Tetradecane

Tetradecane is a saturated hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C14H30. It is a straight-chain alkane, meaning its carbon atoms are arranged in a single line. At room temperature and pressure, tetradecane is a colorless liquid. It is one of many compounds that make up kerosene and jet fuel.

Tetradecane is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether. Its melting point is 5.9 °C and its boiling point is 253.5 °C. As an alkane, tetradecane is relatively unreactive. It undergoes combustion when burned, producing carbon dioxide and water. It can also undergo halogenation reactions under certain conditions.

Industrially, tetradecane is obtained from petroleum refining processes. It finds applications as a solvent, a component in fuels, and in the synthesis of other organic chemicals. It can also be used as a standard in chromatography. While generally considered to have low toxicity, prolonged exposure to high concentrations of tetradecane vapor may cause respiratory irritation or central nervous system depression.