Erucic fatty acid
Abbreviations
- EA
Synonyms
- cis-13-docosenoic acid
Description
Represents a 22-carbon monounsaturated fatty acid with one double bond. It is naturally found in high concentrations in the seeds of the Brassicaceae family, particularly in traditional rapeseed and mustard seed.
Nutritional potential:
In human and animal nutrition, high intake of erucic acid is highly undesirable. Animal studies have shown that excessive consumption can lead to myocardial lipidosis (accumulation of lipids in the heart muscle) and heart lesions. Due to these health concerns, traditional rapeseed was selectively bred to create “canola” (Canadian oil, low acid), which contains very low, safe levels of erucic acid. Food safety authorities strictly regulate its maximum limits in edible oils.
Biodiesel potential:
In fuel applications, erucic acid presents a mixed profile. Its monounsaturated nature provides good oxidation stability (OS) and a high cetane number (CN). However, due to its very long hydrocarbon chain, it has a relatively high melting point for an unsaturated fat (approx. 33–34°C). Consequently, feedstocks with high erucic acid content (like traditional rapeseed or mustard oil) yield biodiesel with poorer cold flow properties (higher cold filter plugging point, CFPP, and cloud point) compared to those rich in oleic acid, though still better than long-chain saturated fats.