Dotriacontanol

Dotriacontanol

Dotriacontanol is a long-chain fatty alcohol with the chemical formula C₃₂H₆₆O. It is a saturated primary alcohol that is part of the aliphatic alcohol family. Dotriacontanol is found in various natural sources, including plant waxes and beeswax.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Dotriacontanol is a straight-chain alcohol with 32 carbon atoms. Its molecular structure can be represented as CH₃(CH₂)₃₀CH₂OH. It is a white, waxy solid at room temperature and is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform.

Occurrence

Dotriacontanol is commonly found in the waxy coatings of plants, where it plays a role in reducing water loss and protecting against environmental stress. It is also a component of beeswax, which is used by bees to construct honeycombs.

Biological Role

In plants, dotriacontanol is involved in the formation of the cuticle, a protective layer that covers the epidermis of leaves and stems. This layer helps to minimize water loss and provides a barrier against pathogens and physical damage.

Uses

Dotriacontanol has been studied for its potential use in agriculture as a plant growth regulator. It has been shown to enhance the growth and yield of various crops by improving photosynthesis and increasing nutrient uptake.

Research

Research on dotriacontanol has focused on its effects on plant physiology and its potential applications in agriculture. Studies have demonstrated that dotriacontanol can improve the growth of crops such as rice, wheat, and maize by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and increasing resistance to stress conditions.

See Also

• Fatty alcohol
• Beeswax
• Plant cuticle

External Links

• Dotriacontanol on PubChem