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Impurities and reference standards

Phytanic acid

Also known as 3,7,11,15-Tetramethylhexadecanoic acid, Phytanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-

CAS 14721-66-5Formula C20H40O2Molar mass 312.54 g/molEC 630-841-4
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant 11 suppliers listed
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Phytanic acid chemical structure, C20H40O2, CAS 14721-66-5
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
CAS number
14721-66-5
Formula
C20H40O2
Molar mass
312.54 g/mol
EC number
630-841-4
HS code
291590
Category
Impurities and reference standards

What is Phytanic acid?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Phytanic acid is a branched-chain saturated fatty acid consisting of hexadecanoic acid carrying methyl substituents at positions 3, 7, 11 and 15. It is a long-chain fatty acid, a branched-chain saturated fatty acid and a methyl-branched fatty acid. It is functionally related to a hexadecanoic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a phytanate. It derives from a hydride of a phytane.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecanoic acid
CAS number
14721-66-5 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
630-841-4
Molecular formula
C20H40O2
UNII
8OYE5TF5VL
MDL number
MFCD00133772
InChIKey
RLCKHJSFHOZMDR-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C20H40O2/c1-16(2)9-6-10-17(3)11-7-12-18(4)13-8-14-19(5)15-20(21)22/h16-19H,6-15H2,1-5H3,(H,21,22)
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC(C)CCCC(C)CCCC(C)CCCC(C)CC(=O)O

Synonyms

  • 3,7,11,15-Tetramethylhexadecanoic acid
  • Phytanoic acid
  • Hexadecanoic acid, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-
  • 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-hexadecansaeure
  • 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-hexadecanoic acid
  • Acid, Phytanic
  • 3,7R,11R,15-tetramethyl-hexadecanoic acid
  • 3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecoanoate
  • 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-1-hexadecanoic acid
  • PHYTANIC ACID (3-Methyl-D3)
  • Phytanoate
  • 3,7,11,15-Tetramethylhexadecanoic Acid, NSC 108698, Phytanic Acid
  • Phytanicacid
  • 3,11,15-Tetramethylhexadecanoic acid
  • Fats And Glyceridic Oils Impurity 19
  • 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-hexadecanoate
  • 3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecoanoic acid
  • Hexadecanoic acid,7,11,15-tetramethyl-
  • 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl hexadecanoic acid

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

No measured properties are recorded for this substance yet. Ask suppliers for a technical data sheet.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
312.54 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
312.3028 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
6.54calc.
Topological polar surface area
37.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
14calc.
Heavy atoms
22calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.95calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
3calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (1 violation)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary statements (16)
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Phytanic acid suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 11 suppliers
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Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

11 suppliers in 6 countries

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Phytanic acid price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Roles

  • animal metabolite
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • human metabolite
  • mammalian metabolite
  • metabolite

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

No regulatory list memberships are recorded for this substance yet. Always check the rules of the importing and exporting country before trade.

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Phytanic acid is traded under.

HS 2915.90Indicative HS code

Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and halogenated…

World exports in 2024
$3.42B
+5.6% vs 2023, imports $3.55B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Indonesia15.9%
  2. Germany13.0%
  3. Malaysia12.4%
Top importers
  1. China14.4%
  2. Netherlands11.7%
  3. United States11.5%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Phytanic acid is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Phytanic acid, based on the data on this page

What is Phytanic acid?

Phytanic acid is a branched-chain saturated fatty acid consisting of hexadecanoic acid carrying methyl substituents at positions 3, 7, 11 and 15. It is a long-chain fatty acid, a branched-chain saturated fatty acid and a methyl-branched fatty acid. It is functionally related to a hexadecanoic acid.

What is the CAS number of Phytanic acid?

The CAS registry number of Phytanic acid is 14721-66-5.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Phytanic acid?

The molecular formula of Phytanic acid is C20H40O2 and its molar mass is 312.54 g/mol.

What is Phytanic acid used for?

Known uses and roles of Phytanic acid include animal metabolite, eukaryotic metabolite, human metabolite, mammalian metabolite and metabolite.

Is Phytanic acid hazardous?

Phytanic acid carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Phytanic acid?

Phytanic acid is usually classified under HS code 291590 (Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Phytanic acid?

CompoundList lists 11 suppliers of Phytanic acid in United States, China, Bulgaria, Canada and 2 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

What is the price of Phytanic acid?

Suppliers quote Phytanic acid on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Phytanic acid

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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