What is "arachidic acid"

n. (context fatty acid English) A long-chain fatty acid, CH₃(CH₂)₁₈COOH, found in groundnut oil; it has a melting point of 75.4 °C

Arachidic acid, also known as eicosanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with a 20-carbon chain. It is as a minor constituent of cupuaçu butter (7%), peanut oil (1.1%–1.7%), corn oil (3%), and cocoa butter (1%).

Typical Fatty acid composition (%): Its name derives from the Latin arachis — peanut. It can be formed by the hydrogenation of arachidonic acid.

Reduction of arachidic acid yields arachidyl alcohol.

Arachidic acid is used for the production of detergents, photographic materials and lubricants.