Methylcholanthrene

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3–Methylcholanthrene
Other names 20–Methylcholanthrene
Identifiers
Abbreviations 3-MC
20-MC
CAS number [56-49-5]
PubChem 1674
SMILES CC1=C2CCC3=C2C(=CC4=C3C=CC5=CC=CC=C54)C=C1
Properties
Molecular formula C21H16
Molar mass 268.35174
Appearance Yellow solid
Melting point

180 °C

Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Methylcholanthrene is a highly carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon produced by burning organic compounds at very high temperatures. It is a yellow solid with a melting pont around 180 °C. 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.

3-Methylcholanthrene, a known carcinogen which builds up in the prostate due to cholesterol breakdown, is implicated in prostate cancer.[1] It "readily produces" primary sarcomas in mice.[2]

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