Description

Phytane is a highly branched, saturated isoprenoid hydrocarbon, a key biomarker in geochemical and environmental studies. Its core value lies in its exceptional stability and utility as a reference standard for calibrating analytical instruments and interpreting complex chromatographic data in petroleum and sediment analysis. This compound is essential for research and quality control laboratories in the petrochemical, environmental science, and geochemistry sectors, where precise identification and quantification of organic matter are critical.

Application

• Geochemical Biomarker: Used as an internal standard and reference compound in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the analysis of petroleum, crude oils, and sedimentary rocks to assess thermal maturity and depositional environments.
• Environmental Forensics: Employed in tracing the source and fate of hydrocarbons in environmental samples, aiding in pollution studies and oil spill identification.
• Petroleum Research: Serves as a critical calibration standard for chromatographic systems to ensure accurate measurement of isoprenoid ratios (e.g., pristane/phytane ratio), which are vital for oil exploration and reservoir characterization.
• Reference Material: Supplied as a high-purity analytical standard for use in academic, governmental, and industrial research laboratories.
• Organic Synthesis: Can be utilized as a building block or model compound in synthetic chemistry research due to its unique branched alkane structure.

Basic Information

Product Name	Phytane
CAS No.	638-36-8
Molecular Formula	C₂₀H₄₂
Molecular Weight	282.55 g/mol
Synonyms	2,6,10,14-Tetramethylhexadecane; Norphytane; Dihydrophytane; 3,7,11,15-Tetramethylhexadecane; Phytane Standard; C20 Isoprenoid; Isoprenoid C20
EINECS	211-354-1

Quality Control

Our Phytane is produced and handled under strict quality management protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and high purity, typically exceeding 98% (GC). Each lot is accompanied by a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing purity, identity confirmation via spectroscopic methods, and impurity profiles. We support research and industrial applications requiring reliable and traceable reference materials.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Due to its highly volatile nature, store in a cool, well-ventilated place, ideally at 2-8°C for long-term stability. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Containers should be kept tightly sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation and potential oxidation.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Identification (IR)	Conforms to reference spectrum
Assay (GC)	≥ 98.0%
Water Content (KF)	≤ 0.1%
Residue on Evaporation	≤ 0.05%

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.