nhexadecane

n-Hexadecane, also known as n-C16H34, is a straight-chain alkane in the paraffin series. It comprises 16 carbon atoms and 34 hydrogen atoms and is a nonpolar, saturated hydrocarbon. At room temperature it is a colorless, odorless oily liquid with a relatively high boiling point.

Physical and chemical properties: n-Hexadecane has a molecular weight of about 226.4 g/mol. Its boiling point is around 287°C, and its melting point is near 18°C, making it a liquid at typical ambient conditions. It has a density of about 0.77 g/mL at 20°C. It is insoluble in water and is miscible with most nonpolar organic solvents such as hexane and toluene. As a saturated hydrocarbon, it is chemically inert under many conditions.

Occurrence and production: n-Hexadecane occurs in crude oil as part of the wider paraffin fraction. It is obtained during petroleum refining through distillation and purification. It can also be produced by catalytic cracking and subsequent purification of longer hydrocarbons.

Uses: It serves as a high-boiling solvent in organic synthesis and as a carrier liquid in cosmetic formulations. It is used as a heat transfer fluid in niche applications and as a phase-change material due to its melting point near room temperature. In analytical chemistry, n-hexadecane is employed as a standard reference material and retention index calibrant in gas chromatography because of its well-characterized properties.

Safety and handling: n-Hexadecane is flammable and vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. It should be handled with standard hydrocarbon safety practices to minimize inhalation, skin contact, and ignition sources. Environmental releases should be contained and cleaned up to prevent spills.

See also: n-alkanes, paraffins, hexadecane in phase-change materials.