
Health Dictionary
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Methylcholanthrene
Introduction
Overview
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 Template:CASREF. It is a yellow solid with a melting pont around 180 °C.
