Tag Heptane

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.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that are widely used as fuels, solvents, and raw materials. In this article, we will explain how to calculate how much hydrocarbon you can fit in a 200-liter steel drum, using four examples: n-pentane, n-heptane, cyclopentane, and isohexane. We will use their densities and a safety filling factor of 95% to account for possible expansion or contraction due to temperature or pressure changes.

Keywords: hydrocarbons, density, net weight, safety filling factor, steel drum

Text:

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that consist of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. They have different shapes and sizes, which affect their physical and chemical properties. Some hydrocarbons are straight chains, such as n-pentane and n-heptane. Some are rings, such as cyclopentane. Some have branches, such as isohexane. These hydrocarbons are widely used as fuels, solvents, and raw materials for various industries.

But how much hydrocarbon can you fit in a 200-liter steel drum? This is an important question for storing and transporting hydrocarbons safely and efficiently. To answer this question, we need to know two things: the density and the safety filling factor of the hydrocarbon.

The density of a substance is the mass per unit volume. It is usually expressed in grams per milliliter (g/mL) or kilograms per liter (kg/L). The density of a hydrocarbon depends on its molecular structure, temperature, and pressure. For this article, we will use the density values at 20°C and 1 atm, which are available from various sources¹²³⁴.

The safety filling factor is the percentage of the drum volume that can be safely filled with the hydrocarbon. We cannot fill the drum completely, because the hydrocarbon may expand or contract due to temperature or pressure changes. This could cause the drum to leak or burst, which could be dangerous and wasteful. Therefore, we need to leave some empty space in the drum to allow for possible expansion or contraction. For this article, we will use a safety filling factor of 95%, which means that we will fill the drum with 95% of its volume.

The net weight of a hydrocarbon in a drum is the mass of the hydrocarbon that fills the drum. To calculate the net weight, we need to multiply the volume of the drum by the density of the hydrocarbon and by the safety filling factor. The formula is:

$$W = V \times D \times F$$

where W is the net weight in kilograms (kg), V is the volume of the drum in liters (L), D is the density of the hydrocarbon in kilograms per liter (kg/L), and F is the safety filling factor as a decimal number (0.95).

The volume of a drum is the space that it occupies. It is usually expressed in liters (L) or cubic meters (m^3^). The volume of a drum depends on its shape and size. For this article, we will assume that the drum is cylindrical, with a height of 0.9 m and a diameter of 0.6 m. The volume of a cylindrical drum can be calculated by multiplying the area of the base by the height. The area of the base is the area of a circle, which can be calculated by multiplying pi (π) by the square of the radius. The radius is half of the diameter. Therefore, the volume of the drum is:

$$V = \pi r^2 h$$

$$V = \pi (0.3)^2 (0.9)$$

$$V = 0.254 m^3$$

$$V = 254 L$$

Now, we can calculate the net weight of each hydrocarbon in the drum, using the formula and the density values from the sources. The results are:

• The net weight of n-pentane in the drum is:

$$W = 254 \times 0.626 \times 0.95$$

$$W = 150.7 kg$$

• The net weight of n-heptane in the drum is:

$$W = 254 \times 0.679 \times 0.95$$

$$W = 164.1 kg$$

• The net weight of cyclopentane in the drum is:

$$W = 254 \times 0.746 \times 0.95$$

$$W = 180.1 kg$$

• The net weight of isohexane in the drum is:

$$W = 254 \times 0.659 \times 0.95$$

$$W = 159.1 kg$$

In conclusion, we have explained how to calculate how much hydrocarbon you can fit in a 200-liter steel drum, using four examples: n-pentane, n-heptane, cyclopentane, and isohexane. We have used their densities and a safety filling factor of 95% to account for possible expansion or contraction due to temperature or pressure changes. This article can help us understand how to store and transport hydrocarbons safely and efficiently.

Abstract: Heptane is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C7H16. It is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid that is widely used as a solvent, fuel, and chemical intermediate. Pharmaceutical-grade heptane is a high-purity heptane that meets the standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the European Pharmacopoeia (EP). It is mainly used as a solvent for the extraction, purification, and crystallization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This article introduces the production process of pharmaceutical-grade heptane and its applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Keywords: heptane, pharmaceutical-grade, solvent, extraction, purification, crystallization, API

Article:

Heptane is one of the simplest alkanes, a class of hydrocarbons that consist of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. It has seven carbon atoms and 16 hydrogen atoms, arranged in a straight chain or a branched structure. There are nine possible isomers of heptane, which differ in the way the carbon atoms are connected. The most common isomer is n-heptane, which has a straight-chain structure. Other isomers include isoheptane, methylhexane, dimethylpentane, and ethylpentane.

Heptane can be obtained from natural sources, such as crude oil and natural gas, or from synthetic sources, such as the catalytic cracking of petroleum or the Fischer-Tropsch process. Heptane is usually separated from other hydrocarbons by fractional distillation, a process that exploits the different boiling points of the components. Heptane has a boiling point of about 98°C, which is lower than that of octane (125°C) and higher than that of hexane (69°C).

Heptane has many industrial uses, such as a solvent, fuel, and chemical intermediate. As a solvent, heptane can dissolve or extract various organic compounds, such as fats, oils, waxes, resins, rubber, and plastics. As a fuel, heptane can be blended with other hydrocarbons to produce gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel. As a chemical intermediate, heptane can be used to synthesize other organic compounds, such as alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids.

Pharmaceutical-grade heptane is a special type of heptane that has a high purity and meets the specifications of the USP and the EP. These specifications include the limits of impurities, such as water, sulfur, aromatics, olefins, and other hydrocarbons. Pharmaceutical-grade heptane also has to pass certain tests, such as the assay, the density, the refractive index, the acidity, the peroxide value, and the residue on evaporation.

Pharmaceutical-grade heptane is mainly used as a solvent for the extraction, purification, and crystallization of APIs. APIs are the substances that are responsible for the therapeutic effects of drugs. They can be derived from natural sources, such as plants, animals, or microorganisms, or from synthetic sources, such as chemical synthesis or biotechnology. APIs have to be isolated and purified from the raw materials or the reaction mixtures, and then crystallized into solid forms that have the desired properties, such as purity, stability, solubility, bioavailability, and polymorphism.

Heptane is a suitable solvent for these processes because it has a low polarity, a low toxicity, a high volatility, and a good compatibility with other solvents. Heptane can dissolve or extract the APIs from the impurities, such as water, salts, sugars, proteins, and other organic compounds. Heptane can also be used to recrystallize the APIs by changing the temperature, the concentration, or the addition of other solvents. Heptane can be easily removed from the APIs by evaporation, filtration, or centrifugation, leaving behind a dry and pure solid.

Some examples of APIs that are extracted, purified, or crystallized with heptane are:

• Aspirin, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug that is synthesized from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride. Heptane is used to wash and dry the crude aspirin crystals, and then to recrystallize them with ethanol.
• Ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug that is synthesized from isobutylbenzene and propionic acid. Heptane is used to extract the ibuprofen from the reaction mixture, and then to recrystallize it with ethanol or acetone.
• Paracetamol, an analgesic and antipyretic drug that is synthesized from phenol and acetic anhydride. Heptane is used to extract the paracetamol from the reaction mixture, and then to recrystallize it with water or ethanol.
• Caffeine, a stimulant and diuretic drug that is derived from coffee beans or tea leaves. Heptane is used to extract the caffeine from the raw materials, and then to recrystallize it with water or ethanol.

Pharmaceutical-grade heptane is an important solvent for the production of APIs, as it can ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of the drugs. However, heptane also has some drawbacks, such as its flammability, its environmental impact, and its potential health hazards. Therefore, heptane has to be handled with care and disposed of properly, following the regulations and guidelines of the authorities and the industry.

n-Heptane is a chemical compound with the formula C7H16, consisting of a chain of seven carbon atoms and 16 hydrogen atoms. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that belongs to the group of alkanes, which are the simplest and most common type of hydrocarbons. N-Heptane is widely used as a solvent in various industries, such as paints, coatings, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and oil extraction. It is also used as a reference fuel to measure the octane rating of gasoline, as it has the lowest octane number of zero. This means that n-heptane burns more easily and causes engine knocking, which is a problem for gasoline engines. Therefore, gasoline is blended with other hydrocarbons that have higher octane numbers to prevent knocking and improve engine performance.

N-Heptane is mainly produced from the refining of crude oil, which is a complex mixture of different hydrocarbons. N-Heptane can be separated from crude oil by a process called fractional distillation, which involves heating the crude oil and collecting the different fractions that boil at different temperatures. N-Heptane is one of the components of the light naphtha fraction, which boils between 30°C and 200°C. N-Heptane can also be synthesized from other hydrocarbons, such as ethylene, propylene, and butane, by a process called oligomerization, which involves combining smaller molecules into larger ones.

The supply and demand of n-heptane are influenced by various factors, such as the price and availability of crude oil, the demand from downstream industries, the environmental regulations, and the geopolitical situations. The price of n-heptane is closely linked to the price of crude oil, as it is one of the main raw materials for its production. The price of crude oil is determined by the balance between the global supply and demand, as well as the market expectations and speculations. The supply of crude oil depends on the production capacity and output of the major oil-producing countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United States. The demand for crude oil depends on the economic growth and energy consumption of the major oil-consuming countries, such as China, India, and the European Union. The price of crude oil can also be affected by unexpected events, such as natural disasters, wars, and sanctions, that disrupt the normal production and transportation of oil.

The demand for n-heptane is driven by the demand from the downstream industries that use it as a solvent or a fuel additive. The demand for n-heptane can vary depending on the season, the region, and the industry. For example, the demand for n-heptane as a solvent for paints and coatings can increase in the summer, when the construction and renovation activities are more active. The demand for n-heptane as a solvent for oil extraction can increase in the winter, when the viscosity of the crude oil is higher and needs to be reduced for easier pumping. The demand for n-heptane can also differ across regions, depending on the local preferences and regulations for gasoline quality. For example, some countries, such as China and India, have stricter standards for gasoline octane rating, which require more n-heptane to be blended with gasoline to lower its octane number and reduce its emissions.

The supply and demand of n-heptane can also be influenced by the environmental regulations and policies that aim to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and improve the air quality. These regulations and policies can affect the production and consumption of n-heptane in different ways. For example, some regulations, such as the Clean Air Act in the United States, can limit the amount of n-heptane that can be used as a solvent or a fuel additive, as it contributes to the formation of ozone and smog, which are harmful to human health and the environment. On the other hand, some policies, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard in the United States, can encourage the use of n-heptane as a solvent or a fuel additive, as it can help to increase the blending of biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, with gasoline and diesel, which are more environmentally friendly.

The challenge of n-heptane supply is to balance the supply and demand of this important chemical compound in a volatile and uncertain market. The producers and consumers of n-heptane need to monitor the market trends and dynamics, and adjust their production and procurement strategies accordingly. The producers of n-heptane need to optimize their production capacity and output, and diversify their sources of raw materials and markets. The consumers of n-heptane need to secure their supply contracts and inventories, and explore alternative solvents and fuels. The governments and regulators need to provide clear and consistent policies and regulations, and foster cooperation and coordination among the stakeholders. The researchers and innovators need to develop new and improved technologies and processes, and discover new and better applications and uses of n-heptane.

Heptane is an organic compound with the molecular formula C7H16, which is a type of alkane. It is a colorless liquid with a slight gasoline smell, flammable, insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents.

Heptane has some industrial applications, such as being used as a solvent, fuel, or raw material for synthesizing other chemicals.

Heptane can absorb ultraviolet rays, so it can also be used as a UV absorber, such as in sunscreen or plastic. The function of UV absorbers is to prevent UV damage to the skin or materials, such as sunburn, aging, discoloration, or degradation.

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.