MOLECULE

pentatriacontane

Pentatriacontane is a long-chain hydrocarbon containing 35 carbons. 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 therefore consisting entirely of hydrogen atoms and saturated carbon atoms. Thus, pentatriacontane is considered to be a hydrocarbon lipid molecule. Pentatriacontane is a very hydrophobic molecule, totally insoluble in water, and completely neutral. Pentatriacontane exists as a waxy solid. It is a naturally occurring compound that is found in parsley, several plant essential oils and in Candelilla wax. Candelilla wax is a wax derived from the leaves of the small Candelilla shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. The Candelilla shrub is a member of the Euphorbia plant genus, from the family Euphorbiaceae. Candelilla wax is used as a food additive and a glazing agent. It also used in cosmetic industry, as a component of lip balms and lotion bars. One of its major uses is as a binder for chewing gums. Candelilla wax can be used as a substitute for carnauba wax and beeswax. It is also used for making varnish. Pentatriacontane is one of many alkanes that are known in cannabis plants (PMID: 6991645).