C10C16

C10C16 is a designation used in petrochemical and analytical chemistry to refer to hydrocarbon compounds that contain ten to sixteen carbon atoms. It is not a single chemical compound but a range used to describe a distillate or fraction of a hydrocarbon stream. In some sources, it appears as C10–C16 or C10C16 to denote the same carbon-number window.

Chemically, the C10–C16 range encompasses a variety of hydrocarbons, primarily alkanes (paraffins) with ten to sixteen carbon atoms. This includes linear and branched isomers such as decane (C10H22), undecane (C11H24), dodecane (C12H26), tridecane (C13H28), tetradecane (C14H30), pentadecane (C15H32), and hexadecane (C16H34), as well as cyclic derivatives within the same carbon count range. In practice, a C10–C16 fraction is frequently a mixture of isomers and impurities that result from refining and upgrading processes.

Applications for C10–C16 hydrocarbon cuts include solvent blends, components of diesel and jet fuel pools, and certain basestocks for lubricants. The range also serves as calibration and reference components in analytical methods such as gas chromatography, where it helps characterize petroleum products.

Production and processing of C10–C16 cuts occur mainly through fractional distillation of crude oil and through upgrading of heavier fractions via cracking or hydrocracking. The exact composition depends on the crude oil source and processing conditions, but separation to the C10–C16 window is a routine refinery operation.

Safety and environmental considerations align with other hydrocarbon liquids: they are flammable and may pose inhalation or irritation hazards. Spill containment and proper handling per safety data sheets are recommended, with attention to environmental impact in case of releases.