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| Name | n-Heptane |
| Formula | C7H16 |
| Molar Mass | 100.21 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| CAS Number | 142-82-5 |
| Melting Point | -90.6 °C |
| Boiling Point | 98.4 °C |
| Density | 0.679 g/mL |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water |
| Purity | ≥99.0% |
| Applications | Used as a solvent in UV, IR, and HPLC applications |
FAQ
What is n-Heptane and why is it used in UV, IR, and HPLC experiments?
n-Heptane is a straight-chain alkane hydrocarbon with a chemical formula of C7H16. It is commonly used as a solvent in various laboratory applications, including UV, IR, and HPLC experiments. Due to its non-polar nature, n-Heptane is ideal for dissolving non-polar compounds, making it a valuable tool in analytical chemistry.
How does n-Heptane perform in UV experiments?
n-Heptane is often used as a solvent in UV experiments due to its low absorption in the UV range. This means that n-Heptane does not interfere with the absorption or transmission of UV light, allowing researchers to obtain accurate and reliable UV spectra of their samples. Additionally, n-Heptane is transparent in the UV range, further enhancing its suitability for UV experiments.
Can n-Heptane be used in IR spectroscopy?
Yes, n-Heptane is compatible with IR spectroscopy and is commonly used as a solvent for preparing samples for IR analysis. Its non-polar nature ensures that n-Heptane does not contribute spectral peaks of its own, allowing researchers to focus solely on the IR spectra of their samples. Furthermore, n-Heptane has a wide liquid range, making it easy to handle and manipulate during sample preparation.
What makes n-Heptane suitable for HPLC applications?
n-Heptane is a popular choice for HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) applications due to its low UV absorbance, high volatility, and compatibility with most analytical instruments. In HPLC, n-Heptane is used as a mobile phase solvent to separate and analyze compounds in a mixture based on their different retention times. Its non-polar nature ensures good solubility of non-polar compounds, while its low UV absorbance minimizes interference with UV detection in the HPLC system.
Are there any precautions to take when working with n-Heptane?
As with handling any chemical solvent, it is important to take precautions when working with n-Heptane. Proper ventilation should be ensured when using n-Heptane to avoid inhalation of vapors, and personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety goggles should be worn to prevent skin and eye contact. Additionally, n-Heptane should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sources of ignition to prevent the risk of fire or explosion.
n-Heptane is a straight-chain alkane hydrocarbon with a chemical formula of C7H16. It is commonly used as a solvent in various laboratory applications, including UV, IR, and HPLC experiments. Due to its non-polar nature, n-Heptane is ideal for dissolving non-polar compounds, making it a valuable tool in analytical chemistry.
How does n-Heptane perform in UV experiments?
n-Heptane is often used as a solvent in UV experiments due to its low absorption in the UV range. This means that n-Heptane does not interfere with the absorption or transmission of UV light, allowing researchers to obtain accurate and reliable UV spectra of their samples. Additionally, n-Heptane is transparent in the UV range, further enhancing its suitability for UV experiments.
Can n-Heptane be used in IR spectroscopy?
Yes, n-Heptane is compatible with IR spectroscopy and is commonly used as a solvent for preparing samples for IR analysis. Its non-polar nature ensures that n-Heptane does not contribute spectral peaks of its own, allowing researchers to focus solely on the IR spectra of their samples. Furthermore, n-Heptane has a wide liquid range, making it easy to handle and manipulate during sample preparation.
What makes n-Heptane suitable for HPLC applications?
n-Heptane is a popular choice for HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) applications due to its low UV absorbance, high volatility, and compatibility with most analytical instruments. In HPLC, n-Heptane is used as a mobile phase solvent to separate and analyze compounds in a mixture based on their different retention times. Its non-polar nature ensures good solubility of non-polar compounds, while its low UV absorbance minimizes interference with UV detection in the HPLC system.
Are there any precautions to take when working with n-Heptane?
As with handling any chemical solvent, it is important to take precautions when working with n-Heptane. Proper ventilation should be ensured when using n-Heptane to avoid inhalation of vapors, and personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety goggles should be worn to prevent skin and eye contact. Additionally, n-Heptane should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sources of ignition to prevent the risk of fire or explosion.
