Procurement Report: α-Linolenic Acid (C18H30O2)

Product Category: Specialty Chemicals / Bioactive Lipids / Research Reagents Primary CAS Number: 463-40-1 Molecular Formula: C18H30O2 Molecular Weight: 278.43 g/mol

---

1. Technical Specifications and Performance Metrics

Procurement of α-Linolenic Acid (ALA) requires strict adherence to purity and physical property standards to ensure efficacy in downstream applications. Based on industry-grade specifications (e.g., Santa Cruz Biotechnology standards), the following parameters define a viable procurement specification:

• Purity: Must exceed 98% to 99% as determined by Gas Chromatography (GC). Lower purity grades may introduce isomeric impurities that skew biological assay results.
• Physical State: Near-colorless to pale yellow oil at room temperature.
• Melting Point: Typically ranges between -11°C and -12°C. Procurement should verify this if the application involves low-temperature storage or handling.
• Boiling Point: 230–232°C at 1 mmHg. This low-pressure volatility is critical for distillation processes or solvent removal protocols.
• Density: Approximately 0.91 g/mL at 25°C.
• Solubility: Highly soluble in organic solvents including ethanol, hexane, and methylene chloride. Insoluble in water.
• Biological Activity (IC50 Ranges):
  • Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2): 12 µM (sheep model).
  • Atg4b: 15.3 µM (human model).
  • Group IB sPLA2: 22.3 µM (human model).
  • Tissue Factor (TF): 30 µM (human model).
  • CYP19 (Aromatase): 44.2 µM (human model).

Procurement Recommendation: Specify a minimum purity of 99% (GC) in all purchase orders. For research applications involving enzyme inhibition studies, request the Certificate of Analysis (COA) to verify lot-specific IC50 data if available, or at least confirm the purity percentage matches the catalog standard. Ensure the supplier provides storage instructions requiring -20°C to maintain stability, as ALA is prone to oxidation.

---

2. Industry Compliance and Quality Assurance

While α-Linolenic Acid is a natural fatty acid, its procurement for research and industrial use is governed by specific quality frameworks.

• Regulatory Status: Classified strictly as "For Research Use Only" (RUO). It is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or human consumption purposes unless specifically processed under GMP for food/pharma grades (which requires separate verification).
• Documentation: A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is mandatory for every lot. The COA must include:
  • Lot Number.
  • Purity results (GC).
  • Physical appearance verification.
  • Storage conditions.
• Safety Standards: Procurement must align with Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements. ALA is a flammable liquid and should be handled with standard organic solvent precautions.
• Storage Compliance: Suppliers must guarantee stability data supporting storage at -20°C. Deviations can lead to rancidity and oxidation, altering the chemical structure.

Procurement Recommendation: Do not accept shipments without a lot-specific COA. Verify that the supplier explicitly states the "For Research Use Only" disclaimer on the documentation. For long-term storage, procure aliquots in inert atmospheres (nitrogen/argon) if the supplier offers this service to minimize oxidation risks during transit and storage.

---

3. Cost Efficiency and Integration Capabilities

Note: Specific market pricing and MOQs are not provided in the source context. The following are inferred typical B2B ranges for high-purity research reagents.

• Cost Efficiency: High-purity ALA (>99%) typically commands a premium over bulk food-grade omega-3 oils. Cost per gram is generally higher for small research quantities (e.g., 100mg–1g) compared to bulk industrial grades.
• Integration Capabilities:
  • Solvent Compatibility: The product integrates seamlessly into standard organic synthesis workflows due to its solubility in ethanol, hexane, and methylene chloride.
  • Assay Compatibility: Directly compatible with standard biochemical assays (COX, PLA2, CYP19) without requiring extensive derivatization.
• MOQ & Lead Time (Inferred):
  • MOQ: Typically 100 mg for research reagents.
  • Lead Time: 1–3 weeks for standard stock items; 4–6 weeks for custom synthesis or large bulk orders.

Procurement Recommendation: Optimize costs by purchasing larger quantities (e.g., 5g or 10g) if the project timeline allows, as unit costs often decrease significantly at higher volumes. However, for short-term studies, purchase smaller aliquots to minimize waste from degradation. Ensure the procurement system can track lot numbers to correlate specific batches with experimental data.

---

4. Typical Use Cases

Based on the biological activity profiles and chemical properties, α-Linolenic Acid is primarily utilized in the following scenarios:

1. Enzyme Inhibition Studies: Used as a substrate or inhibitor in assays targeting Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Group IB sPLA2, and CYP19 (aromatase).
2. Autophagy Research: Investigated for its role in modulating Atg4b activity in human cell lines.
3. Coagulation Pathways: Studied for interactions with Tissue Factor (TF) in hemostasis research.
4. Nutritional Biochemistry: Served as a standard reference for omega-3 fatty acid metabolism and conversion studies in vitro.
5. Solvent-Based Synthesis: Utilized as a starting material for the synthesis of complex lipids or derivatives in organic chemistry labs.

Procurement Recommendation: Align the purity grade with the sensitivity of the assay. For high-sensitivity enzyme kinetics (IC50 determination), strictly procure >99% purity. For general metabolic screening, >98% may suffice, but verify with the supplier. Always confirm the solvent compatibility (ethanol/hexane) matches the lab's existing protocols.

---

5. Long-Term Planning Considerations

• Market Trends: There is a growing demand for omega-3 fatty acids in nutraceuticals and functional foods, which may drive up the price of high-purity grades if supply chains shift toward food-grade production. However, research-grade purity remains a niche market with stable demand.
• Supply Chain Stability: ALA is susceptible to oxidation. Long-term planning must include strategies for nitrogen flushing and cryogenic storage (-20°C) to prevent degradation.
• Regulatory Shifts: As "For Research Use Only" chemicals face increasing scrutiny regarding potential therapeutic misuse, procurement teams should ensure all contracts clearly delineate the RUO status to avoid compliance issues.
• Inventory Management: Due to the liquid state and low melting point (-11°C), inventory planning must account for potential freezing or viscosity changes if storage temperatures fluctuate.

Procurement Recommendation: Establish a Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory model for high-purity ALA to minimize storage duration and oxidation risks. Do not stockpile large quantities unless the supplier guarantees inert atmosphere packaging. Monitor market trends for omega-3 availability, as fluctuations in agricultural harvests (flaxseed/soy) can impact raw material costs.

---

6. Special Product Recommendations

The following comparison table helps buyers select the appropriate product variant based on their specific procurement needs.

| Product Type | Best-Fit Buyer | Key Specs | Risk Check | Procurement Advice | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- :--- | | High-Purity Research Grade | Academic Labs, Pharma R&D | Purity >99% (GC), COA included, -20°C storage | High risk of oxidation if not sealed | Request nitrogen-flushed vials; verify lot-specific IC50 data if available. | | Bulk Industrial Grade | Manufacturing, Food Processing | Purity >98%, Food/Feed grade (if applicable) | Lower purity may contain isomers | Confirm if "Food Grade" certification is required; verify heavy metal limits. | | Standard Solubilized Form | High-Throughput Screening | Pre-dissolved in Ethanol/Hexane | Solvent purity affects results | Verify solvent concentration and lot consistency; check for solvent evaporation. | | Custom Synthesis | Specialized Chemical Projects | Tailored purity, specific isotopic labeling | Longer lead time (4-6 weeks) | Plan 6 weeks ahead; request sample COA before full order. |

Procurement Recommendation: For most research applications, the High-Purity Research Grade is the safest choice. Avoid "Standard" grades unless the application is robust against minor impurities. Always request a sample COA for the specific lot before placing a bulk order to ensure the "Near-colorless oil" appearance and >99% purity are met.

---

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the minimum purity required for enzyme inhibition assays? A: For accurate IC50 determination (e.g., for COX-2 or CYP19), a purity of >99% as determined by Gas Chromatography (GC) is recommended to prevent interference from isomeric impurities.

Q2: How should α-Linolenic Acid be stored to maintain stability? A: It must be stored at -20°C. The product is an oil with a melting point of approximately -11°C and is prone to oxidation; keep in tightly sealed, inert-atmosphere containers.

Q3: Is this product suitable for human consumption or therapeutic use? A: No. Standard procurement specifications (e.g., CAS 463-40-1 from research suppliers) are labeled "For Research Use Only" and are not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use.

Q4: What solvents can be used to dissolve α-Linolenic Acid? A: It is soluble in ethanol, hexane, and methylene chloride. It is not soluble in water.

Q5: How do I obtain a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for a specific lot? A: If the COA is not available online, contact the supplier directly with the Catalog Number (e.g., sc-205545) and Lot Number. Most suppliers provide a straightforward process to request lot-specific data.

Q6: What are the key physical properties I should verify upon receipt? A: Verify the appearance (near-colorless oil), melting point (approx. -11°C), and density (0.91 g/mL at 25°C). Any significant color change or solidification at room temperature indicates potential degradation.

Q7: Does the product have specific biological activity data available? A: Yes, typical IC50 values include 12 µM for COX-2 (sheep), 15.3 µM for Atg4b (human), and 44.2 µM for CYP19 (human). Verify these against the specific lot's COA if available.

Q8: What is the typical lead time for ordering this chemical? A: For standard research quantities (100mg–5g), the lead time is typically 1–3 weeks. Custom orders or large bulk quantities may require 4–6 weeks.