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n-Heptane

      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.


      Physical Parameter 

      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.

       

      Application

      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.

      • Non-polar solvent
      • Primary Reference Fuel, RON = 0
      • Production of API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients)
      • varnishes, paints, adhesives
      • Natural product extraction like CBD (Cannabidiol)


      Synonyms: Heptane

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      Topics: Pharmaceutical Industry, Paints, Coatings & Adhesives, Polymer Industry, LCD-Screens, Dilution of Heavy Greases and Oils, Heptane (C7)