Heptane (Noun)
Meaning
A colorless volatile highly flammable liquid obtained from petroleum and used as an anesthetic or a solvent or in determining octane ratings.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Heptane is commonly used in the laboratory as a non-polar solvent for various chemical reactions.
- In the past, heptane was occasionally used as an inhalation anesthetic, but it has largely been replaced by safer alternatives.
- Heptane is used as a standard for determining the octane rating of gasoline, which measures a fuel's resistance to engine knocking.
- A mixture of heptane and toluene is often used as a test fuel in determining the octane rating of an engine.
- Due to its highly flammable nature, heptane requires careful handling and storage to minimize the risk of fire or explosion.