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Skin conditioning agents and actives

Pristane

Also known as 2,6,10,14-Tetramethylpentadecane, Norphytane, Norphytan

CAS 1921-70-6Formula C19H40Molar mass 268.53 g/molEC 217-650-8
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant 16 suppliers listed
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Pristane chemical structure, C19H40, CAS 1921-70-6
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless, transparent, stable liquid
Melting point
-60 °C
Boiling point
296 °C
Density
0.775-0.795 at 20 °C
Flash point
>110
HS code
290110
Category
Skin conditioning agents and actives
Illustrative photo, a 1000 litre IBC tote of clear liquid in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Pristane?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Pristane is a norterpene that is an acyclic saturated hydrocarbon derived from phytane by loss of its C-16 terminal methyl group. It has a role as an immunological adjuvant and a biomarker. It is a norterpene and a long-chain alkane.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane
CAS number
1921-70-6 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
217-650-8
Molecular formula
C19H40
UNII
26HZV48DT1
MDL number
MFCD00008952
INCI name
PRISTANE
InChIKey
XOJVVFBFDXDTEG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C19H40/c1-16(2)10-7-12-18(5)14-9-15-19(6)13-8-11-17(3)4/h16-19H,7-15H2,1-6H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC(C)CCCC(C)CCCC(C)CCCC(C)C

Synonyms

  • 2,6,10,14-Tetramethylpentadecane
  • Norphytane
  • Norphytan
  • Pentadecane, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-
  • Pristan
  • tetramethylpentadecane
  • meso-Pristane
  • 2,6,10,10-Tetramethylpentadecane
  • 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane
  • Meso-form
  • Norphytane, TMPD
  • Norphytane, robuoy
  • 3-01-00-00570 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
  • 2,10,14-Tetramethylpentadecane
  • 2,6,10,14 tetramethylpentadecane
  • Pentadecane,6,10,14-tetramethyl-
  • Pristane, synthetic, >=98% (GC)
  • pentadecane, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl
  • 2,6,10,14-Tetramethylpentadecane pristane
  • Pristane, synthetic, liquid, sterile-filtered, BioReagent
  • Pristane(TM), synthetic 2,6,10,14-Tetramethylpentadecane Molecular biology reagent

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

Appearance
Colorless, transparent, stable liquidexp.
Melting point
-60 °Cexp.
Boiling point
296 °Cexp.
Density
0.775-0.795 at 20 °Cexp.
Flash point
>110exp.
Solubility
In water, 1.0 × 10⁻⁸ mg/L at 25 °Cexp.

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
268.53 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
268.313 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
7.08calc.
Topological polar surface area
0 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0calc.
Rotatable bonds
12calc.
Heavy atoms
19calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
2calc.
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.
Precautionary statements (9)
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • 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.

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

Pristane suppliers

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

All 16 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

16 suppliers in 5 countries

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Pristane price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Lubricant, transformer oil. Anti-corrosion agent. Biological marker. In experimental systems to induce plasmacytomas, in production of monoclonal antibodies.

Chromatographic oil.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name PRISTANE(skin conditioning)

Pharmacological actions

  • Carcinogens
  • Immunosuppressive Agents

Roles

  • adjuvant
  • biomarker
  • immunological adjuvant
  • immunomodulator
  • indicator
  • pharmaceutical

Functional uses

  • Softener and conditioner

Cosmetic functions

  • Skin conditioning

Pharmacology

Pristane is a natural or synthetic isoprenoid hydrocarbon (C19) derivative, Pristane is commonly used in research to prime the abdomen prior to hybridoma implantation in experimental animals. An irritant that induces granulomatous inflammation and interferes with local lymphatic drainage, it increases ascitic yields. Pristane has a low margin of safety and is toxic at levels slightly higher than used to prime animals. (NCI04)

How it is made

Isoprenoid alkane obtained from the unsaponifiable fraction of shark liver oil where it occurs to an extent of 14%.

Isolation from petroleum crude oils, ... from wool wax. Synthesis from phytol.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

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

HS 2901.10Indicative HS code

Saturated

World exports in 2024
$8.47B
+23.9% vs 2023, imports $7.66B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. United States79.8%
  2. Canada10.1%
  3. Germany1.4%
Top importers
  1. China34.6%
  2. United States12.2%
  3. Sweden5.0%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

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

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Pristane, based on the data on this page

What is Pristane?

Pristane is a norterpene that is an acyclic saturated hydrocarbon derived from phytane by loss of its C-16 terminal methyl group. It has a role as an immunological adjuvant and a biomarker. It is a norterpene and a long-chain alkane.

What is the CAS number of Pristane?

The CAS registry number of Pristane is 1921-70-6.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Pristane?

The molecular formula of Pristane is C19H40 and its molar mass is 268.53 g/mol.

What is Pristane used for?

Lubricant, transformer oil. Anti-corrosion agent. Biological marker. In experimental systems to induce plasmacytomas, in production of monoclonal antibodies. Chromatographic oil. Use classes: Cosmetics.

Is Pristane hazardous?

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

What is the HS code of Pristane?

Pristane is usually classified under HS code 290110 (Saturated). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Pristane?

CompoundList lists 16 suppliers of Pristane in United States, China, Switzerland, United Kingdom and 1 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 Pristane?

Suppliers quote Pristane 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 Pristane

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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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