Chemical laboratory

N Heptane

High-Purity Solvent for Chromatography and Extraction

  • CAS 142-82-5
  • Formula C₇H₁₆
  • Flash Pt -4°C
  • Density 0.684 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 98.4°C °C
Flash point -4°C °C
Density 0.684 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility Insoluble in water -
Ph N/A -
Molecular weight 100.21 g/mol g/mol
Melting point -90.6°C °C
Vapor pressure 48 mmHg at 20°C mmHg
Autoignition temp 215°C -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Gasoline-like -
Vapor density 3.5 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

N Heptane (CAS 142-82-5) is a straight-chain alkane hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C₇H₁₆. This clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic gasoline-like odor serves as a versatile solvent and chemical intermediate across multiple industries. With a molecular weight of 100.21 g/mol and excellent solvent properties, n-heptane provides consistent performance in analytical, industrial, and research applications.

Key Applications

  • Gas Chromatography: Functions as a high-purity mobile phase and extraction solvent for analytical testing, providing reliable separation and detection of organic compounds in laboratory environments.
  • Extraction Solvent: Effectively extracts oils, fats, and other organic materials from plant and animal sources due to its nonpolar nature and selective solubility characteristics.
  • Octane Rating Reference: Serves as a primary reference fuel in octane rating determinations, assigned a value of zero on the octane scale for fuel quality assessments.
  • Industrial Solvent: Used in manufacturing processes requiring a fast-evaporating, low-residue solvent for cleaning, degreasing, and chemical synthesis operations.

Safety & Handling

N Heptane requires careful handling due to its highly flammable nature, with a flash point of -4°C and autoignition temperature of 215°C. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation, as the vapor density is 3.5 times heavier than air. Use appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and flame-resistant clothing. Keep away from ignition sources, heat, and open flames. Work in well-ventilated areas or use local exhaust ventilation to maintain exposure levels below occupational limits.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store n-heptane in tightly sealed, properly grounded containers away from heat sources, sparks, and incompatible materials. Use only approved containers made of materials compatible with hydrocarbons. Maintain storage temperatures below 25°C in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents, acids, and bases. Properly stored material maintains quality for extended periods when kept in original, unopened containers under recommended conditions.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides reliable N Heptane supply from our Taylor, Texas facility with same-day shipping capabilities. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS for smaller quantities, LTL for medium orders, and FTL for bulk requirements. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) documentation to ensure compliance and quality assurance for your operations.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is n-Heptane (CAS 142-82-5) and what is it used for?
n-Heptane (C7H16, CAS 142-82-5) is a colorless, highly flammable aliphatic solvent used as a cleaning agent, extraction solvent, reference standard and laboratory reagent. It is commonly used in coatings, adhesives, chromatography and industrial solvent applications.
How should n-Heptane be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store n-Heptane in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources, in tightly closed, approved containers and with proper grounding for transfer. When stored unopened under recommended conditions, typical shelf life is 12–24 months, but check the supplier COA for specific expiry guidance.
What safety and handling precautions are required for n-Heptane?
n-Heptane is highly flammable—use in well-ventilated areas, eliminate ignition sources, and employ grounding/bonding during transfer; wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection and suitable clothing. Avoid inhalation and prolonged skin contact, and follow the product SDS for spill response and firefighting measures.
What does 99% concentration mean and how does purity affect performance?
A 99% concentration indicates the product is at least 99% n‑heptane by weight with up to ~1% impurities; higher purity generally yields more consistent boiling behavior and better performance in analytical or calibration uses. For sensitive applications such as gas chromatography or reference standards, request a higher-purity or certified grade and the COA.
What documentation is available for n-Heptane (CAS 142-82-5)?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and technical data sheet (TDS); additional documents such as chromatograms, material compliance (e.g., REACH/TSCA declarations) or custom certificates are often available on request. Review the SDS before use and retain COAs for quality control.
How is n-Heptane shipped and what packaging options are common?
n-Heptane is transported as a flammable liquid under applicable hazardous-goods regulations (air, sea and road) and must be packaged and labeled accordingly. Common packaging options include steel drums, UN-rated IBCs/totes and smaller metal or plastic pails, with availability depending on order size and carrier rules.
Is n-Heptane compatible with common materials and equipment?
n-Heptane is generally compatible with stainless steel, glass and PTFE, but it can swell or degrade certain elastomers and some rubbers; it is incompatible with strong oxidizers and reactive halogens. Always consult a chemical compatibility chart and test seals/gaskets and paints before prolonged exposure.
What are the key technical specifications for n-Heptane 99%?
Key specs: Chemical formula C7H16, CAS 142-82-5, purity 99% (w/w), appearance colorless liquid, typical boiling point ~98.4 °C, density around 0.68 g/mL at 20 °C and a low flash point (highly flammable). For certified values and impurity limits request the supplier COA.
Which industries and applications commonly use n-Heptane?
n-Heptane is used across adhesives and coatings, solvent cleaning, polymer processing, analytical laboratories (chromatography and standards), calibration and electronics cleaning. Its low polarity and volatility make it useful where a non-polar, fast-evaporating solvent is required.
How can I purchase n-Heptane and what is typical availability or lead time?
n-Heptane 99% is sold by chemical distributors and manufacturers in lab packs and bulk quantities; typical pack sizes include drums, pails and IBCs. Availability and lead time depend on order size, regional inventory and regulatory paperwork, so contact suppliers for pricing, minimum order quantities and required compliance documentation.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
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