Hexecontane

/ˌhɛksɪˈkɒnteɪn/ noun

Definition

A hydrocarbon (oil-like chemical) with 60 carbon atoms linked in a chain.

Etymology

From Greek 'hexe-' (six) + 'conta-' (sixty, from 'conten') + '-ane' (alkane hydrocarbon suffix). The name breaks down to 'six-tens' for 60 carbons.

Kelly Says

At 60 carbons long, hexecontane exists as a waxy solid at room temperature, and molecules this large appear in crude oil and contribute to that thick, sticky texture—longer chains mean heavier, oilier products.

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