C20H32O2

C20H32O2 is the molecular formula representing a set of organic compounds that share twenty carbon atoms, thirty-two hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The formula alone does not specify a single compound, because many structural isomers can fit this composition. The exact arrangement of atoms and the presence of stereochemistry determine the identity and properties of each isomer.

With a formula of C20H32O2, the molecule has five degrees of unsaturation, counting rings and multiple bonds. This level of unsaturation allows for combinations such as one or more rings, double bonds, carbonyl groups, or lactone or ester functionalities. Two oxygen atoms can be incorporated as a carboxyl group, an ester, a lactone, or other carbonyl- or ether-related arrangements, leading to diverse functional and reactive profiles.

In practice, C20H32O2 is used as a general formula in chemical databases and literature to catalog families of compounds, particularly within natural products and terpenoid chemistry. Isomers may range from acyclic to polycyclic structures and may serve as intermediates or end products in synthetic or biosynthetic pathways. Determining the exact identity requires spectroscopic analysis (such as NMR and MS) and, often, derivatization or crystallography.

The precise properties—melting point, solubility, and reactivity—depend on the specific structure and stereochemistry of the isomer, not merely on the formula. The molecular weight is about 304.47 g/mol.