Pentacosane

• CAS: 629-99-2
• Catalog Number: ACM629992
• Category: Other Products
• Molecular Weight: 352.69
• Molecular Formula: C₂₅H₅₂
• Synonyms: n-Pentakosan; N-PENTACOSANE; N-pent-2-en-4-yl-N-pent-4-enoyl-O-acetylhydroxylamine
• IUPAC Name: pentacosane
• InChI Key: YKNWIILGEFFOPE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• Boiling Point: 169-170ºC0.05 mm Hg(lit.)
• Melting Point: 53-56ºC(lit.)
• Flash Point: >230 °F
• Density: 0.778 g/cm³
• Appearance: white glistening fluffy flakes
• Exact Mass: 352.40700
• H-Bond Acceptor: 0
• H-Bond Donor: 0
• Safety Description: 22-24/25
• WGK Germany: 3

Case Study

Age Estimation in Forensic Entomology Using Pentacosane Quantification in Blow Flies

Bernhardt V, et al. Science & Justice, 2017, 57(5), 361-365.

In forensic entomology, the accurate determination of post-mortem interval (PMI) has traditionally relied on the developmental stages of immature insects. However, adult-stage markers are increasingly gaining attention. This study explores the application of pentacosane (nC25), a cuticular hydrocarbon, in age estimation of adult Lucilia sericata and Calliphora vicina.
Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the daily variation in nC25 levels on the legs of adult flies was quantitatively assessed over 20 days post-emergence under controlled laboratory conditions (17 °C ± 2 °C, 12:12 L:D cycle). Five individuals per species were analyzed daily. The experimental protocol involved solvent extraction of CHCs from dissected legs, followed by separation and detection via GC-MS.Results revealed a strong linear increase in nC25 with age in both species (C. vicina: R² = 0.949; L. sericata males: R² = 0.948, females: R² = 0.920), supporting its utility as a chronological biomarker. Notably, significant sex-based differences in nC25 levels were observed in L. sericata (p < 0.001), with females exhibiting higher concentrations.