Eicosane

Eicosane, also commonly spelled icosane, is an alkane or a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula H20C42. It has 366,319 structural isomers. Its high flash point makes it a hard to light fuel, so it is not much use in the petrochemical industry. However, an isomer of eicosane, n-Eicosane (the straight-chain structural isomer of eicosane) is the shortest compound found in paraffin waxes (CnH2n+2, where ) used to form candles. Eicosane's phase transition at a moderate temperature makes it a candidate for PCM, which is used to store thermal energy and control temperature.

Eicosane is a non-polar molecule: quite unreactive except when it burns (see the NFPA Diamond in the infobox). It is also way less dense than insoluble in water. This also means it shares properties with its smaller alkaline counterparts.

Eicosane can also be detected in the body odor of people diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

The compound is found in the highest concentrations in plants such as Mexican ageratum, licorice, and the Bayrum tree.

References

Category:Alkanes