MOLECULE

Behenic acid

Behenic acid, also known as docosanoate, C22:0 or 1-docosanoic acid, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as very long-chain fatty acids. These are fatty acids with an aliphatic tail that contains at least 22 carbon atoms. Behenic acid is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. In appearance, it consists of white to cream color crystals or powder with a melting point of 80 °C and boiling point of 306 °C. It is a major component of Ben oil (or behen oil), which is extracted from the seeds of the Ben-oil tree (Moringa oleifera). Behenic acid is also found in canola oil and peanut oil. As a dietary oil, behenic acid is poorly absorbed. In spite of its low bioavailability compared with oleic acid, behenic acid is a cholesterol-raising (LDL) saturated fatty acid in humans and is therefore not a suitable substitute for palmitic acid in manufactured triacylglycerols (PMID: 11124748). Behenic acid is often used to give hair conditioners and moisturizers their smoothing properties. It is also used in lubricating oils, and as a solvent evaporation retarder in paint removers. Behenic acid amide is used as an anti-foaming agent in detergents, floor polishes and dripless candles. Behenic acid is also a constituent of cannabis plant and cannabis smoke. It is volatilized during the combustion of cannabis (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-947-9_2).