Related alkanes Boiling point 174.1 °C Density 730 kg/m³ | Formula C10H22 Molar mass 142.29 g/mol Appearance Colorless liquid | |
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Decane is an alkane hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C10H22. Although 75 structural isomers are possible for decane, the term usually refers to the normal-decane ("n-decane"), with the formula CH3(CH2)8CH3. All isomers, however, exhibit similar properties and little attention is paid to the composition. These isomers are flammable liquids. Decane is a component of gasoline (petrol) and kerosene. Like other alkanes, it is nonpolar solvent, does not dissolve in water, and is readily combustable. Although it is a component of fuels, it is of little importance as a chemical feedstock, unlike a handful of other alkanes.
Contents
Reactions
Decane undergoes combustion, just like other alkanes. In the presence of sufficient oxygen, it burns to form water and carbon dioxide.
2 C10H22 + 31 O2 → 20 CO2 + 22 H2OWith insufficient oxygen, carbon monoxide is also formed.
Other
It has a surface tension of 0.0238 N·m−1.
