Nonacosane is a straight-chain hydrocarbon with a molecular formula of C₂₉H₆₀, and the structural formula

Structural formula

The structural formula of a chemical compound is a graphical representation of the molecular structure, showing how the atoms are arranged. The chemical bonding within the molecule is also shown, either explicitly or implicitly...

 CH₃(CH₂)₂₇CH₃. It has 1,590,507,121 constitutional isomers.

Nonacosane has been reported to be a component of a pheromone

Pheromone

A pheromone is a secreted or excreted chemical factor that triggers a social response in members of the same species. Pheromones are chemicals capable of acting outside the body of the secreting individual to impact the behavior of the receiving individual...

 of Orgyia leucostigma, and evidence suggests it plays a role in the chemical communication of several insects, including the female Anopheles stephensi mosquito

Mosquito

Mosquitoes are members of a family of nematocerid flies: the Culicidae . The word Mosquito is from the Spanish and Portuguese for little fly...

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Nonacosane occurs naturally, and has been identified within several essential oils. It can also be prepared synthetically.