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Heptacosane

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Identification
Molecular formula
C27H56
CAS number
593-49-7
IUPAC name
heptacosane
State
State

At room temperature, heptacosane is found in a solid state with a waxy or greasy feel, similar to other alkanes with long carbon chains.

Melting point (Celsius)
61.40
Melting point (Kelvin)
334.55
Boiling point (Celsius)
424.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
697.15
General information
Molecular weight
380.75g/mol
Molar mass
380.7490g/mol
Density
0.8100g/cm3
Appearence

Heptacosane appears as a white crystalline solid or colorless wax-like substance. Its texture is similar to that of paraffin wax, and it may also appear as an oily, transparent film. It is practically insoluble in water.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Heptacosane

Heptacosane, with the chemical formula C27H56, is a long-chain alkane that exhibits unique solubility characteristics. Being a non-polar hydrocarbon, its solubility is notably affected by its structure:

  • Solvent Compatibility: Heptacosane is insoluble in water due to the inability of non-polar compounds to interact favorably with polar water molecules.
  • Hydrophobic Interactions: It is, however, soluble in organic solvents, particularly non-polar solvents such as hexane, benzene, and chloroform.
  • Chain Length Influence: The long carbon chain enhances its hydrophobic nature, leading to decreased solubility in polar environments.

In summary, the solubility of heptacosane can be summarized as follows:

  1. Insoluble in water.
  2. Sparingly soluble in polar organic solvents.
  3. Highly soluble in non-polar organic solvents.

This behavior is a prime example of how molecular structure dictates solubility and the importance of solvent selection in chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Heptacosane

Heptacosane is an intriguing organic compound belonging to the category of alkanes, and it stands out due to its unique properties and applications. Here are some notable aspects of this fascinating compound:

  • Hydrocarbon Part of a Larger Family: Heptacosane is a member of the straight-chain alkanes, meaning it consists exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Its long carbon chain contributes to some interesting characteristics.
  • Natural Occurrence: This compound is not man-made; it can be found in natural products such as beeswax and various plant waxes. This shows how essential it is in nature’s design.
  • Phase Behavior: Due to its long chain, heptacosane typically exhibits solid behavior at room temperature, making it an appealing candidate in studies of phase transitions in organic materials.
  • Research Applications: Scientists often explore heptacosane in fields such as material science and chemistry, especially for its use in developing lubricants or as a standard in chromatography.
  • Environmental Impact: Understanding compounds like heptacosane helps researchers assess the environmental impact of long-chain hydrocarbons, especially in terms of biodegradability and ecotoxicity.
  • Chemical Properties: The study of heptacosane also provides insights into the properties of similar hydrocarbons, which can aid in the synthesis of new compounds in organic chemistry.

In conclusion, heptacosane is more than just a straightforward alkane. It plays a role in both natural processes and various scientific applications, making it a compound that warrants further study and exploration within the field of chemistry.

Synonyms
HEPTACOSANE
n-Heptacosane
EINECS 209-792-4
AI3-36283
DTXSID6058637
CHEBI:32941
HSDB 8357
CH3-[CH2]25-CH3
CH3-(CH2)25-CH3
nHeptacosane
DTXCID4032324
209-792-4
bjqwyejqwhsscj-uhfffaoysa-n
593-49-7
VP371W2GJS
Heptacosane; n-Heptacosane
UNII-VP371W2GJS
MFCD00009862
n-Heptacosane 100 microg/mL in Hexane
QSPL 047
QSPL 073
Heptacosane, analytical standard
Heptacosane, >=98.0% (GC)
LMFA11000574
AKOS016013111
FH74859
HY-W269368
LS-15223
CS-0314668
H0017
NS00010782
C16045
Q151028
4557DE11-D8CE-461B-BBA4-5A5BBDA1A670