Anacardic Acid C15:3

Anacardic Acid C15:3 (CAS 103904-73-0), or anacardic acid triene, is the most highly unsaturated C15 anacardic acid. Its side chain carries three cis double bonds (commonly 8*Z*,11*Z*,14). In solvent-extracted cashew nutshell liquid it is often the most abundant anacardic acid.

Higher unsaturation is associated with stronger free-radical scavenging, greater acetylcholinesterase inhibition in some assays, and potent membrane-disruptive antimicrobial effects relative to the saturated homolog. The triene is therefore a priority analyte when formulators evaluate antioxidant, anti-biofilm, or enzyme-inhibitory performance of cashew phenolics.

Because the triene is also the most oxidation- and heat-sensitive member of the series, it is a critical stability marker. Loss of C15:3 and a rise in cardanol 15:3 indicate thermal decarboxylation or poor storage. Quantifying this analog alongside 15:1 and 15:2 allows manufacturers of botanical extracts, nutraceutical concentrates, and cosmetic actives to document process control and remaining potency.

Researchers additionally employ Anacardic Acid C15:3 as a structure–activity probe in studies of Gram-positive pathogens, oxidative stress models, and natural-product lead optimization.

Planta Analytica supplies high-purity Anacardic Acid C15:3 reference standard for chromatographic identification, purity assignment, and CNSL fingerprinting.