n-Heptane is a chain-like hydrocarbon from the alkane group with the chemical formula C7H16. It is the unbranched representative and technically the most important of the nine heptane isomers.
|
Parameter |
Unit |
|
|
CAS Number |
142-82-5 |
|
|
EC Number |
205-563-8 |
|
|
Customs tariff number |
29011000 |
|
|
Molar Mass |
g/mol |
100,21 |
|
State at ambient temperature |
liquid, colourless |
|
|
Odour |
gasoline |
|
|
Density |
g/cm3 (15 °C) |
0,68 |
|
Melting Point |
°C |
-91 |
|
Boiling Point |
°C |
98 |
|
Flash Point |
°C |
-7 |
|
Vapour Pressure |
kPa (20 °C) |
47,4 |
|
Refractive Index |
1,3878 |
n-Heptane is almost insoluble in water, but shows very good solubility or unlimited miscibility with many organic solvents such as ethanol, ethers, esters, white spirit, benzene or chlorinated hydrocarbons. The RON (Research Octane Number) of n-heptane is by definition = 0.
Like all alkanes (paraffins, saturated hydrocarbons), n-heptane is a very good solvent for non-polar substances, fats and oils. Especially in the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as an inert solvent, for purification, recrystallization and washing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). Some synthetic rubbers such as polybutadiene are produced in solution. Since n-heptane is chemically inert (it has no so-called functionality or functional group), it is an ideal solvent for this sensitive reaction.
Heavy greases or oils can be diluted with parafins such as n-heptane to facilitate application. It is also found as a component in paints, varnishes and adhesives.
n-Heptane has an octane number of 0, which has been defined internationally. This makes high-purity n-heptane (min. 99.75 %) a primary reference fuel for determining the octane number of a gasoline in a specially built engine.
The extraction and purification of the currently popular natural substance CBD (cannabidiol) is mainly carried out with n-heptane.
Synonyms: Heptane