MOLECULE

Dotriacontane

Dotriacontane, also known as bicetyl or CH3-[CH2]30-CH3, 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. Thus, dotriacontane is a hydrocarbon lipid molecule that is very hydrophobic, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. Dotriacontane has been detected in coconuts, garden tomato (var.), papaya, and tea. This could make dotriacontane a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Dotriacontane is also one of many hydrocarbons found in cannabis plants (PMID: 6991645). Alkanes have two main commercial sources: petroleum (crude oil) and natural gas. Alkanes from nonane to hexadecane (an alkane with sixteen carbon atoms) are liquids of higher viscosity, which are less suitable for use in gasoline. From this group on, the n-alkanes are generally solid (waxws) at standard conditions. Alkanes from hexadecane upwards form the most important components of fuel oil and lubricating oil. Alkanes with a chain length of approximately 35 or more carbon atoms are found in bitumen (asphalt), and are used in road surfacing. Mixtures of the normal alkanes are used as boiling point standards for simulated distillation by gas chromatography, a separation process used to improve the economics of oil and gas production.