Definition of sterane in English:
sterane
noun ˈstɛreɪnˈstɪəreɪnˈsti(ə)r-
Chemistry Any of a class of saturated polycyclic hydrocarbons which are found in crude oils and are derived from the sterols of ancient organisms.
Example sentencesExamples
- The distribution of phenanthrenes, aromatic steranes, and dibenzothiophenes shows regular dependence on the maturity of organic matter.
- Contrary to expectation, the relative abundance of steranes seems to be lower than that of the hopanoids, with the variety of hopanoid structures greatly outnumbering those of the steranes.
- Some of the other archaeological samples look quite similar to bitumen derived from Cretaceous source rock, based on the distribution patterns of steranes and terpanes.
- But because steranes are commonly degraded by bacteria, they are of limited use.
- This biomarker group is, like the steranes, characterized by numerous maturity-sensitive stereoisomers.
Origin
1950s: from steroid + -ane2.