Abstract

The distribution pattern of n-alkanes in the "refined hydrocarbon" fractions from eight Chilean species of Euphorbiaceae (Argythamnia tricuspidata, Colliguaja integerrima, C. dombeyana, Euphorbia portulacoides, E. serpens, E. platyphyllos, E. hirta var. hirta, E. ovalifolia) was studied. Using well-established techniques, n-alkanes of the homologous series 021-035 were identified. The major constituents were n-heptacosane (n-C27), n-nonacosane (n-C29) and n-hentriacontane (n-C31). Significant dominance of odd over even numbered chains and the absence of any significant quantity of branched alkanes was also found. The species of Euphorbia showed different distribution pattern of n-aikanes. In one species of Colliguaja (C. dombeyana) the major component was n-C29 with smaller amounts of n-C27, but in C. integerrima the reverse occurred.