CAS 506-32-1

Arachidonic acid

Description:

Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that plays a crucial role in cellular signaling and is a key component of phospholipids in cell membranes. It is classified as an omega-6 fatty acid, characterized by a long carbon chain consisting of 20 carbon atoms and four double bonds, which are positioned at specific intervals along the chain. This structure allows arachidonic acid to be highly flexible and reactive, making it a precursor for various bioactive lipids, including prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, which are involved in inflammatory responses and other physiological processes. Arachidonic acid is primarily obtained from dietary sources, particularly animal products, and can also be synthesized in the body from linoleic acid. Its presence is vital for maintaining cellular integrity and function, and it is implicated in numerous health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory disorders. Due to its biological significance, arachidonic acid is often studied in the context of nutrition, biochemistry, and pharmacology.

Formula:C₂₀H₃₂O₂

InChI:InChI=1S/C20H32O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20(21)22/h6-7,9-10,12-13,15-16H,2-5,8,11,14,17-19H2,1H3,(H,21,22)/b7-6-,10-9-,13-12-,16-15-

InChI key:InChIKey=YZXBAPSDXZZRGB-DOFZRALJSA-N

SMILES:C(=C\C/C=C\C/C=C\CCCCC)\C/C=C\CCCC(O)=O

Synonyms: