Eicosane

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Eicosane
General
Molecular formula C20H42
CAS number 112-95-8
EC number 204-018-1
Physical characteristics
Appearance Colourless crystals or wax-like solid
Melting point 36.7 °C
Boiling point 342.7 °C
Vapour density -
Vapour pressure -
Specific gravity -
Flash point -
Explosion limits -
Autoignition temperature -

Eicosane (also known by the IUPAC name icosane or as didecyl) is an alkane hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)18CH3.

Eicosane has little use in the petrochemical industry, as its high flash point makes it an inefficient fuel. Due to its chemical inactivity, n-eicosane (a fully straight-chain structural isomer of eicosane) is part of the paraffin group, and is the shortest molecule in the compounds used to form candles.

Eicosane's size, state or chemical inactivity does not exclude it from the traits its smaller alkane counterparts have. It is colourless, less dense than water, a non-polar molecule, nearly non-reactive with any other atom or molecule unless combusted, and insoluble in water. Its non-polar trait means it can only perform weak hydrogen intermolecular bonding (Hydrophobic/Van der Waal's forces).

Eicosane's phase transition at a moderate temperature makes it a candidate phase change material, or PCM which can be used to store thermal energy and control temperature.

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Alkanes

Methane
CH4

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Ethane
C2H6

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Propane
C3H8

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Butane
C4H10

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Pentane
C5H12

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Hexane
C6H14

Heptane
C7H16

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Octane
C8H18

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Nonane
C9H20

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Decane
C10H22

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Undecane
C11H24

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Dodecane
C12H26