Methylcholanthrene

Methylcholanthrene (MCA) is a highly carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon produced by burning organic compounds at very high temperatures. It is a yellow solid with a melting point around 180 °C. Methylcholanthrene is used in laboratory studies of chemical carcinogenesis. It is an alkylated derivative of benz[a]anthracene and has a similar UV spectrum. The most common isomer is 3-methylcholanthrene, although the methyl group can occur in other places.

3-Methylcholanthrene, a known carcinogen which builds up in the prostate due to cholesterol breakdown, is implicated in prostate cancer. It "readily produces" primary sarcomas in mice.