C

Cholesterol

IUPAC: (3S,8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17R)-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(2R)-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol

C27H46O Organic Compounds CAS 57-88-5
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC27H46O
CAS Number57-88-5
Molecular Weight386.7
Melting Point148.5 °C
Boiling Point360 °C
Density1.067 @ 20 °C/4 °C
Solubility0.095 mg/L (at 30 °C)
AppearanceWhite or faintly yellow solid; Nearly odorless; [HSDB] Beige solid; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Also Known As(3S,8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17R)-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(2R)-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol; 57-88-5; Cholesterin; Cholest-5-en-3beta-ol; Cholesteryl alcohol; Dythol; Cordulan; Dusoline; Dusoran; Cholesterine
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a cholestanoid consisting of cholestane having a double bond at the 5,6-position as well as a 3beta-hydroxy group. It has a role as a mouse metabolite, a human metabolite, a Daphnia galeata metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a C27-steroid, a 3beta-hydroxy-Delta(5)-steroid, a 3beta-sterol and a cholestanoid.

Formula & Notation

C27H46O

IUPAC Name: (3S,8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17R)-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(2R)-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol

Other Names / Synonyms: (3S,8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17R)-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(2R)-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol; 57-88-5; Cholesterin; Cholest-5-en-3beta-ol; Cholesteryl alcohol; Dythol; Cordulan; Dusoline; Dusoran; Cholesterine

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: White or faintly yellow solid; Nearly odorless; [HSDB] Beige solid; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]. Molecular formula: C27H46O. Molecular weight: 386.7 g/mol. Boiling point: 360 °C. Melting point: 148.5 °C. Density: 1.067 @ 20 °C/4 °C. Solubility: 0.095 mg/L (at 30 °C). Vapor pressure: VP: 0.171 mm Hg at 149 °C. LogP: 8.7.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point148.5 °C
Boiling Point360 °C
Density1.067 @ 20 °C/4 °C
Molecular Weight386.7
Solubility0.095 mg/L (at 30 °C)
AppearanceWhite or faintly yellow solid; Nearly odorless; [HSDB] Beige solid; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Cholesterol
Formula C27H46O
CAS Number 57-88-5
Molecular Weight 386.7
Synonyms (3S,8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17R)-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(2R)-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol; 57-88-5; Cholesterin; Cholest-5-en-3beta-ol; Cholesteryl alcohol; Dythol; Cordulan; Dusoline; Dusoran; Cholesterine

Frequently Asked Questions

Cholesterol is a cholestanoid consisting of cholestane having a double bond at the 5,6-position as well as a 3beta-hydroxy group. It has a role as a mouse metabolite, a human metabolite, a Daphnia galeata metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a C27-steroid, a 3beta-hydroxy-Delta(5)-steroid, a 3beta-sterol and a cholestanoid.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.