Methylcholanthrene
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3–Methylcholanthrene | |
---|---|
Other names | 20–Methylcholanthrene |
Identifiers | |
Abbreviations | 3-MC 20-MC |
CAS number | [56-49-5] |
PubChem | |
SMILES | CC1=C2CCC3=C2C(=CC4=C3C=CC5=CC=CC=C54)C=C1 |
Properties | |
Molecular formula | C21H16 |
Molar mass | 268.35174 |
Appearance | Yellow solid |
Melting point |
180 °C |
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
Methylcholanthrene is a highly carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon produced by burning organic compounds at very high temperatures. It is a yellow solid with a melting pont around 180 °C. Methylcholanthrene is used in laboratory studies of chemical carcinogenesis. It is an alkylated derivative of benz[a]anthracene and has a similar UV spectrum. The most common isomer is 3-methylcholanthrene, although the methyl group can occur in other places.
3-Methylcholanthrene, a known carcinogen which builds up in the prostate due to cholesterol breakdown, is implicated in prostate cancer.[1] It "readily produces" primary sarcomas in mice.[2]