CAS 142-82-5 · Aliphatic Solvent
Heptane
n-Heptane · C₇H₁₆ · MW 100.21 g/mol
A straight-chain alkane solvent best known as the zero-octane calibration standard for fuel testing. Heptane's non-polar character, moderate boiling point, and clean evaporation profile make it valuable in adhesives, pharmaceutical synthesis, and analytical chemistry. Texas-Chem supplies heptane in drums and totes.
Formula
C₇H₁₆
Boiling Point
98.4 °C
Solubility
Practically insoluble
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes
Structural Formula
Straight-chain alkane — seven carbon atoms; defines 0 on the octane rating scale
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 3 — Serious hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- 500 ppm (2,000 mg/m³)
- ACGIH TLV (TWA)
- 400 ppm
- IDLH
- 750 ppm
- DOT Hazard Class
- 3 — Flammable Liquid
- UN Number
- UN 1206
- Packing Group
- II
SDS available upon request.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₁₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 100.21 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 142-82-5 |
| Boiling Point | 98.4 °C (209.1 °F) |
| Melting Point | −90.6 °C (−131.1 °F) |
| Flash Point | −4 °C (24.8 °F) — Flammable |
| Density | 0.684 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 5.3 kPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | 3.4 mg/L at 25 °C (practically insoluble) |
| Refractive Index | 1.3878 at 20 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | 204 °C (399 °F) |
| Explosive Limits | 1.05% – 6.7% (v/v in air) |
Industrial Applications
Calibration Standards
Primary reference solvent for octane rating calibration in fuel testing. n-Heptane defines the zero point (0 octane) of the octane rating scale.
Adhesives & Rubber Cement
Carrier solvent in rubber cement, contact adhesives, and solvent-based sealants. Provides good solvency for natural and synthetic rubbers.
Pharmaceutical Processing
Reaction and extraction solvent in API synthesis where a non-polar, low-boiling hydrocarbon is required with minimal residual solvent concerns.
Laboratory & Analytical
ACS/HPLC-grade heptane used as a non-polar mobile phase in normal-phase liquid chromatography and as an extraction solvent.
Coatings & Inks
Diluent in solvent-based coatings and printing inks where a higher-boiling alternative to hexane is needed for improved open time.
Cleaning & Degreasing
Effective degreaser for precision metal parts and optical components where residue-free evaporation is critical.
Why Source Heptane from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying industrial solvents to Texas manufacturers
- Industrial, ACS, and HPLC grades available
- Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to totes
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities