[Chemical Knowledge]：The properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of n-heptane, structural pictures of n-heptane

n-Heptane Properties

n-Heptane (n-heptane) is a colorless transparent liquid with the smell of petroleum. Its molecular formula is C7H16 and its molecular weight is 100.2. n-Heptane is a saturated hydrocarbon, belonging to the alkane series. It has a melting point of -90.6°C, a boiling point of 98.4°C, and a density of 0.684g/cm³(20°C). Heptane is insoluble in water, but it is miscible with ethanol, ether, benzene and other organic solvents. Because of its relatively stable chemical properties, n-heptane is not prone to chemical reactions under normal conditions, but some cracking reactions or oxidation reactions may occur under high temperature, high pressure or ultraviolet irradiation.

n-Heptane Uses

n-Heptane has a variety of uses in industry and laboratory. One of its most important uses is as a solvent, especially in the pharmaceutical, paint, coating and cosmetics industries, for the dissolution of resins, oils and waxes and other substances. Because the boiling point of n-heptane is close to 100 ℃, it is a good reaction medium and cleaning agent. n-Heptane is also used as one of the standard fuels to calibrate the antiknock performance (octane number) of the engine. In the laboratory, n-heptane is often used in organic synthesis reactions and extraction processes.

n-Heptane Upstream Feed

The production of n-heptane mainly depends on the petrochemical process. Its upstream raw materials are mainly petroleum fractions, obtained by petroleum cracking and distillation processes. Specifically, naphtha (naphtha) cracking is one of the important sources for the production of n-heptane. In the cracking process, naphtha is cracked at high temperatures into various hydrocarbons, including n-heptane. Subsequently, n-heptane is separated from the other components by means of a rectification column. n-Heptane can also be synthesized by a synthetic process, such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis), using carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to synthesize mixed hydrocarbons, and then by distillation to obtain n-heptane.

n-Heptane Downstream Applications

n-Heptane has a wide market demand in downstream applications. As a solvent, n-heptane is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for the preparation and purification of drugs. In the cosmetics industry, n-heptane is used to produce flavors and fragrances. Due to its good solubility properties and relatively low toxicity, n-heptane also has important applications in the paint and coatings industry for thinning paints and cleaning tools. The high-purity variety of n-heptane is used as a standard substance for octane number and plays a key role in the research and production of automotive and aviation fuels. It is also used in the cleaning and testing of high-precision instruments to ensure the performance of the instrument and the accuracy of the data.

n-Heptane Storage Method

Storage of n-heptane requires special attention to its flammability and volatility. Under normal circumstances, n-heptane should be stored in a cool, ventilated and dry warehouse, away from fire sources, heat sources and oxidants. Storage containers shall be metal drums or glass bottles with good sealing performance to prevent leakage and volatilization. Due to the mixture of n-heptane vapor and air can form an explosive mixture, the warehouse should be equipped with appropriate ventilation equipment, and maintain good ventilation conditions. Fire fighting equipment such as dry powder fire extinguishers, foam fire extinguishers and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers shall be provided in the storage area to deal with sudden fire. Operators should wear protective gloves and goggles when handling and using n-heptane to prevent contact and inhalation of its vapors.

Environmental and safety considerations

Heptane has certain influence on environment and health. Inhalation of its vapors may cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness and nausea, and prolonged contact with the skin may cause dryness and irritation. In order to reduce the impact on the environment, the waste of n-heptane should be treated in accordance with the hazardous waste treatment specifications to avoid direct discharge into sewers or natural water bodies. During use and storage, the safety operation regulations shall be strictly observed to prevent leakage and accidents. Regularly check the tightness of storage facilities and containers to ensure safety.

Market Prospects and Trends

With the continuous development of industrial and consumer markets, the demand for n-heptane is on the rise. Especially in the fields of new material research and development and high-precision instrument manufacturing, the demand for high-purity n-heptane is increasing. The increasingly stringent environmental regulations have also prompted companies to look for more environmentally friendly and safe production processes and alternatives. In the future, the production and application of n-heptane will pay more attention to green and sustainable development, and promote its application expansion and technological innovation in high value-added fields.

Conclusion

As an important organic chemical raw material, n-heptane has stable chemical properties and a wide range of applications. Its production depends on the petrochemical process, and the upstream and downstream industrial chain is more mature. During storage and use, special attention should be paid to its safety and environmental impact. With the growth of market demand and technological progress, n-heptane will continue to play an important role in future industrial applications. Enterprises need to actively respond to environmental challenges and promote the development of green production processes.