n-alkane profile of Argemone mexicana leaves.

An n-hexane extract of fresh, mature leaves of Argemone mexicana (Papaveraceae), containing thin-layer epicuticular waxes, has been analysed for the first time by TLC, IR and GLC using standard hydrocarbons. Seventeen long-chain alkanes (n-C₁₈ to n-C₃₄) were identified and quantified. Nonacosane (n-C₂₉) was established as the n-alkane with the highest amount, whilst octadecane (n-C₁₈) was the least abundant component of the extracted wax fraction. The carbon preference index (CPI) calculated for the hydrocarbon sample with the chain lengths between C₁₈ and C₃₄ was 1.2469, showing an odd to even carbon number predominance.