Hexadecane

Ref. 3D-AAA54476

Product Information

• Name: Hexadecane
• Brand: Biosynth
• Description: Hexadecane is a hydrocarbon that is used in the production of biodiesel. Hexadecane can be extracted from vegetable oils or animal fats. To produce biodiesel, hexadecane undergoes an acid-catalyzed reaction with methanol to form methyl esters. This process also produces glycerol as a byproduct. Hexadecane is nonpolar and therefore has low solubility in water, which makes it an ideal solvent for extraction of lipids from cells. Hexadecane has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria in cell culture studies when it is mixed with fatty acids, acting as a carbon source for bacterial metabolism. Lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus have been found to uptake hexadecane and convert it into fatty acids that are then used for cellular processes (e.g., membrane formation).

Chemical properties

• Molecular weight: 226.45 g/mol
• Formula: C₁₆H₃₄
• Purity: Min. 95%