Dodecan

Dodecan is a straight-chain alkane with the chemical formula C12H26. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature and pressure. As a saturated hydrocarbon, it consists solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms linked by single bonds. Dodecan is one of many components found in petroleum and is also a constituent of kerosene and diesel fuel. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether.

The physical properties of dodecan include a melting point of -9.87 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 216.2 degrees Celsius. Its density is approximately 0.7486 grams per cubic centimeter at 20 degrees Celsius. Dodecan is a flammable liquid. In terms of chemical reactivity, alkanes like dodecan are generally unreactive under normal conditions, undergoing combustion when ignited in the presence of oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water. They can also participate in free-radical halogenation reactions under ultraviolet light or high temperatures.

Dodecan has various industrial applications, primarily as a solvent and as a component in fuels. It can be used in the production of detergents and other chemical intermediates. In laboratory settings, it serves as a reference standard in gas chromatography and as a solvent for specific chemical reactions. Due to its relatively low volatility compared to shorter-chain alkanes, it is often preferred in applications where a less volatile solvent is required.