Description

Mycolic Acid CAS NO 37281-34-8 is a high molecular weight, long-chain α-alkyl, β-hydroxy fatty acid that is a major and characteristic lipid component of the cell envelope in mycobacteria and related genera. Its unique structure is critical for the impermeability and acid-fastness of these bacteria, making it a compound of significant research and industrial interest. This product is essential for researchers in microbiology, pharmaceutical development, and diagnostic manufacturing, particularly for studies on tuberculosis, leprosy, and the development of novel antimicrobial agents and vaccines.

Application

• Biomedical Research: Fundamental studies on mycobacterial physiology, pathogenesis, and drug resistance mechanisms.
• Diagnostic Reagent Production: Used as a key antigen in the development and quality control of immunological tests for tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections.
• Vaccine Adjuvant Development: Investigated for its immunomodulatory properties in novel vaccine formulations.
• Drug Discovery: A target for screening and developing new anti-tuberculosis drugs that disrupt cell wall synthesis.
• Biochemical Standard: Serves as a reference standard in analytical laboratories for lipid analysis and identification.
• Material Science Research: Studied for its potential in creating novel bio-based materials and surfactants due to its amphiphilic nature.

Basic Information

Product Name	Mycolic Acid
CAS No.	37281-34-8
Molecular Formula	Variable (C60H120O3 to C90H180O3 approx.)
Molecular Weight	~900 - 1400 g/mol (Variable)
Synonyms	Mycolic acids; 2-Alkyl-3-hydroxy fatty acids; Mycobacterial fatty acids; Corynomycolic acid (related); α-alkyl-β-hydroxy long-chain fatty acids; 3-Hydroxy-2-alkyl fatty acids; Mycocerosic acid (related); Tuberculostearic acid (related)
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our Mycolic Acid is produced and handled under strict quality protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and reliability for research applications. Each lot is characterized using advanced analytical techniques to confirm identity and profile. A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing purity, composition profile, and analytical results is provided with every shipment to support your quality assurance requirements.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store at -20°C or below under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon) to minimize oxidation. Allow the container to reach room temperature in a desiccator before opening to prevent condensation and moisture absorption.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	White to off-white waxy solid
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Composition Profile (TLC/GC-MS)	Predominantly C60-C90 mycolic acid homologues
Purity (HPLC)	≥ 85% (Total mycolic acids)
Melting Point	40 - 70 °C (Broad range, dependent on homologues)
Solubility	Soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane; slightly soluble in ethanol; insoluble in water

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.