n-heptane

What is n-heptane?

n-heptane is a colourless, volatile alkane hydrocarbon and is known for its characteristic, slightly sweet smell and is mainly used as a solvent in laboratory chemistry and in the production of adhesives, paints and cleaning agents.

Origin

n-heptane is mainly obtained through the distillation of crude oil in refineries. It is used in the chemical industry and in laboratories as a standard solution and as a solvent in the manufacture of various chemical products.

Discovery

n-heptane is a clear, colourless liquid with a slightly sweet odour. It is volatile and insoluble in water. Contact with n-heptane may cause eye and skin irritation, and inhalation of the vapours may cause headaches and dizziness.

Limit values

In Germany, the limit values for n-heptane are regulated by the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft) and the occupational exposure limit values (OEL). The OEL for n-heptane is 500 ppm (parts per million) or 2085 mg/m³. These limit values are intended to ensure that the concentrations in the workplace do not cause any damage to health.

Hazards

Health: n-heptane can cause eye and skin irritation at high exposure levels. Inhalation of the vapours leads to headaches, dizziness and nausea. Long-term exposure may affect the central nervous system and cause kidney and liver damage. Environment: n-Heptane is not biodegradable and may contaminate soil and water if released into the environment. It is toxic to aquatic organisms and can disturb the ecological balance. Economic damage: Due to its high flammability, there is a risk of fire if handled improperly, which can lead to considerable material damage and loss of production.