n-Octane is a chain-like hydrocarbon from the alkane group with the chemical formula C8H18. It is the unbranched representative and of the eighteen octane isomers.
|
Parameter |
Unit |
|
|
CAS Number |
111-65-9 |
|
|
EC Number |
203-892-1 |
|
|
Customs tariff number |
29011000 |
|
|
Molar Mass |
g/mol |
114,23 |
|
State at ambient temperature |
liquid, colourless |
|
|
Odour |
gasoline |
|
|
Density |
g/cm3 (15 °C) |
0,70 |
|
Melting Point |
°C |
-57 |
|
Boiling Point |
°C |
126 |
|
Flash Point |
°C |
13 |
|
Vapour Pressure |
kPa (20 °C) |
1,47 |
|
Refractive Index |
1,3980 |
n-Octane is almost insoluble in water, but shows very good solubility or unlimited miscibility with many organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers, esters, aromatics or chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Like all alkanes (paraffins, saturated hydrocarbons), n-octane is a very good solvent for nonpolar substances, fats and oils. Especially in the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as an inert solvent, for purification, recrystallization and washing of active pharmaceutical substances.
Heavy greases or oils can be diluted with paraffins such as n-octane to facilitate application. It is also found as a component in paints, varnishes and adhesives.
The technically most important octanes, n-octane and iso-octane, are used in special adhesives for plastics and elastomers (rubber) because they do not dissolve the plastic.
To separate liquid chemical products, it can help to add paraffins such as n-octane to the mixture. So-called azeotropes (mixtures that cannot be separated by distillation) can be separated in this way in many cases. This process is used especially in the production of elastane fibers (Spandex, Lycra).
Synonyms: Octane, Linear Octane