MOLECULE

Hexadecane

Hexadecane, also known as cetan or CH3-[CH2]14-CH3, is a straight-chain alkane with 16 carbon atoms. It belongs to the class of organic compounds known as alkanes. These are acyclic branched or unbranched hydrocarbons having the general formula CnH2n+2, and consist entirely of hydrogen atoms and saturated carbon atoms. Hexadecane is a hydrocarbon lipid molecule that is very hydrophobic, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. Hexadecane is an alkane taste. It is found in highest concentrations in black walnuts. Hexadecane has also been detected in allspices, cucumbers, tea, orange bell peppers, and herbs and spices. This could make hexadecane a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Hexadecane has been associated with certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, resulting from Clostridium difficile and Campylobacter jejuni infections (PMID: 17314143). Hexadecane has a role as a plant metabolite as a volatile oil component. Hexadecane is also found in cannabis plants (PMID: 6991645)