In petrochemical labs & fuel inspection sectors, there is an underrated vital organic compound - n-Hexadecane, also known as cetane. With stable physical & chemical properties, it acts as an essential standard reagent and basic industrial raw material, widely applied in fuel testing, manufacturing & scientific research.
Basic Physicochemical Properties 🧪
Chemical Formula: C₁₆H₃₄ | CAS No.: 544-76-3 It is a straight-chain saturated alkane. Under room temperature, it appears as a colorless transparent liquid, forming white crystals in low-temperature environments with nearly no odor.
Density: ~0.773 g/mL
Melting Point: 18.2 ℃
Boiling Point: 287 ℃
Flash Point: 135 ℃ Low volatility, insoluble in water but miscible with ether, benzene and other organic solvents, compatible with most industrial reaction systems.
Core Application 1: Cetane Number Reference Standard ⛽
Its most iconic function is the benchmark for diesel cetane value testing. N-Hexadecane features excellent combustion performance and smooth ignition, defined as the standard fuel with a cetane number of 100. When inspecting diesel quality, technicians compare the combustion performance of test diesel with mixed standard fuel (n-hexadecane + methylnaphthalene) to accurately judge the combustion stability of finished diesel, serving as the core measurement standard to guarantee fuel quality.
Other Wide-Ranging Uses 📊
Industrial Production: Serves as hydrophobic solvent, special lubricant & metal processing auxiliary agent; applied as barrier liquid and damping medium for precision instruments thanks to low volatility and high stability.
Scientific Research: Used as model compound to study intermolecular force and liquid-phase oxidation reactions; common reference sample for gas chromatography detection.
Storage & Safety Notes ⚠️
Low overall toxicity, yet categorized as flammable liquid. Store in airtight containers in cool, well-ventilated warehouses, far away from open flames and high-temperature heat sources to eliminate fire risks.
If you'd like to learn more about the technical details of this "N-Hexadecane" or if you're wondering where to find high-purity reagents, feel free to leave a comment below!
(This article is intended for popular science purposes only and does not constitute purchasing or experimental operation advice. Please follow professional safety guidelines for any experimental procedures.
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