Docosane does not have a specific pharmacological target. It is a saturated hydrocarbon that exhibits no significant biological activity or pharmacological utility. As a plant metabolite, it may play a role in plant physiology, but it does not interact with mammalian receptors or enzymes in a pharmacologically relevant manner. Its primary applications are in material science, analytical chemistry, and as a chemical standard rather than in drug discovery or development.

Docosane has no reported in vitro pharmacological activity. It is a chemically inert alkane that does not interact with cellular targets in a specific manner. In vitro studies of docosane are typically focused on its physical properties, such as its phase-change behavior, crystallinity, and interactions with other materials in composites. It may be used in cell culture or biochemical assays as a negative control for hydrophobic compounds, but it does not exert direct biological effects.

Docosane has no reported in vivo pharmacological activity. As a chemically inert alkane, it is not expected to have therapeutic effects. If administered orally, it would likely be poorly absorbed due to its high hydrophobicity and would be excreted unchanged in feces. It may be used in animal studies as a component of diets or as a model compound for studying the absorption and metabolism of alkanes, but no significant pharmacological activity has been reported.

In vitro enzyme/receptor binding assays for docosane are not applicable, as the compound does not interact with enzymes or receptors in a specific manner. If used in binding studies, docosane would serve as a negative control or a membrane-partitioning agent due to its hydrophobicity. Assays involving docosane would typically be physical rather than biological, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure phase transitions or contact angle measurements to assess surface properties.

In vitro cell-based assays for docosane are not typically performed, as the compound is not bioactive. If used in cell culture, docosane would be poorly soluble in aqueous media and would likely require solubilization with organic solvents or surfactants. Cytotoxicity assays may be conducted to assess the safety of docosane-containing materials or formulations, but the compound itself is not expected to be toxic to cells at relevant concentrations. Standard MTT or CellTiter-Glo assays could be used for cytotoxicity evaluation.

In vivo animal studies for docosane are not typically conducted for pharmacological purposes. The compound may be used in toxicology studies as a reference compound for alkanes or as a component of test formulations for dermal or oral safety assessment. If administered orally, docosane would likely be poorly absorbed and excreted in feces. Inhalation studies may be conducted to assess the safety of docosane as a dust or aerosol. No specific therapeutic efficacy studies have been reported.

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion
Arthrobacter nivea KCC B35, isolated from densely packed blue-green cushions on oil deposits along the Arabian Gulf coast, exhibits excellent growth using C10 to C40 n-alkanes as its sole carbon and energy source. Its growth on C20 to C40 alkanes is even superior to that on C10 to C18 alkanes. After co-culturing biomass samples with n-octacosane (C28) or n-nonacosane (C29) for 6 hours, these compounds became the major constituent alkanes of the cell's hydrocarbon composition. Even-chain hexadecane (C16) and odd-chain pentadecane (C15) were the second-largest constituent alkanes in C28 and C29 cultured cells, respectively. Cells incubated with n-hexadecane accumulated a higher proportion of C16 fatty acids in their lipids compared to control cells not incubated with hydrocarbon compounds. On the other hand, no fatty acids with the same chain length were detected in cells incubated with C28 and C29, but the fatty acid profile of the cellular lipids indicated that these ultra-long-chain alkanes may have undergone medium-chain oxidation. This activity makes Tobacco Monotylaceae KCC B35 suitable for use in formulations for the bioremediation of heavy oil sediment-contaminated environments. Liver, heart, kidney, muscle, and adipose tissue (perilenaciole and subcutaneous) were collected from six cattle for hydrocarbon composition analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Although the proportions varied, a range of n-alkanes with carbon chain lengths ranging from n-C12 to n-C31 were found in all samples. Isoprene hydrocarbons, phytane and phyene (phytane-1-ene and phyten-2-ene), were also identified. (These findings are relevant to human health from consuming meat contaminated with hydrocarbons.) /n-Alkanes/

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Metabolism/Metabolites
Bacterium tobaccoii KCC B35, isolated from densely packed blue-green cushions on oil deposits along the Arabian Gulf coast, grew well with C10 to C40 n-alkanes as the sole carbon and energy source. Growth on C20 to C40 alkanes was even better than on C10 to C18 alkanes. After culturing biomass samples with n-octacosane (C28) or n-nonacosane (C29) for 6 hours, these compounds accumulated to become the major constituent alkanes of the cellular hydrocarbon composition. In cells cultured with C28 and C29, even-chain hexadecane (C16) and odd-chain pentadecane (C15) were the second largest constituent alkanes, respectively. Cells cultured with n-hexadecane accumulated a higher proportion of C16 fatty acids in their lipids compared to control cells not cultured with hydrocarbon compounds. On the other hand, no fatty acids with the same chain length were detected in C28 and C29 cultured cells, but the fatty acid profiles of the cellular lipids indicated that these ultra-long-chain alkanes may have undergone medium-chain oxidation. This activity makes the Tobacco Monotylaceae KCC B35 suitable for use in formulations for the bioremediation of heavy oil deposit-contaminated environments.

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The pharmacokinetic properties of docosane have not been extensively characterized. As a highly hydrophobic straight-chain alkane (C22H46), docosane is practically insoluble in water. If ingested, it would be poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and would likely be excreted unchanged in feces. If absorbed, it would partition into adipose tissue and be metabolized very slowly by cytochrome P450 enzymes via ω-oxidation. The compound has a melting point of 88-90°C and is a waxy solid at room temperature.

Toxicity Summary
Identification and Uses: Docosane is a solid n-alkane containing 22 carbon atoms (C22). Solid n-alkane (paraffin) has a wide range of uses: it can be used as a cracking feedstock in gasoline blending and in oxidation and chlorination reactions. Human Exposure and Toxicity: No relevant data are currently available. Animal Studies: A series of homologous n-alkanes with carbon chain lengths ranging from n-C12 to n-C31 were found in all bovine tissue samples. Interactions After topical application of hexadecane-1-C-14 to guinea pig skin for 48 hours, the C-14 content in the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous muscle, and some other tissues was determined. This study also measured the effect of simultaneous application of USP-grade heavy mineral oil, n-docosane and heptane, and hexadecane pretreatment on the penetration of 1-C-14 hexadecane. The results showed a higher C-14 content in the epidermis, while the accumulation in the dermis and subcutaneous tissues was relatively low. Each carrier reduced C-14 levels in the epidermis; however, docosane and mineral oil (but not heptane) reduced C-14 levels in the dermis and subcutaneous muscle. This is consistent with the fact that heavy mineral oil and docosane (but not heptane) reduced the skin toxicity of hexadecane. Pretreatment of the skin with hexadecane 48 hours before application of 1-C-14 actually increased C-14 levels in the epidermis. However, pretreatment with mineral oil:hexadecane reduced hexadecane-14 levels in both the epidermis and dermis during subsequent application of mineral oil:hexadecane-1-C-14. These results support the idea that heavy mineral oils and alkanes with carbon chains longer than 20 carbon atoms can reduce the skin toxicity of hexadecane by interfering with its penetration to the site of action. This site of action appears to be the deep epidermis or dermis. The increased epidermal absorption of hexadecane-C-14 after hexadecane pretreatment may explain why multiple applications of the same dose of hexadecane produce more severe reactions than a single application.

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The toxicity profile of docosane is generally low, as it is a chemically inert alkane. It is not considered to be genotoxic, carcinogenic, or developmentally toxic. As a hydrophobic compound, it may cause skin or eye irritation upon prolonged contact. Inhalation of docosane dust or aerosols may cause respiratory irritation. The compound has low acute oral toxicity in rodents. Standard toxicology assessments would include acute oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity studies, as well as skin and eye irritation tests. No significant toxicity has been reported.

[1]. Volatile components of selected species of the liverwort genera Frullania and Schusterella (Frullaniaceae) from New Zealand, Australia and South America: a chemosystematic approach. Phytochemistry. 2003 Feb;62(3):439-52.

[2]. Docosane-Organosilica Microcapsules for Structural Composites with Thermal Energy Storage/Release Capability. Materials (Basel). 2019 Apr 19;12(8):1286.

Docosane is a solid, insoluble in water. It is used in organic synthesis, calibration, and temperature sensing devices. Docosane is a straight-chain alkane containing 22 carbon atoms and is a plant metabolite. It has been reported to be found in Vanilla madagascariensis, Magnolia officinalis, and other organisms with relevant data. See also: Moringa leaf oil (partial).

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Docosane is a straight-chain alkane (C22H46) that is found as a plant metabolite and is utilized by some insects in chemical communication. It serves primarily as a reference standard in gas chromatography, a phase-change material in thermal energy storage research, and a model compound in polymer physics and surface science studies. It exhibits no significant biological activity or pharmacological utility. Docosane is not approved for clinical use and is used only for research purposes.

C22H46

310.60

310.36

629-97-0

Docosane-d46; 260411-88-9

12405

White to off-white solid

0.778 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)

369 °C(lit.)

42-45 °C(lit.)

>230 °F

<1 mm Hg ( 21.1 °C)

1.4455

8.828

0

0

19

22

153

0

C([H])([H])(C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H]

HOWGUJZVBDQJKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI=1S/C22H46/c1-3-5-7-9-11-13-15-17-19-21-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2/h3-22H2,1-2H3

docosane

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Note: This product requires protection from light (avoid light exposure) during transportation and storage.

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

DMSO: 16.67 mg/mL (53.67 mM）

Solubility in Formulation 1: ≥ 1.67 mg/mL (5.38 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 40% PEG300 + 5% Tween80 + 45% Saline (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 16.7 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 400 μL PEG300 and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 to the above solution and mix evenly; then add 450 μL normal saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH₂ O to obtain a clear solution.

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Solubility in Formulation 2: ≥ 1.67 mg/mL (5.38 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline) (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 16.7 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of 20% SBE-β-CD physiological saline solution and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.

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Solubility in Formulation 3: ≥ 1.67 mg/mL (5.38 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% Corn Oil (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 16.7 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of corn oil and mix evenly.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)