Heptane, Reagent and Laboratory Grade

n-Heptane is the straight-chain alkane with the chemical formula H₃C(CH₂)₅CH₃ or C₇H₁₆, and is one of the main components of gasoline. When used as a test fuel component in anti-knock test engines, a 100% heptane fuel is the zero point of the octane rating scale. 

  • Molar mass: 100.21 g/mol
  • Boiling point: 209.2°F (98.42°C)
  • Formula: C7H16
  • Density: 684 kg/m³
  • ChemSpider ID: 8560

Heptane, Reagent Grade Features:

CAS Number 142-82-5
Molecular Formula C7H16
Formula Weight 100.20

 

n-Heptane is a paint solvent and rubber cement thinner. Lab Alley sells a high purity (99.9%) grade of n-heptane. Heptane is widely used in laboratories in the United States as a non-polar solvent. In some botanical processing labs, heptane is used to replace hexane. Heptane and methanol are often used for plant wax extractions. Although ethanol is the most common solvent used in large scale botanical extraction and processing operations, hexane and heptane are also used at these facilities.  Organic non-polar solvents such hexane are used to extract non-polar compounds from plant materials.

Heptane, ethanol and hexane are used by industrial botanical extraction and processing facilities in the USA. Some botanical extraction equipment used at these facilities are compatible with ethanol, heptane and hexane. Heptane in 55 gallon drums are sold online by Lab Alley and are used by large scale industrial agri-processing facilities. Some processing facilities produce extracts use Centrifugal Partition Chromatography and heptane to manufacture pure herbal products.

Lab Alley sells heptane (n-heptane), a widely utilized nonpolar solvent in manufacturing and laboratories. Heptane is slightly less volatile and hazardous than hexane, making it more popular for many processes requiring a solvent.

Laboratory Grade Heptane For Sale In The USA

Common Uses and Benefits of Heptane in the United States in 2019

Heptane is used by industrial botanical processing and extraction facilities in the USA. Some botanical extraction equipment used at these facilities are compatible with ethanol, heptane and hexane. Heptane in 55 gallon drums are sold online by Lab Alley and are used by large scale industrial agri-processing facilities.

There are several grades of Heptane sold by Lab Alley. Heptane is a straight-chain alkane, and it has seven carbon atoms. n-Heptane is colorless, insoluble in water and is less dense than water. It has a low boiling point and a low toxicity. It is used often in gasoline, because it provides the anti-knocking quality in a fuel. The knock occurs when the octane requirement of the engine exceeds the octane quality of the fuel. Heptane is commonly used in labs for organic synthesis. It is also used as a reagent and as a solvent. Heptane is used in various industrial ways as well. For example, one common use is in printer ink. It helps contribute to the final product seeming smooth and long lasting. Heptane is also used in the botanical industry, much like hexane, heptane is often the preferred solvent because it is cleaner and cheaper. Lab Alley sells Heptane solutions in various grades to individuals and businesses online in the USA.

Grades of Heptane (n-heptane) Include ACS Reagent, Laboratory Grade and Ethanol Denatured with Heptane

There are seven different types of grades for heptane. It is important to be familiar with their impact on different products and understand what degree of purity is required based on the intended use. ACS grade is acceptable for food, drug, or medical use. It can be used for situations that require stringent quality specifications and a purity equal to or greater than 95%. Reagent grade is usually equal to ACS grade, it is used for food, drug, or medical use. It is also accepted to be used in laboratory and analytical applications. USP grade meets the requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia. This grade is also accepted for food, drug, or medical use. Unlike the ACS grade, it is only used for laboratory purposes. NF grade meets the requirements of the National Formulary. The USP and the NF jointly published a book for pharmacopeia standards for drug substances, dosage forms, compounded preparations. To find the proper grades the book should be reviewed.

Laboratory grade is popular in educational settings. In this grade the levels of impurities are unknown, and it is not pure enough to be used in food, drug, or medical use. It is accepted to be used for teaching and training. Purified grade meets no official standard. It is also not pure enough to be used in food, drug, or medical use. Technical grade is used for commercial and industrial purposes. But it is also not accepted to be used in food, drug, or medical use. The ethanol denatured with heptane sold by Lab Alley is commonly used in the botanical extraction industry. Instead of using pure ethanol, ethanol denatured with heptane is a close equivalent. People that switch often find the same or sometimes better yields. It does require a slight change in procedure and process. Heptane has a higher boiling point compared to ethanol. This means that it may be necessary to heat the oil to a higher temperature or increase distillation times to remove the heptane completely.

Heptane Use in the Botanical Processing and Extraction Industry in the U.S.

Heptane is used in the USA to dissolve or remove waxes/ lipids during the extraction process. Because heptane is nonpolar it is a good solvent for extraction. Heptane’s boiling point is around 209°F, so it is important to properly purge the heptane before consumption. When processing plant extracts the first step is to dry it out and then soak it in the solvent until it dissolves. Then the plant material can be collected from the solvent. Next is the purging process, because hexane is not pressurized the purging process may take longer than using ethanol denatured with hexane. But using heptane as a solvent has its benefits. It creates a more potent and flavorful herbal oil. Lab Alley provides fast shipping in the USA. You can order heptane for botanical processing facilities in a 55 gallon drum. 

Heptane Selling and Shipping Regulations in America

Heptane is regulated by the department of transportation, OHSA, and it is cited by many other organizations. It is highly flammable, and it is on the special hazard list. When transferring material, it is important to keep containers ground and bound. Use spark proof tools and explosion proof equipment. Store heptane in a tightly closed container. It should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has important information regarding the transportation of heptane. 

The United States Postal Service classifies hazardous materials as any article or substance by the DOT as being capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, or property during transportation. Heptane falls under a class 3 because it is a flammable and combustible liquid. All flammable liquids are prohibited through domestic mail air transportation. But if the package is using surface transportation and going through domestic mail, the flammable liquids are allowed if it is ORM-D material per 342.

Heptane Warnings

Heptane is a clear, colorless liquid and it has a mild gasoline odor. It should not be swallowed for any reason. If it is swallowed it will cause an aspiration hazard. It is a flammable liquid and vapor. If it enters the lungs it can cause damage. Breathing the vapors can cause drowsiness and dizziness. It will also cause eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. Prolonged or repeated skin contact can cause dermatitis. N-heptane can cause a loss of appetite or nausea. It may also affect the nervous system.

Wash everything thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Containers that housed n-heptane in them will retain product residue as either a liquid or a vapor. It is important to keep away from heat and use in a well-ventilated area. Keep away from sparks and flames.

Facilities using heptane should be equipped with an eye wash station and safety shower. Heptane is stable under normal temperatures and pressures. Avoid using heptane in confined spaces. Heptane has an odor threshold of 230 ppm. In the workplace OSHA states the legal airborne permissible exposure limit is 500 ppm average over an 8-hour work shift.