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noun

heptane

HEP-tayn
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Heptane (noun) means any of nine chemical compounds with the formula C7H16, obtained from petroleum, especially the straight-chain form called n-heptane. Example: “Heptane is a hydrocarbon found in petroleum.”

noun
1
Any of nine chemical compounds with the formula C7H16, obtained from petroleum, especially the straight-chain form called n-heptane.
"Heptane is a hydrocarbon found in petroleum."
"The chemist used heptane as a solvent in the experiment."
"The lab stored the heptane in a labeled metal can."

How to use heptane

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA seven-carbon hydrocarbon that comes from petroleum.

When to use it

It is a technical chemistry term.

Memory tip

The hept- in the name signals seven carbon atoms, just as hex- signals six.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
n-heptane heptane solvent heptane and hexane liquid heptane
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Can you complete this real example?

_____ is a hydrocarbon found in petroleum.

Etymology

The word was formed from the prefix hept-, meaning seven, and the ending -ane, used for saturated hydrocarbons.

Origin: English

Rhymes for heptane

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Frequently asked questions

What is heptane?
Heptane is any of nine isomers of the hydrocarbon C7H16, obtained from petroleum.
What is n-heptane?
It is the straight-chain form of heptane, written CH3(CH2)5CH3.
How do you pronounce heptane?
In American English it is said HEP-tayn, with the stress on the first syllable.
What is the meaning of heptane?
"heptane" (noun) means any of nine chemical compounds with the formula C7H16, obtained from petroleum, especially the straight-chain form called n-heptane.