid methyl ester stands among these. Its molecular structure provides oxidation stability, which keeps the fuel fresher and reduces gum formation in engines. Cleaner fuel means engines last longer and run smoother, which impacts everything from city buses to farm tractors.
On another front, laboratories and chemical suppliers use this compound as a reference standard during chromatographic analysis, especially in lipid research. Researchers rely on specific methyl esters to identify and quantify fatty acids in oils and tissues. This process turns abstract nutritional data into real information about the food people eat or the medicines they take. Knowing which fats go into baby formula or therapeutic nutrition helps companies deliver safer products.
Formulators in specialty coatings and lubricants also pay attention to eicosanoic acid methyl ester. Saturated esters can improve slip and spread in certain lubricants. My own experience working with manufacturing teams showed that products with the right ester base could minimize friction better than generic mineral oils, especially in high-tech electrical contacts or gearboxes. Engineers see less wear on metal surfaces, and factories spend less on breakdown repairs.
Cosmetic companies search for emollients that don’t evaporate off skin too quickly. Here’s where the longer carbon chain makes a difference: methyl esters with high molecular weight tend to soften skin or hair for longer periods. These technical decisions on ingredients matter for people who deal with eczema or dry skin. Better information on ingredient performance helps companies develop safer, more effective products that support good skin health—an area where regulatory oversight and consumer safety walk hand in hand.
Supply of eicosanoic acid methyl ester relies on both plant and sometimes animal fats, which raises questions about sourcing and environmental impact. Crops like canola or rapeseed need space, water, and fertilizer—often in competition with food production. Sustainable practices, such as working with farmers who rotate crops or use reduced tillage, help address that issue. Producers who certify traceable, low-impact feedstocks are more likely to win over environmentally conscious buyers, and transparent reporting builds trust with regulators and the public.
Safety also matters. Pure methyl esters present low acute toxicity, but anybody who’s blended large quantities understands the need for proper ventilation and skin protection. Transparent guidelines from regulatory bodies, regular safety audits, and worker training protect people along the supply chain—upstream and downstream alike.
Eicosanoic acid methyl ester doesn’t grab headlines, but it keeps progress moving—whether in cleaner fuel, advanced lubricants, or dependable nutrition analysis. Companies willing to invest in better sourcing and clear communication will keep its benefits flowing while answering the big questions about sustainability and consumer safety.
Eicosanoic acid methyl ester often pops up in discussions about fats, biofuel development, and even research into health properties of long-chain fatty acids. Its formula, C21H42O2, may look simple on the surface, but this compound plays a significant role in both the industrial and scientific worlds.
Let’s break that formula down. The compound contains 21 carbon atoms, 42 hydrogens, and 2 oxygens. Chemically speaking, methyl esters form by reacting a fatty acid with methanol. For eicosanoic acid methyl ester, that means adding a methanol-derived methyl group to eicosanoic acid, a fatty acid with a long, 20-carbon chain. Transesterification—where an acid and an alcohol merge—makes this process pretty straightforward. This reaction is at the core of many biofuel production methods, making these esters a mainstay in renewable energy conversations.
Knowing C21H42O2 isn’t just trivia for scientists. Accurate chemical formulas support safer lab practices. I’ve seen students fumble experiments because of ambiguous formulas or wrong reagents. Reliable details like C21H42O2 keep synthesis and analysis on track. Quality control in manufacturing runs more smoothly when every ingredient matches strict specifications.
Industries making biodiesel draw heavily on fatty acid methyl esters. Eicosanoic acid methyl ester stands out among these, given its long chain and stable structure. Its properties allow for smooth blending with other esters, tuning fuel performance, and minimizing emissions from engines. Food scientists look at its structure to model digestion paths or assess fat stability in processed foods. Pharmaceutical research explores similar esters to tailor slow-acting drug delivery systems, improving patient care.
Methyl esters help shift beyond fossil fuel reliance. Eicosanoic acid methyl ester, as part of plant-based feedstocks, increases the viability of greener diesel. Synthetic procedures built around C21H42O2 support cleaner production pipelines, limit waste, and often lower toxic byproducts. Over time, broader use of such compounds presses the industry toward sustainability, which feels more pressing every year the climate warms.
Not everything runs as planned with methyl esters. Large-scale production still encounters cost restraints due to raw material prices and process optimization. Impurities can slip in without tight process controls, reducing quality and sometimes creating environmental disposal headaches. Smaller labs and enterprises struggle to keep up with monitoring and waste handling standards. Rigorous training, investment in modern analytical tools, and open data sharing all help address these issues.
Real progress calls for clear formulas, reliable sourcing, and transparent study. I’ve met researchers who’ve wasted weeks untangling mislabelled chemicals—risking integrity and safety. Sharing precise information like C21H42O2 and double-checking sources mean smoother collaborations across labs, companies, and borders.
Every bit of chemical knowledge, right down to counting those 21 carbons, fits into a fraction of the bigger puzzle. Cleaner energy, better medicines, safer food: each benefits from clear formulas and honest reporting. By paying attention to details like the chemical formula of eicosanoic acid methyl ester, industry and researchers alike make real life safer and more sustainable for everyone.
Eicosanoic acid methyl ester, a chemical often found in labs and sometimes in industrial settings, traces its roots to fatty acids. Many know it under another name, methyl arachidate. Folks use it mostly as a research compound, and it sometimes turns up during studies that look at natural fats and oils. For someone stepping into a lab, seeing a vial labeled “eicosanoic acid methyl ester” may prompt concerns about hazards or toxic risks.
It helps to look at what researchers say about this compound. Eicosanoic acid methyl ester doesn’t show up on lists of dangerous, acutely toxic substances. Its structure shares similarities with other long-chain fatty acid esters, which the human body often breaks down gently, compared to small, volatile compounds. The International Chemical Safety Cards and solid toxicology reports list scant evidence that this chemical causes severe or immediate effects at low exposure.
Still, you don’t want to treat it like table sugar. The chemical can irritate the skin or eyes on contact, as with most esters. Accidental splashes may cause redness or discomfort, so wearing gloves and avoiding direct contact does more than just look professional. Breathing in vapors poses little risk under standard conditions, since eicosanoic acid methyl ester has low volatility. It doesn’t go airborne easily, which lowers the odds of inhalation hazards in most workplace air samples.
Environmental safety raises important questions for any lab or facility handling chemicals. Eicosanoic acid methyl ester doesn’t build up in the same way as some fluorinated or chlorinated compounds, for instance. Its breakdown in soil or water takes time, but the environmental persistence is less than that of many industrial solvents. That said, large spills or chronic disposal still put aquatic plants and animals at risk, simply due to the oily, hydrophobic nature of the chemical. Oils and fatty acid esters can create problems for fish and other aquatic life, mainly by depleting oxygen in water.
Experience shapes understanding here. Anyone that’s spent time in an academic or industrial chemistry workspace knows that good habits prevent most problems. Personal protective equipment, eye wash stations, and clear labeling all help drive down risks. I’ve watched new lab workers treat even “mild” esters with caution — and that’s usually because nobody wants eye irritation or a ruined sample run. Keeping food and drinks away, washing up after handling chemicals, and knowing the route to the safety shower may turn a mistake into a quick recovery.
Research and documentation give eicosanoic acid methyl ester a reasonably clean profile, as far as lab chemicals go. No confirmed links to cancer or severe organ damage from ordinary exposure. You shouldn’t dismiss the hazards if a bottle tips over or a curious pet sniffs around the bench, though. Responsible use always means checking material safety data, having spill kits ready, and respecting even those compounds described in bland chemical terms.
Better training and strong chemical hygiene policies reduce small accidents. Labs can think about using less hazardous alternatives if large-scale work becomes necessary. Adapt simple habits like double-checking labels, storing bottles tightly closed, and training every newcomer on spill response. All these steps build a safer space, whether the substance is listed as “toxic” or not.
Eicosanoic acid methyl ester won’t make headlines like mercury or benzene, but respect for its properties gives you a lab that runs clean and safe for everyone involved.
Working in chemical labs over the years, I learned that how you store chemicals shows up in your results and in your safety record. Eicosanoic acid methyl ester, a mouthful of a name, often lands on the shelves in research labs or specialty manufacturing spots. Left to sit at room temperature on the wrong shelf, this compound quickly teaches its own lessons.
Eicosanoic acid methyl ester carries a structure signaling sensitivity. One look at its long hydrocarbon chain and anyone handling esters knows that heat, light, and oxygen can invite breakdown. These changes often aren’t visible until something goes off — a shift in smell, the appearance of haze, maybe a bit of stickiness, or spoiled reactions that push research backward.
Storage conditions speak louder than fancy labels. In my experience, ignoring heat causes most problems. A cool, dry spot serves best. Many choose a temperature below 25°C, similar to what you’d find in a climate-controlled room or a dedicated chemical storage cabinet. Freezers set too cold can make some esters thick and hard to pour. Somewhere between 2°C and 8°C, like a standard laboratory fridge, works for keeping the compound stable without creating a gooey mess.
Too much light ruins more than just old photos. Clear glass bottles don’t protect chemicals from UV damage. Over the years, I shifted to storing light-sensitive chemicals in amber or opaque containers. Screw caps with a good seal keep moisture and air out. Oxygen exposure can oxidize the compound, which means you may wind up with a product that just won’t behave in your next synthesis. As a rule, bottles should be sealed tightly between every use.
Mislabeling might sound like a rookie mistake, but cluttered benches and hurried days turn small errors into big headaches. Proper labels with compound name, concentration, and date open the door for accountability. Over time, I started adding my initials and a quick log of every opening. This habit isn’t just about personal pride. In regulated labs, it saves time on audits and stops old, degraded materials from sneaking into new work.
No one wants to clean up after an unexpected reaction in shared cabinets. I always store esters away from strong bases and acids. These can break ester bonds, leaving you with a mix that’s tough to separate. Experience taught me to give corrosive agents and oxidizers their own clearly labeled section. Segregating storage keeps hazards off everyone’s radar and promotes peace of mind.
Staying in line with workplace rules matters. Safety Data Sheets spell out specifics that base their advice on research and incident reports. Local regulations sometimes ask for flammables to be locked away in fireproof cabinets. Forgetting this detail can cost money and, more seriously, put people’s safety at risk.
I’ve seen plenty of half-empty bottles go rancid from too much headspace, which brings in air. Transferring leftovers to smaller bottles makes a difference. Some labs use inert gas like nitrogen to flush out oxygen before sealing, a habit more common in high-end setups. For most users, frequent inventory checks and good housekeeping do the heavy lifting to keep everything safe and usable.
Good storage routines mean fewer surprises. Take the lessons from medicine cabinets at home — no one sticks pills next to cleaning supplies. The same mindset protects your workplace, your colleagues, and the research you rely on. If in doubt, ask your chemical supplier for specifics. They want your success as much as you do. With just a little extra attention, eicosanoic acid methyl ester stays out of trouble and ready for real work.
Eicosanoic acid methyl ester sounds like something best left on a chemist’s blackboard, but this compound earns its keep far beyond the lab. Most folks don’t talk about methyl esters over coffee, yet if you drive a diesel car, rub a cream on your skin, or work anywhere machine parts need a good lubricant, chances are you’ve benefitted from it. This ester, derived mainly from fatty acids like arachidic acid in vegetable oils, shows up as a flexible player across dozens of sectors.
Walk into any heavy-duty machine shop or factory floor, and someone has a story about stubborn gearboxes that just won’t budge. Old-school oils often leave gunk and break down under tough conditions. Eicosanoic acid methyl ester brings to the table a resistance to oxidation, low volatility, and the right viscosity for smooth metal-on-metal movement. Workers prefer it in synthetic hydraulic fluids, transmission oil, and biodegradable lubricants, especially where leakage may spill into lakes, ground, or rivers. Companies making lubricant formulations find it boosts stability for longer operational lifespans. This cracks open savings by cutting down on replacement and downtime.
More people want renewables in their tanks. Methyl esters—especially those with long chains like this one—make biodiesel engines run better. I’ve met a few farmers who swear their tractors hum differently once switched from petroleum diesel. Cleaner emissions, less engine residue, and easier mixing with other plant-based esters help drive its adoption. The fuel industry faces strict emissions laws and supply challenges, so a stable, reliable additive makes life easier for producers racing to meet clean fuel quotas.
Skin creams promise miracle cures, yet often the unsung hero is the stuff that keeps them smooth, easy to spread, and shelf-stable. Eicosanoic acid methyl ester acts as an emollient, so products rub in soft, not greasy. It also works as a carrier for vitamins and other actives—let’s face it, nobody wants chalky lotions. Personal care labels look for ingredients that flow well and mix easily with fragrances or plant extracts; this methyl ester delivers.
Manufacturers use it as a building block for specialty chemicals. Think surfactants, fragrances, plasticizers—each needs backbone molecules that hold up under heat, light, and air. Here, experience shows that long-chain methyl esters resist breaking down, cutting waste and hazardous byproducts. This makes sense for both industrial scale-ups and smaller specialty applications.
Growing demand for green chemicals puts pressure on the supply side. Many methyl esters come from palm or other high-oil-yield crops, raising sustainability and land-use questions. Shifting toward sources like waste cooking oil, algae, or non-food crops can make the supply chain more reliable and environmentally sound. Standardizing quality and traceability also goes a long way for both users and regulators who want to minimize risk.
Eicosanoic acid methyl ester may not enjoy the fame of plastics or silicones, but it’s a workhorse inside and outside the lab. Every gear that spins longer, pump that runs cleaner, or product that glides on skin owes a nod to this often-overlooked compound. Reliable supply and smart sourcing will keep this ester on the job for a long time.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Methyl icosanoate |
| Other names |
Methyl arachidate Methyl icosanoate Arachidic acid methyl ester |
| Pronunciation | /ˌaɪ.kəˈseɪ.nɪk ˈæs.ɪd ˈmiː.θəl ˈɛs.tər/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 112-61-8 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1631016 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:46497 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL159661 |
| ChemSpider | 18031 |
| DrugBank | DB03728 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.161.365 |
| EC Number | FA0200900 |
| Gmelin Reference | 95883 |
| KEGG | C08362 |
| MeSH | D023180 |
| PubChem CID | 12409 |
| RTECS number | MO2450000 |
| UNII | NR3O26EG7J |
| UN number | UN3272 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID50121010 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C21H42O2 |
| Molar mass | 312.53 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | waxy |
| Density | 0.868 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | insoluble |
| log P | 7.52 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.03 mmHg (at 25 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 24.1 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 15.27 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -74.0e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.435 |
| Viscosity | 4.6 mPa·s (40 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.53 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 576.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -669.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -12700 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A05AA02 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P280, P301+P312, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| Flash point | > 157 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 340 °C |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 1000 μg/mL |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Capric acid Lauric acid Myristic acid Palmitic acid Stearic acid Arachidic acid Behenic acid Lignoceric acid Eicosanoic acid Eicosanoic acid ethyl ester |
