C12H26

C12H26 is the molecular formula for dodecane, a saturated acyclic hydrocarbon in the alkane series. It contains twelve carbon atoms and twenty-six hydrogen atoms and follows the general alkane formula CnH2n+2. The symbol can refer to dodecane itself or to any of its structural isomers; for C12H26 there are many possible branched forms in addition to the straight-chain isomer, n-dodecane. The total number of constitutional isomers for C12H26 is large, reflecting extensive branching possibilities.

The straight-chain isomer, n-dodecane, and the various branched isomers share common alkane characteristics: they are saturated hydrocarbons with relatively nonpolar, C–H and C–C bonds. These compounds are typically isolated from petroleum fractions and can be produced in refining processes.

Occurrence and use: C12H26 compounds occur naturally as components of crude oil and other fossil fuels in higher-boiling fractions. They are used as nonpolar solvents in industrial applications and serve as reference or calibration substances in fuel research, analytical chemistry, and hydrocarbon analysis due to their well-characterized properties.

Physical properties: the molecular weight is about 170.34 g/mol. n-Dodecane boils at roughly 216–217 °C and melts near −9 °C. It has a density around 0.75 g/cm³ at room temperature and is insoluble in water but mixes with other nonpolar solvents. Like other alkanes, C12H26 compounds are generally flammable, with safety considerations focusing on flammability of vapors and environmental impact.

Chemically, C12H26 behaves as a typical alkane: relatively inert under normal conditions, with combustion producing carbon dioxide and water.