Phytanic acid

Synonym(s):3,7,11,15-Tetramethylhexadecanoic acid;NSC 108698;Phytanoic acid

CAS NO.：14721-66-5
Empirical Formula: C20H40O2
Molecular Weight: 312.53
MDL number: MFCD00133772
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-09-12 18:51:59

What is Phytanic acid?

Description

Phytanic acid is a saturated 20-carbon branched-chain fatty acid which can only be derived from dietary sources. In cases of peroxisomal disorders, elevated levels of phytanic acid have been observed, and this is linked to diseases such as infantile phytanic acid storage disease and Refsum’s disease.

The Uses of Phytanic acid

Phytanoic Acid was useful for studying lipid metabolism in porcine oocytes.

What are the applications of Application

Phytanic Acid is a potential marker for peroxisomal disorders

Definition

ChEBI: 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 branched-chain saturated fatty acid, a long-chain 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.

Properties of Phytanic acid

Melting point:	-65°C
Boiling point:	391.36°C (estimate)
Density	0.8888 (rough estimate)
refractive index	1.4461 (estimate)
storage temp.	2-8°C
solubility	0.15 M Tris-HCl pH 8.5: >1 mg/ml (from Oleic Acid); DMF: >100 mg/ml (from Oleic Acid); DMSO: >100 mg/ml (from Oleic Acid); Ethanol: >100 mg/ml (from Oleic Acid); PBS pH 7.2: <100 μg/ml (from Oleic Acid)
form	Liquid
pka	4.79±0.10(Predicted)
color	Colorless to light yellow

Safety information for Phytanic acid

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P261:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264:Wash hands thoroughly after handling. P264:Wash skin thouroughly after handling. P271:Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P302+P352:IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.