1. Plural of phytane; organic compounds derived from the side chain of chlorophyll, found in sediments and used as biomarkers in petroleum geology and organic geochemistry.
Usage: technical; chemistry/geology; plural form

Examples

• Phytanes are commonly detected in ancient sedimentary rocks as indicators of past biological activity.
• Geochemists analyze phytanes to trace the origin and maturity of crude oil samples.
• The presence of phytanes in a rock formation suggests the former existence of photosynthetic organisms.
• Phytanes serve as molecular fossils that help reconstruct paleoenvironmental conditions.