phytane

Description

phytane · CAS 638-36-8 · C20H42. UNII 27UZX1Q8TR. Boiling Point: BP: 69-71 °C at 0.001 mm Hg; Density: 282.55.

Identification

CAS Registry Number	638-36-8
PubChem CID	12523
Molecular formula	C20H42
IUPAC name	2,6,10,14-tetramethylhexadecane
UNII (FDA)	27UZX1Q8TR

Computed Descriptors

Molecular Weight	282.5
XLogP3	9.9
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count	0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count	0
Rotatable Bond Count	13
Exact Mass	282.328651340
Monoisotopic Mass	282.328651340
Topological Polar Surface Area	0
Heavy Atom Count	20
Formal Charge	0

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point	BP: 69-71 °C at 0.001 mm Hg
Density	282.55

Physical description & handling notes

• Clear colorless liquid; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
• Clear, colorless liquid
• Stable under recommended storage conditions.

Regulatory Status

GHS notification summary	100% (5 / 5)

GHS Hazard Classification

GHS notification summary	100% (5 / 5)

Documented Uses

• A hydrocarbon found in rock specimens 2.5-3 billion years old. Known to be synthesized only by living organisms (is a derivative of chlorophyll) and to withstand heat and pressure, so helps to date the existence of life on earth.
• The distribution of pristane and phytane relative to the neighboring n-C17 and n-C18 peaks has been used to aid in the identification of crude oils and to detect the onset of biodegradation.
• The ratio of dibenzothiophene to phenanthrene and the ratio of pristane to phytane, when coupled together, provide a ... way to infer crude oil source rock depositional environments and lithologies. Such knowledge can significantly assist in identifying the source formation(s) in a basin thereby providing valuable guidance for further exploration.

Synonyms

Phytane; 638-36-8; 2,6,10,14-TETRAMETHYLHEXADECANE; 27UZX1Q8TR; CHEBI:48937; DTXSID70862339; RefChem:174093; DTXCID70811120; 211-332-2; Phytan; 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-hexadecane; Hexadecane, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-; EINECS 211-332-2; Hexadecane,2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-; UNII-27UZX1Q8TR; Phytane, analytical standard

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the CAS number and molecular formula of phytane?

CAS 638-36-8; molecular formula C20H42; molecular weight — g/mol.

What other names is phytane known by?

Phytane, 638-36-8, 2,6,10,14-TETRAMETHYLHEXADECANE, 27UZX1Q8TR, CHEBI:48937, DTXSID70862339.

Is phytane classified as hazardous?

100% of GHS notifications report no hazard classification (5 of 5).

What are the key physical properties of phytane?

Boiling Point: BP: 69-71 °C at 0.001 mm Hg; Density: 282.55.

Facts on this page are taken from PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) and Wikidata. Grade-specific data — assay, moisture, particle size, packaging, shelf life — is issued per batch on the COA and is not published here.