Category heptane

How a Leader Captured 80% Heptane Market Share Through Innovation and Customer-Centric Solutions

Abstract
Junyuan Petroleum Group has emerged as the undisputed leader in the global heptane market, commanding an 80% share driven by its relentless focus on product purity, flexible packaging solutions, and unparalleled logistics infrastructure. This article explores how the company outperforms competitors to become the preferred partner for industries like pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and specialty chemicals. Key factors include its ISO-certified production, steel drum and ISO tank packaging versatility, and a global distribution network that ensures seamless delivery to over 50 countries.

Unrivaled Product Quality

Junyuan’s heptane is renowned for its ultra-high purity (99.9%+), meeting stringent standards such as USP, EP, and ASTM. Its proprietary distillation technology eliminates impurities like aromatic hydrocarbons and sulfur compounds, making it ideal for sensitive applications:

• Pharmaceuticals: Critical for drug formulation and solvent extraction, with zero tolerance for contaminants.
• Electronics Cleaning: Leaves no residue, ensuring precision in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Polymerization: Delivers consistent reactivity for high-performance polymer production.

The company’s dedicated QC labs and real-time batch tracking system guarantee compliance with client-specific requirements, earning trust from Fortune 500 manufacturers.

Packaging Flexibility: Steel Drums & ISO Tanks

Junyuan caters to diverse client needs with two optimized packaging options:

1. Steel Drums (137 kg): Ideal for small-batch orders, ensuring airtight storage and safe handling.
2. ISO Tanks (20,000+ liters): Cost-effective for bulk shipments, reducing waste and logistics costs.

Both options adhere to UN safety standards and include tamper-proof seals, minimizing risks during transit.

Global Logistics Mastery

Junyuan’s dominance stems from its integrated supply chain:

• Strategic Hubs: Warehouses in Rotterdam, Houston, Singapore, and Dubai enable rapid regional delivery.
• Pharma-Grade Logistics: Temperature-controlled ISO tanks and GDP-compliant protocols for pharmaceutical clients.
• End-to-End Tracking: Digital platforms provide real-time shipment visibility, from factory to end-user.

This infrastructure slashes lead times to 5-35 days globally, even for urgent orders.

Sticky Customers in the Pharmaceutical Sector

Junyuan’s 80% market share is anchored by long-term partnerships with top-tier pharmaceutical companies. Key drivers include:

• Regulatory Expertise: Full documentation support for FDA, REACH, and ICH guidelines.
• Customized Blends: Tailored heptane grades for tablet coating, API synthesis, and vaccine production.
• 24/7 Technical Support: On-call chemists assist with formulation challenges and process optimization.

A leading European pharma giant recently credited Junyuan’s heptane for cutting its production downtime by 30%, underscoring the value of reliability.

Why Junyuan Stands Out

• Market Leadership: 80% global heptane share, validated by independent industry reports.
• Sustainability: Closed-loop recycling programs for steel drums and ISO tanks.
• Agility: Capacity to scale production by 200% within 90 days to meet surges in demand.

Next Steps for Buyers

1. Request a Purity Audit: Validate Junyuan’s heptane against your lab specifications.
2. Optimize Costs: Leverage bulk ISO tank discounts for annual contracts.
3. Engage Regulatory Teams: Collaborate early to streamline compliance for niche applications.

Junyuan Petroleum Group’s blend of quality, innovation, and logistics precision has redefined industry benchmarks, making it the go-to heptane supplier for mission-critical applications worldwide.

Abstract

n-Pentane, n-Hexane, and n-Heptane are straight-chain alkanes with similar chemical and physical properties. They are widely used in various industries, including solvents, fuel additives, and chemical synthesis. This article explores their shared characteristics, major industrial applications, and how their usage differs across countries. While n-Pentane is commonly used as a blowing agent and refrigerant, n-Hexane is widely employed in oil extraction and rubber production, though its use in food processing is increasingly restricted due to health concerns. Meanwhile, n-Heptane serves as an important reference material for octane rating in fuels and is also utilized in the coatings and laboratory industries. Understanding these hydrocarbons’ roles in different global markets highlights their industrial significance and regulatory variations.

Keywords:

n-Pentane, n-Hexane, n-Heptane, alkanes, solvents, fuel additives, chemical industry, industrial applications

Introduction

Hydrocarbons play a vital role in various industrial sectors, and among them, straight-chain alkanes such as n-Pentane, n-Hexane, and n-Heptane are particularly significant. These three alkanes share many similarities in their chemical and physical properties, yet they serve distinct purposes in different industries. This article examines their characteristics, common applications, and how their usage varies globally.

Common Characteristics of n-Pentane, n-Hexane, and n-Heptane

These three alkanes exhibit several shared properties:

1. Stable Chemical Nature – As saturated hydrocarbons, they are relatively unreactive but highly flammable.

2. Similar Physical Properties – All are colorless, volatile liquids with a characteristic odor. Their boiling points increase with molecular size:

• n-Pentane: 36°C

• n-Hexane: 69°C

• n-Heptane: 98°C

3. Good Solvent Properties – They dissolve well in organic solvents but are insoluble in water, making them useful as industrial solvents.

4. Highly Flammable – Their vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, necessitating careful handling and storage.

Industrial Applications and Global Usage

1. n-Pentane (C₅H₁₂)

• Primary Uses: Solvent, blowing agent, and fuel component.

• In China: Extensively used in polyurethane foam production, especially for refrigerator insulation and construction materials.

• In the United States: Used as a laboratory solvent and as a gasoline blending component to improve combustion properties.

• In the European Union: Applied as a refrigerant and in aerosol propellants, replacing ozone-depleting substances.

• In Japan: Utilized as a cleaning solvent and in cooling systems.

• In Developing Countries: Sometimes used as a fuel substitute due to its flammability.

2. n-Hexane (C₆H₁₄)

• Primary Uses: Oil extraction, rubber manufacturing, and industrial cleaning agent.

• In China: Widely used for edible oil extraction (soybean, peanut, and rapeseed oils).

• In the United States: Mainly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, printing inks, and adhesives. However, its use in food processing is restricted due to potential health risks.

• In the European Union: Applied in rubber manufacturing and as an industrial cleaning agent, though its use in food processing is increasingly regulated.

• In Japan: Commonly used as a cleaning agent in electronics manufacturing.

• Global Trends: Many countries are limiting its application in food-related industries due to health concerns.

3. n-Heptane (C₇H₁₆)

• Primary Uses: Solvent, fuel reference material, and coatings industry.

• In China: Used as a standard reference for gasoline octane rating and as a solvent in coatings.

• In the United States: Plays a key role in aviation fuel testing and is used in industrial cleaning applications.

• In the European Union: Commonly found in paint thinners, laboratory solvents, and fuel research.

• In Japan: Applied in rubber and coatings industries and as a chemical solvent in laboratories.

• In Research & Development: High-purity n-Heptane is frequently used in scientific studies, particularly in fuel and chemical analysis.

Conclusion

Despite their structural similarities, n-Pentane, n-Hexane, and n-Heptane have distinct applications based on their physical properties and industry requirements. While n-Pentane is primarily used as a blowing agent and refrigerant, n-Hexane is a common solvent in oil extraction and industrial cleaning, though its use in food applications is decreasing due to safety regulations. n-Heptane, on the other hand, serves as a fuel standard and solvent in coatings and laboratory applications. Different countries regulate and utilize these hydrocarbons based on industrial demand and environmental policies, highlighting the evolving nature of their applications worldwide.

Understanding the roles of these alkanes in various sectors helps industries optimize their usage while considering safety and environmental impacts.

I. Isopentane

Today, the price of isopentane with 95% purity is approximatelyUSD 1,106.14 per ton(not in drums, price to be negotiated); the price of isopentane with 99% purity is approximatelyUSD 1,231.51 per ton(not in drums, price to be negotiated).

II. Pentane Mixture

Today, the price of the pentane mixture (assuming a composition similar to that of isopentane for pricing purposes) is approximatelyUSD 1,113.37 per ton.

III. Food-Grade n-Hexane

Today, the price of food-grade n-hexane with 60% and 80% purity is approximatelyUSD 1,113.37 per ton; the price of 99% purity is approximatelyUSD 1,375.68 per ton. If customers have strict requirements for aromatic hydrocarbon content (less than 10ppm), an additional fee will be charged.

IV. n-Heptane

Today, the price of n-heptane is approximatelyUSD 2,346.23 per ton. If drums are selected, an additional drumming fee will be charged (specific amount to be negotiated). If customers have strict requirements for aromatic hydrocarbon content (less than 10ppm), the price will also increase.

V. High-Purity Isobutane

Today, the price of high-purity isobutane is approximatelyUSD 1,005.97 per ton(price to be negotiated).

VI. Industrial Hexane and Cyclopentane

Today, the ex-factory price of industrial hexane is approximatelyUSD 1,744.41 per ton(drumming fee and drum cost extra); the price of cyclopentane is approximatelyUSD 1,976.12 per ton.

Exchange Rate Note: The above prices have been converted based on the real-time exchange rate of 7.2497 Chinese yuan to US dollars on February 4, 2025. Customers are advised to confirm the prices with the supplier before making any transactions, as market conditions and exchange rate fluctuations may affect the final prices.

I. Isopentane

Today, the price of isopentane with 95% purity is approximatelyUSD 1,106.14 per ton(not in drums, price to be negotiated); the price of isopentane with 99% purity is approximatelyUSD 1,231.51 per ton(not in drums, price to be negotiated).

II. Pentane Mixture

Today, the price of the pentane mixture (assuming a composition similar to that of isopentane for pricing purposes) is approximatelyUSD 1,113.37 per ton.

III. Food-Grade n-Hexane

Today, the price of food-grade n-hexane with 60% and 80% purity is approximatelyUSD 1,113.37 per ton; the price of 99% purity is approximatelyUSD 1,375.68 per ton. If customers have strict requirements for aromatic hydrocarbon content (less than 10ppm), an additional fee will be charged.

IV. n-Heptane

Today, the price of n-heptane is approximatelyUSD 2,346.23 per ton. If drums are selected, an additional drumming fee will be charged (specific amount to be negotiated). If customers have strict requirements for aromatic hydrocarbon content (less than 10ppm), the price will also increase.

V. High-Purity Isobutane

Today, the price of high-purity isobutane is approximatelyUSD 1,005.97 per ton(price to be negotiated).

VI. Industrial Hexane and Cyclopentane

Today, the ex-factory price of industrial hexane is approximatelyUSD 1,744.41 per ton(drumming fee and drum cost extra); the price of cyclopentane is approximatelyUSD 1,976.12 per ton.

Exchange Rate Note: The above prices have been converted based on the real-time exchange rate of 7.2497 Chinese yuan to US dollars on February 4, 2025. Customers are advised to confirm the prices with the supplier before making any transactions, as market conditions and exchange rate fluctuations may affect the final prices.

The global n-Heptane prices have surged recently due to various factors, such as:

• The increase in crude oil prices, which is the main feedstock for n-Heptane production. Crude oil prices have risen due to OPEC+ production cuts and geopolitical tensions¹².
• The strong demand from the paints and coatings industry, which uses n-Heptane as a solvent and a thinner. The paints and coatings industry has grown due to the recovery of the automotive and construction sectors after the pandemic³⁴.
• The limited supply of n-Heptane in some regions, such as Europe, where the production capacity is low and the imports are restricted by trade barriers and logistics issues³.

These factors have created a tight market situation for n-Heptane, leading to higher prices and margins for the producers and suppliers. However, the prices may vary depending on the region, the quality, and the availability of n-Heptane.

Price trend of n-Heptane in Chinese market – 03.05.2023

Forecast of the latest market trend of n-Heptane price, Junyuan Petroleum Group’s exclusive report:

Today, the average price of n-Heptane in China is 13,000 CNY/MT, and the price on the previous quotation day was 12,500 CNY/MT, which is -3.70% lower than the price on the previous quotation day.

The above is the latest price forecast of n-Heptane in China today. The data comes from the data center of Junyuan Petroleum Group Marketing Department and is for reference only.

US Dollar to Chinese Yuan Exchange Rate

US Dollar to Chinese Yuan Exchange Rate is at a current level of 6.910, up from 6.865 the previous market day and up from 6.317 one year ago.

n-Heptane, 99%, for analysis, Junyuan Petroleum Group

Chemical Identifiers

CAS: 142-82-5

IUPAC Name: heptane

Molecular Formula: C7H16

InChI Key: IMNFDUFMRHMDMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES: CCCCCCC

Molecular Weight (g/mol): 100.21

Synonym: heptane N-heptane eptani skellysolve C dipropyl methane gettysolve-C hsdb 90

MDL Number: MFCD00009544

Specifications

Specification Sheet

GC: >=99%

Bromine number: =<0.5

Copper (Cu): =<0.02 ppm

Total sulfur (S): =<0.001 %

Water: =<0.02 % (K.F.)

Appearance (Form): Clear liquid

Why Buy n-Heptane 99.9% High Purity Grade from Junyuan Petroleum Group

•Price. Don’t worry! We are the largest manufacturer of n-Heptane in China. The price is adjusted and updated in real time according to the cost price every day, and the price is the most competitive. This product is offered at the industry’s lowest possible price.

•Availability. In-Stock. This product is in stock and ready to ship. Orders are usually shipped in 72 hours.

•Deliverability. Fast Shipping! This product is packaged in 137KG steel drums and 16.8 MT ISO Tank container.

•Quality. Our curated products drummed in China match or exceed strict specifications.

English Name: n-Heptane
English alias: dipropylmethane; heptane; heptyl hydride; n-Heptane, Normal heptane
CAS:142-82-5
EINECS:205-563-8
Dangerous regulation No.: 32006
Hazard category: class 3.2 medium flash point flammable liquid
Molecular formula: C7H16
Molecular weight: 100.2019

N-HEPTANE

CAS No. 142-82-5

Definition

Heptane is an alkane hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)8CH3. Heptane has 9 isomers, or 11 if enantiomers are counted. (Wikipedia)

Important Natural Compounds, Substances of Biological Interest, Food Toxin, Household Toxin, Industrial/Workplace Toxin, Natural Toxin, Plant Toxin

Description

N-Heptane is found in cardamom. Heptane is an alkane hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)8CH3. Heptane has 9 isomers, or 11 if enantiomers are counted. (Wikipedia) N-Heptane belongs to the family of Acyclic Alkanes. These are acyclic hydrocarbons consisting only of n carbon atoms and m hydrogen atoms where m=2*n + 2.

Application: n-Heptane is a straight-chain alkane consisting of seven carbons that is widely used as a completely non-polar solvent. n-Heptane is sometimes chosen as a less toxic option to the traditional hexane in appropriate processes. In liquid form, n-Heptane is very easy to transport and store.

Compatibility: Heptane is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. It should not be stored near ignition sources and avoid excessive heat and confined spaces. Please see SDS for full safety and compatibility information.

Packaging Options: Typically available in drums, Isotanks, and bulk. Contact us or ask your representative for further information.

Heptane Chemical Properties,Uses,Production

Chemical Properties

n-Heptane is a flammable liquid, present in crude oil and widely used in the auto- mobile industry. For example, as a solvent, as a gasoline knock testing standard, as automotive starter fl uid, and paraffi nic naphtha. n-Heptane causes adverse health effects in occupational workers, such as CNS depression, skin irritation, and pain. Other compounds such as n-octane (CH 3 (CH 2 ) 6 CH 3 ), n-nonane (CH 3 (CH 2 ) 7 CH 3 ), and n-decane (CH 3 (CH 2 ) 8 CH 3 ) have different industrial applications. Occupational workers exposed to these compounds also show adverse health effects. In principle, manage- ment of these aliphatic compounds requires proper handling and disposal to avoid health problems and to maintain chemical safety standards for safety to workers and the living environment.

Chemical Properties

n-Heptane is a clear liquid which is highly flammable and volatile with a mild, gasoline-like odor. The odor threshold is 40 547 ppm; also reported @ 230 ppm.

Physical properties

Clear, colorless, very flammable liquid with a faint, pleasant odor resembling hexane or octane. Based on a triangle bag odor method, an odor threshold concentration of 670 ppb_v was reported by Nagata and Takeuchi (1990).

Uses

Suitable for HPLC, spectrophotometry, environmental testing

Uses

As standard in testing knock of gasoline engines.

Uses

heptane is a solvent and viscosity-decreasing agent.

Definition

A colorless liquid alkane obtained from petroleum refining. It is used as a solvent.

Definition

heptane: A liquid straight-chainalkane obtained from petroleum,C₇H₁₆; r.d. 0.684; m.p. -90.6°C; b.p.98.4°C. In standardizing octanenumbers, heptane is given a valuezero.

Production Methods

Heptane is produced in refining processes. Highly purified heptane is produced by adsorption of commercial heptane on molecular sieves.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron Letters, 3, p. 43, 1962 DOI:10.1007/BF01499754

General Description

Clear colorless liquids with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point 25°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

HEPTANE is incompatible with the following: Strong oxidizers .

Hazard

Toxic by inhalation. Flammable, dangerous fire risk.

Health Hazard

VAPOR: Not irritating to eyes, nose or throat. If inhaled, will cause coughing or difficult breathing. LIQUID: Irritating to skin and eyes. If swallowed, will cause nausea or vomiting.

Fire Hazard

FLAMMABLE. Flashback along vapor trail may occur. Vapor may explode if ignited in an enclosed area.

Chemical Reactivity

Reactivity with Water No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reactions; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.

Potential Exposure

n-Heptane is used in graphics, textiles, adhesives, and coatings; as an industrial solvent and in the petroleum refining process; as a standard in testing knock of gasoline engines.

Source

Schauer et al. (1999) reported heptane in a diesel-powered medium-duty truck exhaust at an emission rate of 470 g/km.
Identified as one of 140 volatile constituents in used soybean oils collected from a processing plant that fried various beef, chicken, and veal products (Takeoka et al., 1996).
Schauer et al. (2001) measured organic compound emission rates for volatile organic compounds, gas-phase semi-volatile organic compounds, and particle-phase organic compounds from the residential (fireplace) combustion of pine, oak, and eucalyptus. The gas-phase emission rate of heptane was 28.9 mg/kg of pine burned. Emission rates of heptane were not measured during the combustion of oak and eucalyptus.
California Phase II reformulated gasoline contained heptane at a concentration of 9,700 mg/kg.
Gas-phase tailpipe emission rates from gasoline-powered automobiles with and without catalytic converters were 1.82 and 268 mg/km, respectively (Schauer et al., 2002).

Environmental Fate

Biological. Heptane may biodegrade in two ways. The first is the formation of heptyl hydroperoxide, which decomposes to 1-heptanol followed by oxidation to heptanoic acid. The other pathway involves dehydrogenation to 1-heptene, which may react with water forming 1- heptanol (Dugan, 1972). Microorganisms can oxidize alkanes under aerobic conditions (Singer and Finnerty, 1984). The most common degradative pathway involves the oxidation of the terminal methyl group forming the corresponding alcohol (1-heptanol). The alcohol may undergo a series of dehydrogenation steps forming heptanal followed by oxidation forming heptanoic acid. The acid may then be metabolized by β-oxidation to form the mineralization products, carbon dioxide and water (Singer and Finnerty, 1984). Hou (1982) reported hexanoic acid as a degradation product by the microorganism Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Photolytic. The following rate constants were reported for the reaction of hexane and OH radicals in the atmosphere: 7.15 x 10^-12 cm³/molecule?sec (Atkinson, 1990). Photooxidation reaction rate constants of 7.19 x 10^-12 and 1.36 x 10^-16 cm³/molecule?sec were reported for the reaction of heptane with OH and NO3, respectively (Sablji? and Güsten, 1990). Based on a photooxidation rate constant 7.15 x 10^-12 cm³/molecule?sec for heptane and OH radicals, the estimated atmospheric lifetime is 19 h in summer sunlight (Altshuller, 1991).
Chemical/Physical. Complete combustion in air yields carbon dioxide and water vapor. Heptane will not hydrolyze because it has no hydrolyzable functional group.

Shipping

UN1206 Heptanes, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.

Incompatibilities

May form explosive mixture with air. Strong oxidizers may cause fire and explosions. Attacks some plastics, rubber and coatings. May accumulate static electric charges that can ignite its vapors.

Waste Disposal

Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinera tor equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.

eneral Information

• Metabolism: Volatile hydrocarbons are absorbed mainly through the lungs, and may also enter the body after ingestion via aspiration. (A600)
• Uses/Sources: Heptanes may be found in gasoline and are widely used as solvents. They are also sold as fuel for outdoor stoves. (L1289)
• Health Effects: Petroleum distillates are aspiration hazards and may cause pulmonary damage, central nervous system depression, and cardiac effects such as cardiac arrhythmias. They may also affect the blood, immune system, liver, and kidney. (A600, L1297)
• Symptoms: Heptane affects the central nervous system and may cause lightheadedness, giddiness, stupor, vertigo, incoordination, loss of appetite, nausea, and unconsciousness. Direct skin contact with heptane may cause pain, burning, and itching. (T29)
• Treatment: Treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage, emesis, and the administration of activated charcoal should be avoided, as vomiting increases the risk of aspiration. (A600)
• Route of Exposure: Oral (T29) ; inhalation (T29) ; dermal (T29)

• Carcinogenicity: N-Heptane is found in gasoline, which is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). (L135)
• Toxicity: LD50: 222 mg/kg (Intravenous, Mouse) (T14) LC50: 75 g/m3 over 2 hours (Inhalation, Mouse) (T14)