In a nutshell: precursor for steroid synthesis
Chemical Formula: C30H50
IUPAC name: 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosahex-2,6,10,14,18,22-ene
What’s so interesting about it? Though the name of this compound sounds like it, squalene doesn't have anything to do with a triangle with sides having different lengths!*
Squalene is the starting material for the synthesis of steroids, which are a group of compounds having four fused rings of carbon atoms characteristic to steroids. Steroids play different important roles in the body, like regulation of some parts of metabolism and functions of the immune system, stimulation of bone and muscle development, development of sexual characteristics, and many more, depending on what specific steroid.
One of the reasons for hunting sharks is the shark liver oil, which contains squalene. Squalene is said to be useful in healing wounds, sores and sicknesses, but not much literature strongly or, at least, consistently supports this information. Shark liver oil is sold in the market as a general health care product.
*FYI: It's scalene triangle, not squalene!
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3 comments:
I've never heard of this compound before. Your site is my daily lesson each day. I love it. Have a great day. :)
First I want to congratulate you for this amazing blog!
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I am intrigued by your blog. I work with chemical compounds on a daily basis, although most are not as complex as squalene. lol. If you are interested in chemistry you really should check out my site. http://www.thenuclearman.com
I look forward to more posts from you.
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