Methylcholanthrene

Overview


Methylcholanthrene is a highly carcinogenic poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon produced by burning organic compounds at very high temperatures. Methylcholanthrene is used in laboratory studies of chemical carcinogenesis. It is an alkylated derivative of benz[a]anthracene and has a similar UV spectrum.

The most common isomer is 3–methylcholanthrene, although the methyl group can occur in other places such as 20–Methylcholanthrene. 20–Methylcholanthrene is a known carcinogen.

The CAS registry number of 20–methylcholanthrene is. It is a yellow solid with a melting pont around 180 °C.