Behenate, also known as docosanoate or behenic acid, is a member of the class of compounds known as very long-chain fatty acids. Very long-chain fatty acids are fatty acids with an aliphatic tail that contains at least 22 carbon atoms. Behenate is practically insoluble (in water) and a weakly acidic compound (based on its pKa). Behenate can be found in a number of food items such as winter savory, chinese broccoli, radish, and globe artichoke, which makes behenate a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. Behenic acid (also docosanoic acid) is a carboxylic acid, the saturated fatty acid with formula C21H43COOH. In appearance, it consists of white to cream color crystals or powder with a melting point of 80 °C and boiling point of 306 °C .
Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as very long-chain fatty acids. These are fatty acids with an aliphatic tail that contains at least 22 carbon atoms.
