Cholesterin

Cholesterin, a monatomic alcohol having the formula C₂₆H₄₄O. It is a normal constituent of bile, in which fluid it is probably held in solution by the bile salts. Under certain diseased conditions cholesterin becomes deposited in the biliary passages, forming concretions known as gall stones. Cholesterin is insoluble in water, soluble in ether or boiling alcohol; it crystallises in needles or in peculiar rhombic scales. Besides occurring in bile, it has been shown to be present in certain exudations, in disorganised eyes, in yolk of egg, and in certain plants. As obtained in an impure state from wool grease it is known commercially as lanolin, and is used in medicine to form ointments, etc., and also for the manufacture of cosmetics and pomades.