Nervonic acid

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Nervonic acid[1]
IUPAC name (Z)-Tetracos-15-enoic acid
Other names cis-15-Tetracosenoic acid
24:1 cis, delta 9 or 24:1 omega 9
Identifiers
CAS number [506-37-6]
PubChem 5281120
SMILES CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)O
Properties
Molecular formula C24H46O2
Molar mass 366.62 g/mol
Melting point

42-43 °C

Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Nervonic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Nervonic acid has been identified as important in the biosynthesis of nerve cell myelin.[2] It is found in the sphingolipids of white matter in human brain.

Nervonic acid is used in the treatment of disorders involving demyelination, such as adrenoleukodystrophy and multiple sclerosis where there is a decreased level of nervonic acid in sphingolipids.[3]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Nervonic acid at Sigma-Aldrich
  2. ^ US Patent 6664406, Nervonic acid derivatives, their preparation and use
  3. ^ WO/1996/005740, Nervonic Acid Compositions

[edit] Additional references

  • Appelqvist (1976) Lipids in Cruciferae. In: Vaughan JG, Macleod AJ (Eds), The biology and the Chemistry of Cruciferae. Academic Press, London, UK, pp. 221-277.
  • Sargent JR, Coupland K, Wilson R (1994). Nervonic Acid and Demyelinating Disease. Medical Hypothesese 42, pp. 237-242.