MOLECULE

3-Methyl-tricosane

3-Methyl-tricosane is a methylated derivative of tricosane. Tricosane, also known as CH3-[CH2]21-CH3, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as alkanes and consists of a straight chain alkane containing 23 carbon atoms. Alkanes are acyclic branched or unbranched hydrocarbons having the general formula CnH2n+2, and therefore consisting entirely of hydrogen atoms and saturated carbon atoms. Tricosane is considered to be a hydrocarbon lipid molecule. It is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water and relatively neutral. Tricosane is an odorless, alkane tasting compound, which is solid at room temperature. Tricosane has been detected, but not quantified in, common hazelnuts. This could make tricosane a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. 3-Methyl-tricosane is one of many hydrocarbons that are known in Cannabis plants (PMID: 6991645).