MOLECULE

Pentadecane

Pentadecane, also known as CH3-[CH2]13-CH3, is a straight-chain alkane with 15 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. Pentadecane is a hydrocarbon lipid molecule that is very hydrophobic, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. Pentadecane has an alkane and waxy taste. It has been detected in pepper (c. annuum), papaya, pepper (c. frutescens), green bell peppers, and lemons. This could make pentadecane a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Pentadecane has also been found in many different plants and essential oils as a volatile (PMID: 23847066, 23973758), and in cannabis plant as well (PMID: 6991645). Pentadecane is also found in cannabis smoke and is volatilized during the combustion of cannabis (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-947-9_2).