Pristane is an isoprenoid alkane that was initially isolated from the liver of the basking shark. Pristane is used to precondition the peritoneal cavity of mice, prior to the induction of ascites fluid with myeloma cells. Several different protocols for antibody production have been described in the literature.2,3,4
Pristane is used to induce plasmacytomas in mice as models of human myltiple myeloma.5 It induces a disease similar to lupus erythematosus in mice, making it useful for autoimmune studies.6 Pristane also induces arthritis in rats as a rodent model for the study of rheumatoid arthritis.7

Synonyms:
2,6,10,14-Tetramethylpentadecane; Bute hydrocarbon; NSC 114852; Norphytan; Norphytane; Pristan

CAS No:
1921-70-6

Molecular Formula:
C₁₉H₄₀

Molecular Weight:
268.52

Specific Gravity (20/20):
0.7820 to 0.7880

Refractive Index (n20/D):
1.4380 to 1.4400

Solubility:
Miscible with hexane (10%[v/v])

Appearance:
Clear. colorless liquid

Purity:
≥98%

Storage and Stability:
Store at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial prior to removing the cap.