Ndocosane

Ndocosane, also written as n-docosane, is a straight-chain alkane with 22 carbon atoms, belonging to the paraffin family. Its molecular formula is C22H46. As a saturated hydrocarbon, it contains only single bonds between carbon atoms and is nonpolar, making it insoluble in water and miscible with most organic solvents. In practical terms, it is a waxy, relatively inert hydrocarbon that burns with a clean flame.

Ndocosane occurs naturally as a component of crude oil and refined petroleum fractions, especially in the waxy and asphaltene portions. It can also be found in some natural waxes and plant cuticular waxes. Industrially, it is typically obtained as part of vacuum distillation or refining processes that produce paraffin waxes and lubricants; it is not produced as a major bulk chemical but is among the long-chain alkanes recovered from petroleum.

In applications, ndocosane is often used as a standard reference compound in gas chromatography to calibrate retention indices for n-alkanes and to study hydrocarbon behavior. It is also used in oil and wax analyses as a diagnostic hydrocarbon.

Safety: Like other long-chain alkanes, ndocosane is flammable and should be handled with standard laboratory precautions. It presents low acute toxicity but can pose fire hazards; inhalation or dermal exposure should be minimized, and spills should be managed according to relevant regulations.