描述
Xi-3-heptanol, also known as 3-hydroxyheptane or butyl ethyl carbinol, is a member of the class of compounds known as secondary alcohols. Secondary alcohols are compounds containing a secondary alcohol functional group, with the general structure HOC(R)(R') (R,R'=alkyl, aryl). Thus, xi-3-heptanol is considered to be a fatty alcohol lipid molecule. Xi-3-heptanol is slightly soluble (in water) and an extremely weak acidic compound (based on its pKa). Xi-3-heptanol can be found in fruits and herbs and spices, which makes xi-3-heptanol a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. Xi-3-heptanol can be found primarily in feces.