Phytane

Phytane is the isoprenoid alkane formed when phytol, a chemical substituent of chlorophyll, loses its hydroxyl group. When phytol loses one carbon atom, it yields pristane. Other sources of phytane and pristane have also been proposed than phytol.

Phytane
Names
IUPAC name
2,6,10,14-Tetramethylhexadecane
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
1744639
ChEBI
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.010.303
EC Number
  • 211-332-2
MeSH phytane
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C20H42/c1-7-18(4)12-9-14-20(6)16-10-15-19(5)13-8-11-17(2)3/h17-20H,7-16H2,1-6H3 N
    Key: GGYKPYDKXLHNTI-UHFFFAOYSA-N N
  • CCC(C)CCCC(C)CCCC(C)CCCC(C)C
Properties
C20H42
Molar mass 282.556 g·mol−1
Appearance Colourless liquid
Odor Odourless
Density 791 mg mL−1 (at 20 °C)
Boiling point 301.41 °C (574.54 °F; 574.56 K) at 100 mPa
Related compounds
Related alkanes
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
N verify (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

Pristane and phytane are common constituents in petroleum and have been used as proxies for depositional redox conditions, as well as for correlating oil and its source rock (i.e. elucidating where oil formed). In environmental studies, pristane and phytane are target compounds for investigating oil spills.

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