Heptadecane Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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heptadecane
[หhษp.tษหdeษช.keษชn ]
Definition
chemical compound
Heptadecane is an alkane with the chemical formula C17H36. It is a straight-chain hydrocarbon consisting of seventeen carbon atoms and is part of the hydrocarbon family. Heptadecane is an organic compound that can be found in various natural sources and is used in various applications such as cosmetics, detergents, and as a laboratory reagent. It has a high melting point and is typically solid at room temperature. This compound is also studied in the context of fuel and lubricant formulations.
Synonyms
heptadecyl hydrocarbon, n-heptadecane.
Examples of usage
- Heptadecane is useful in organic chemistry.
- The properties of heptadecane are studied in industrial applications.
- In laboratory settings, heptadecane is commonly used as a hydrophobic solvent.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Chemistry
- It is a straight-chain alkane, meaning all carbon atoms are connected in a line without branches.
- Heptadecane has a higher boiling point than shorter alkanes, which is significant in various industrial applications.
- It contributes to the study of hydrocarbons, which are essential in understanding fuels and energy sources.
Applications
- Heptadecane can be used as a standard in laboratories for determining the boiling points of various substances.
- It is also of interest in the production of biofuels, where its long chain structure helps improve energy content.
- In material science, it can be used to create certain types of waxy coatings for products.
Environmental Impact
- Like other hydrocarbons, heptadecane is part of discussions on energy sustainability and environmental effects of fossil fuels.
- Research on long-chain alkanes helps scientists develop cleaner energy solutions by understanding their combustion properties.
- It is studied for its role in the formation of aerosols, which can affect climate and air quality.
Health and Safety
- As with many hydrocarbons, heptadecane is flammable, and thus handling it requires safety precautions to prevent accidents.
- It is important for scientists to understand the potential toxic effects of hydrocarbons in both environmental and human health contexts.
- Proper disposal and regulation of such compounds are essential to maintain safety and sustainability.
Origin of 'heptadecane'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'hepta-' comes from Greek, meaning seven, while 'decane' comes from the Latin word for ten, indicating its structure.
- Heptadecane is part of a family of compounds known as alkanes, which consist only of carbon and hydrogen.
- The name reflects its molecular formula, C17H36, which denotes it has 17 carbon atoms and 36 hydrogen atoms.
The name 'heptadecane' is derived from a combination of 'hept-' meaning seven and 'decane' which denotes ten, referring to its structure as a linear alkane with a total of seventeen carbon atoms. The nomenclature follows the IUPAC system for naming organic compounds, where numerical prefixes are combined with root and suffix terms to indicate the number of carbon atoms and properties. Heptadecane has been of interest in the fields of chemistry and industrial applications since the late 19th century when hydrocarbons began to be studied more rigorously. It is one of several long-chain alkanes that possess unique physical and chemical properties, making them relevant in the creation of synthetic materials and fuels. The study of heptadecane and its derivatives has contributed to the understanding of hydrocarbon behavior and their potential uses in various chemical processes.