Heptane

Heptane (CAS 142-82-5), also known as n-Heptane, is a straight-chain aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent used across pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial processing, and laboratory applications. Its controlled evaporation rate and low polarity make it a preferred solvent for extraction, cleaning, and reaction processes where residue-free performance is critical for high-end production.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, heptane is used as a recrystallization solvent and reaction medium for active pharmaceutical ingredient synthesis, where low residual solvent limits are tightly regulated. Rubber and polymer producers use it to dissolve and process elastomers, control polymerization reactions, and prepare adhesive formulations for various industrial and commercial bonding applications.

In printing and packaging, it functions as a fast-evaporating carrier solvent in gravure inks and surface coatings. Analytical and calibration laboratories rely on n-heptane as a primary reference standard. It is used for octane rating tests and as a mobile phase component in normal-phase chromatography. Heptane is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid in drums, IBCs, and bulk tanker quantities.

Established grades include technical, reagent, HPLC, and pharmaceutical-grade. High-purity anhydrous grades are available for moisture-sensitive synthesis applications and specialized chemical research.