heptane

American  

[hep-teyn] / ˈhɛp teɪn /

noun

1. any of nine isomeric hydrocarbons, C 7 H 16 , of the alkane series, some of which are obtained from petroleum: used in fuels as solvents, and as chemical intermediates.

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heptane British  

/ ˈhɛpteɪn /

noun

1. an alkane existing in nine isomeric forms, esp the isomer with a straight chain of carbon atoms ( n- heptane), which is found in petroleum and used as an anaesthetic. Formula: C 7 H 16

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heptane Scientific  

/ hĕp′tān′ /

1. A volatile, colorless, highly flammable liquid hydrocarbon obtained in the fractional distillation of petroleum. It is used as a standard in determining octane ratings (combustion characteristics), as an anesthetic, and as a solvent. Heptane is the seventh member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C ₇ H ₁₆ .

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Etymology

Origin of heptane

First recorded in 1870–75; hept- ( def. ) + -ane

Example Sentences

Gasoline is primarily composed of isooctane and heptane.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 16, 2021

For example, gasoline with an 89 octane rating contains 11% heptane and 89% isooctane.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 16, 2021

If the unrated gasoline knocks at the same point as a mixture of 30% heptane and 70% isooctane, it is rated as "70 octane."

From Time Magazine Archive

Numerical rating was arrived at by noting the number of parts of non- knocking isooctane which must be added 1 to ten parts of heptane to duplicate exactly the fuel being rated.

From Time Magazine Archive