Title: Docosahexaenoic Acid
CAS Registry Number: 6217-54-5
CAS Name: (4
Z,7
Z,10
Z,13
Z,16
Z,19
Z)-4,7,10,13,16,19-Docosahexaenoic acid
Synonyms: cervonic acid; doconexent; DHA
Molecular Formula: C22H32O2
Molecular Weight: 328.49
Percent Composition: C 80.44%, H 9.82%, O 9.74%
Literature References: Omega-3 fatty acid found in marine fish oils and in many phospholipids. Major structural component of excitable membranes of the retina and brain; synthesized in the liver from a-linolenic acid,
q.v. Isoln from oil of
Sardina ocellata J. and structure: J. M. Whitcutt,
Biochem. J. 67, 60 (1957). Improved isoln from cod liver oil: S. W. Wright
et al., J. Org. Chem. 52, 4399 (1987). Effect on brain and behavioral development: P. E. Wainwright,
Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. 16, 193 (1992). Review of uptake and metabolism by retinal cells: N. G. Bazan, E. B. Rodriguez de Turco,
J. Ocul. Pharmacol. 10, 591-603 (1994). Review of clinical studies in infant formula supplementation: M. Makrides
et al., Lipids 31, 115-119 (1996).
Properties: Clear, faintly yellow oil, mp -44.7 to -44.5°.
n26D 1.5017.
Melting point: mp -44.7 to -44.5°
Index of refraction: n26D 1.5017
Use: Nutritional supplement.