Tag CAS 142-82-5

In the global chemical supply chain, precision, reliability, and purity dictate operational success. Among straight-chain alkanes, n-Heptane stands out as a critical hydrocarbon powering both high-stakes laboratory research and massive industrial manufacturing.

Whether it is utilized as a high-purity n-Heptane solvent in pharmaceutical extractions or serving as the definitive zero-point benchmark in fuel octane rating, this versatile alkane is indispensable. For procurement managers, laboratory directors, and chemical engineers, understanding the technical specifications, safety protocols, and sourcing logistics of n-Heptane is vital to maintaining process efficiency and product integrity.

This comprehensive guide delivers an authoritative overview of n-Heptane, detailing its chemical profile, core industrial applications, regulatory safety standards, and global purchasing best practices.

1. Chemical Properties & Specifications

n-Heptane is a clear, colorless, and volatile liquid hydrocarbon with a characteristic petroleum-like odor. As a straight-chain alkane with the chemical formula C7H16, it is entirely non-polar, making it immiscible in water but highly miscible with most organic solvents.

In commercial and laboratory markets, the compound is generally classified into two primary grades based on its refinement level and intended application: Commercial/Industrial Grade and High-Purity/HPLC Grade.

Technical Specifications Matrix

The table below outlines the core physical and chemical properties differentiating these grades, anchored by its definitive regulatory identifier, CAS 142-82-5.

Property / Specification	Commercial / Industrial Grade	High-Purity / HPLC Grade
Chemical Formula	C7H16	C7H16
CAS Number	142-82-5	142-82-5
Purity (by GC)	Better than or equal to 95.0% to 99.0%	Better than or equal to 99.5%
Molecular Weight	100.21 g/mol	100.21 g/mol
Boiling Point	~98.4°C (209.1°F)	98.4°C (209.1°F)
Melting/Freezing Point	-90.6°C (-131.1°F)	-90.6°C (-131.1°F)
Flash Point	-4°C (24.8°F) (Closed Cup)	-4°C (24.8°F) (Closed Cup)
Density (at 20°C)	0.684 g/mL	0.684 g/mL
Water Content (Karl Fischer)	Less than or equal to 0.02%	Less than or equal to 0.005%
UV Absorbance Background	Not Specified	Strictly Controlled (Optimized for HPLC)

2. Key Industrial Applications of Heptane

The structural stability and predictable behavior of n-Heptane drive its adoption across several multi-billion-dollar industries. Below are the primary industrial applications of heptane that dominate global demand.

1. High-Purity Non-Polar Solvent in Pharmaceuticals and Pesticides

Because of its lack of a molecular dipole moment, n-Heptane solvent is an exceptional vehicle for dissolving non-polar substances like fats, oils, waxes, and resins.

• Pharmaceutical Synthesis: In drug manufacturing, high-purity n-Heptane is widely utilized as a reaction medium and a recrystallization solvent. Its relatively low boiling point (98.4°C) allows for efficient thermal separation and solvent recovery without degrading heat-sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Agrochemicals & Pesticides: It serves as an inert carrier solvent in pesticide formulations, ensuring even distribution of active biological agents while evaporating cleanly post-application.
• Natural Product Extraction: It is increasingly favored over hexane in botanical extractions due to its slightly higher boiling point (which reduces volatile emissions during warm extraction processes) and its lower relative toxicity profile.

2. The Definitive Octane Rating Standard (PRF)

In the energy and automotive sectors, n-Heptane plays a foundational regulatory role. It serves as a Primary Reference Fuel (PRF) to establish the octane rating standard of gasoline.

• The Zero Benchmark: On the anti-knock index scale, n-Heptane is assigned an octane rating of exactly 0. It is highly prone to pre-ignition (knocking) under compression.
• Isooctane Comparison: Conversely, isooctane (2,2,4-trimethylpentane) is assigned an octane rating of 100.
• Fuel Testing: By blending n-Heptane and isooctane in precise volumetric ratios, test engineers replicate the knock resistance of commercial fuels in specialized Coordinated Lubricants Research (CLR) engines. For example, an 87-octane fuel mimics the knocking characteristics of a blend containing 87% isooctane and 13% n-Heptane.

3. Rubber, Polymers, and Adhesive Manufacturing

Industrial-grade heptane blends are heavily consumed in the production of consumer goods and construction materials.

• Adhesive Formulations: n-Heptane acts as a fast-drying solvent carrier in rubber cements, sealants, and industrial tapes. It dissolves the rubber base efficiently, allowing for smooth application, and then rapidly evaporates to leave a secure, high-strength bond.
• Polymer Catalysis: It is used as a diluent or solvent in the polymerization of plastics, particularly in the production of polypropylene and polyethylene, where clean reaction environments are mandatory.

3. Safety, Handling, and Storage

While highly effective, n-Heptane is classified as a hazardous material. Adhering to comprehensive MSDS safety guidelines is legally required and structurally vital for protecting personnel and facility assets.

Primary Hazards

• High Flammability: With a flash point of -4°C, n-Heptane is classified as a Class IB Flammable Liquid. Its vapors are heavier than air, meaning they can travel along floors, accumulate in low-lying areas, and ignite via distant ignition sources or static discharge.
• Acute Inhalation Toxicity: Vapor exposure can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression, presenting as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or anesthesia. High concentrations can lead to loss of consciousness.
• Environmental Hazard: It is classified as highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Spills must be prevented from entering waterways or municipal drainage systems.

Critical Engineering and Handling Protocols

Safety Notice: Always consult the specific manufacturer-issued Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before configuring processes or handling material.

• Static Mitigation: All transferring, pumping, and blending equipment must be thoroughly grounded and bonded to prevent static electricity build-up, a common trigger for alkane vapor explosions.
• Ventilation: Use only in explosion-proof, enclosed systems or areas equipped with robust local exhaust ventilation capable of maintaining vapor levels well below the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 500 ppm.
• Storage Requirements: Store in tightly sealed, original containers within a cool, dry, and well-ventilated dedicated flammable liquids cabinet or warehouse. Keep completely isolated from strong oxidizers, open flames, sparks, and direct sunlight.

4. Global Sourcing and Logistics

For chemical procurement managers, securing a reliable supply of high-purity n-Heptane requires evaluating several commercial, logistical, and geographical variables.

Choosing the Right Chemical Supplier

When vetting global manufacturers or distributors, verify the following compliance metrics:

1. Analytical Transparency: Ensure the supplier provides a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for every batch, confirming purity via Gas Chromatography (GC) and detailing trace impurities (such as aromatics or sulfur).
2. Regulatory Alignments: For pharmaceutical use, ensure the supplier complies with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) or relevant ISO 9001 quality management systems.
3. Supply Chain Continuity: Confirm that the supplier maintains diverse feedstock pipelines to prevent force majeure disruptions during oil and gas market volatility.

B2B Packaging Options

Depending on the volume requirements of your facility, n-Heptane is shipped in several standardized configurations:

• ISO Tanks: Best for large-scale industrial consumers and international shipping. Intermodal ISO tanks hold up to 26,000 liters, offering the lowest per-gallon logistics cost.
• Steel Drums: The standard for mid-sized operations. Typically packaged in 55-gallon (approximately 200-liter) tightly sealed steel drums, fitted with nitrogen blanketing options to preserve purity during storage.
• Laboratory Packaging: High-purity HPLC grade n-Heptane is distributed in smaller glass bottles or specialized 4L to 20L steel cans to maintain ultra-low water and residue benchmarks.

Conclusion & FAQ Section

n-Heptane remains a cornerstone compound within global chemistry, offering the exact non-polar solvency and standard-setting predictability required by modern labs and industrial plants. By prioritizing chemical purity, enforcing rigorous safety measures, and optimizing logistics configurations, procurement and technical teams can ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is n-heptane polar or nonpolar?

n-Heptane is highly nonpolar. It consists entirely of carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen single bonds arranged symmetrically in a straight chain. Because carbon and hydrogen have very similar electronegativities, there is no net electrical charge or dipole moment, rendering the molecule completely hydrophobic (immiscible with water).

What is the difference between heptane and n-Heptane?

The term “heptane” can refer generally to any or all of the nine structural isomers sharing the formula C7H16. Conversely, “n-Heptane” (normal-heptane) refers explicitly to the unbranched, straight-chain isomer (CH3(CH2)5CH3). In commercial contexts, generic “heptane” often denotes an industrial blend of various C7 isomers, whereas “n-Heptane” designates a highly refined product isolated to the single straight-chain structure.

What are the hazards of n-Heptane?

The primary hazards associated with n-Heptane are its high flammability (flash point of -4°C), its potential to cause skin irritation upon contact, and the risk of central nervous system depression (dizziness, drowsiness) if its vapors are inhaled in high concentrations. Additionally, it poses a severe aspiration hazard if swallowed and is highly ecotoxic to aquatic environments. Strict adherence to chemical personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper ventilation protocols is required during handling.

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• n-Heptane Pure

CAS No. 142-82-5 | HPLC/Solvent Grade n-Heptane (99% min)

If you are sourcing high-purity n-Heptane out of Asia this July, you have undoubtedly noticed FOB offers climbing. In some procurement circles, a risky narrative is circulating: “It’s just a temporary market blip—wait it out, and prices will collapse.”

As the region’s leading, largest-scale manufacturer of high-purity n-Heptane, we feel it is our responsibility to provide the ground truth.

Waiting to lock in your Q3 contracts right now isn’t a savvy procurement strategy—it is a high-stakes gamble with your production continuity. Here is why the current market tightness has deep structural roots, and why securing your factory-direct allocation now is the only way to protect your business.

1. Beyond the Turnarounds: The Structural Realignment of Feedstock

Many off-take buyers assume the current rally is purely driven by routine, short-term maintenance at upstream facilities. While those turnarounds triggered the initial supply squeeze, they actually exposed a much larger, permanent shift in the market:

• Rigid Feedstock Control: The precision distillation and molecular sieve adsorption required for 99% min HPLC/Solvent grade n-Heptane rely on highly specific normal paraffin naphtha streams. These streams are increasingly being optimized for internal downstream integration, structurally shrinking the volume available to the open merchant market.
• Surging High-Purity Demand: Global consumption of premium 99% n-Heptane—particularly for pharmaceutical crystallization, advanced electronics manufacturing, and high-performance chromatography—is expanding at a rate that consistently outpaces stable production capacity.

This is not a temporary “trading artifact.” It is a structural tightening that will continue to support the market floor.

2. The Danger of Middlemen Speculation vs. The Reality of Logistics

During a market spike, secondary traders and brokers often amplify panic to secure quick margins. Relying on the spot market or hesitant middlemen during Q3 introduces severe risks to your supply chain:

• The Illusion of Cheap Spot Volume: Brokers may promise lower rates “in a few weeks,” but they cannot guarantee volume or purity when upstream allocations get tight.
• Logistical Priority: Global container availability and shipping schedules remain highly volatile. When supply is tight, logistics networks bottleneck. Secondary traders are always the first to face delays, whereas primary mega-manufacturers hold the freight leverage needed to keep cargo moving.

3. The True Cost of Waiting: Price vs. Guaranteed Availability

In high-precision manufacturing, the most expensive solvent is the one that arrives late—or not at all.

Even as various production units conclude their maintenance cycles heading into late Q3, the backlog of global contract orders is already immense. When new batches hit the market, top-tier manufacturers naturally prioritize long-term contract holders and strategic partners.

Spot buyers who chose to wait on the sidelines will find themselves at the back of the queue, facing severe delivery delays that could disrupt factory operations well into Q4. Saving a marginal percentage on paper means nothing if your production line comes to a halt.

Secure Your Q3 Allocation Directly from the Source

As the largest primary producer of high-purity n-Heptane, we don’t speculate on the market—our massive scale allows us to stabilize it for our global partners. We control the supply chain from raw feedstock to precision distillation, ensuring uncompromised purity and absolute supply security, no matter how volatile the broader market becomes.

Don’t leave your Q3 procurement to the volatility of spot traders. Contact our direct factory export team today to secure guaranteed volumes and predictable pricing.

Connect directly with our logistics and technical experts to secure your premium 99% min n-Heptane allocation.

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Abstract:
n-Heptane (CAS 142-82-5; EC 205-563-8) is a registered substance under the European Union’s REACH regulation, enabling its safe and compliant use across diverse industries. As a mono-constituent substance of petroleum origin, n-Heptane is registered for tonnage bands exceeding 1,000 tonnes per year, ensuring wide availability for European buyers. The REACH registration dossier highlights its extensive applications, including as a solvent in manufacturing, a fuel additive, a component in coatings and adhesives, and in laboratory processes. Businesses sourcing n-Heptane in the EU should request REACH certificates, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and confirmation of tonnage coverage from suppliers to guarantee regulatory compliance. For downstream users, verifying that specific applications are covered in the supplier’s dossier is crucial, while importers must ensure valid registration via their EU-based entity or Only Representative. With its robust regulatory framework and versatile uses, n-Heptane is positioned as a reliable, compliant, and high-value solvent and process material in the European market.

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n-Heptane and REACH Registration in the EU

n-Heptane has been successfully registered under the EU’s REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). The registration process ensures that the substance complies with stringent European standards for safety, environmental impact, and responsible use.

• Identifiers:
  • CAS Number: 142-82-5
  • EC Number: 205-563-8
  • Typical Registration Number Format: 01-2119457603-38-xxxx
• Substance Type:
  n-Heptane is registered as a mono-constituent substance, most commonly of petroleum origin.
• Tonnage Band:
  Registrations cover >1,000 tonnes per year, reflecting its broad industrial demand.

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Industrial Applications of n-Heptane

The versatility of n-Heptane makes it an essential material across multiple European industries. Key applications include:

• Solvent in manufacturing processes – widely used in adhesives, coatings, and extraction processes.
• Fuel and fuel additives – supporting clean combustion and blending.
• Cleaning agents – valued for its efficiency in dissolving oils and greases.
• Laboratory applications – as a reference solvent and calibration standard.
• Formulations – incorporated into paints, coatings, and industrial adhesives.

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Compliance Documentation for Buyers

To ensure smooth operations and full compliance, buyers in the EU should request the following documents from suppliers:

1. REACH Certificate – official proof that the product is registered under REACH.
2. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – including the REACH registration number and hazard/safety guidance.
3. Confirmation of Tonnage Coverage – assurance that the supplier’s registration covers the required quantity and intended use.

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Obligations for Buyers in the EU

• Downstream Users:
  Businesses that use n-Heptane in production must confirm that their applications are included in the supplier’s registration dossier. The SDS will provide this detail.
• Importers:
  If n-Heptane is imported from outside the EU, the responsibility for REACH registration lies with the importer. Alternatively, the non-EU manufacturer can appoint an “Only Representative” to manage registration on their behalf. In both cases, importers should obtain the valid REACH registration number.

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Conclusion

With full REACH registration, n-Heptane is a reliable and compliant material for European industries. Its wide-ranging applications, regulatory approval, and high-volume availability position it as a critical solvent and process chemical. By sourcing from trusted suppliers and ensuring the proper documentation, buyers can secure both regulatory compliance and uninterrupted supply.

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Keywords:
n-Heptane, REACH compliance, European market, solvent, coatings, adhesives, fuel additive, laboratory applications, CAS 142-82-5, EC 205-563-8