Docosane

/ˈdoʊkoʊˌseɪn/ noun

Definition

A hydrocarbon with 22 carbon atoms arranged in a chain; an alkane used in chemistry and industrial applications.

Etymology

From Greek 'docosa' (twenty-two) + '-ane' (the standard suffix for alkane hydrocarbons). The '-ane' suffix derives from the earliest hydrocarbon 'methane.'

Kelly Says

Docosane is found in small amounts in fossil fuels and can be synthesized—chemists use long-chain alkanes like this to understand how petroleum forms and to develop cleaner fuels and lubricants.

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