N-Nonane stands out as a straight-chain alkane hydrocarbon in the family of paraffins. Known by the chemical formula C9H20, it consists of nine carbon atoms connected by single covalent bonds, with hydrogen atoms filled in each available position. Looking at its structure, you get a linear collection of carbons with hydrogen atoms arranged so each terminal carbon holds three hydrogens and the inner carbons each hold two. This even, unbranched chain helps give the liquid its specific set of characteristics, setting it apart from its branched isomers. Many people who work with N-Nonane quickly learn its bland, gasoline-like odor, which hints at its volatility and its role in hydrocarbon mixtures for fuels and solvents.
At room temperature, N-Nonane is a clear, colorless liquid with a faint, distinctive hydrocarbon smell. Its melting point is around -54°C, and it boils close to 150.8°C, making it relatively easy to handle with basic laboratory equipment. With a density of about 0.718 g/cm³ at 20°C, it’s lighter than water, and spills tend to float and spread quickly on surfaces. The chemical remains insoluble in water but mixes easily with other aliphatic hydrocarbons and many organic solvents. Measuring the molecular weight at 128.26 g/mol confirms its place among higher alkanes, and its relatively low reactivity often makes it suitable as a neutral carrier in chemical reactions. With a flash point near 31°C, handling requires care to prevent ignition from sparks or static discharge, especially in confined spaces.
You’ll most often see N-Nonane sold in liquid form, usually packed in steel drums or bottles designed for flammable chemicals. High-purity grades become important in lab and specialty chemical uses, where traces of branched isomers or other hydrocarbons can interfere. Although it is not available as flakes, solid, pearls, powder, or crystal because it doesn’t solidify under ordinary conditions, freezing temperatures below -50°C turn it into a colorless solid. For most industrial customers, the key specifications involve purity percentages, levels of sulfur, aromatics, and water content, all factors that can affect final results in critical processes. In analytical labs, users often rely on its stable boiling point and single, sharp chromatographic peak for calibration and quality control.
Petrochemical processes give rise to N-Nonane as a distillation product of crude oil, often as part of kerosene streams. Refineries can separate the straight-chain version from the broader mixture using specialized fractionation and purification, producing material suitable for further chemical synthesis or as a solvent. Raw N-Nonane serves as a reference standard in calibrating distillation equipment, as well as a blending agent in jet and automotive fuels to adjust volatility or simulate gasoline behavior. It turns up as a raw material for organic synthesis, where higher alkanes offer clean-burning properties or serve as inert backbones in chemical production. Industries from paint manufacturing to adhesives and cleaners look at it as a mild nonpolar solvent, making it useful in dissolving fats, oils, waxes, and polymers without introducing toxicity concerns seen with aromatic hydrocarbons.
Commercial shipments of N-Nonane align with the Harmonized System (HS) Code 2901.19, which covers acyclic hydrocarbons, including other straight-chain alkanes. Customs and transportation agencies use this code to monitor international movement, enforce safety standards, and apply tariffs or trade regulations. Shipping labels usually emphasize its flammability with UN number 1920, ensuring handlers follow safety protocols from origin to destination. Regulations such as the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) highlight the need for proper hazard communication, storage, and personal protection, reflecting its combustible nature and potential health effects if inhaled in large quantities.
Working with N-Nonane calls for strict controls to manage fire and inhalation hazards. Vapors rise quickly, accumulate in low-lying areas, and ignite easily with sparks or open flames. Breathing in concentrated vapors can cause central nervous system effects like dizziness or headaches, a risk especially high in closed spaces with weak ventilation. Although not classified as a carcinogen or particularly toxic like benzene or toluene, careful workplace monitoring and using chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing helps reduce exposure. Emergency responders often receive training on hydrocarbon spills, using non-sparking tools and specialized foam extinguishers designed for flammable liquids. Waste disposal needs compliance with hazardous waste rules, since improper dumping risks groundwater contamination or air quality violations for local communities.
N-Nonane’s low reactivity and volatility make it a valuable ingredient in industries that require stable, clean-burning performance without the complications of aromatic toxicity. For years, fuel laboratories have relied on it as a reference hydrocarbon to study combustion, volatility, and engine knock in controlled tests. Its role as a solvent in extracting and purifying products stands out in processes needing nonpolar liquid phases, and it often appears in products such as rubber, pesticides, and certain lubricating oils. While safer than many aromatic hydrocarbons, the clear need for safety measures and environmental protocols reminds anyone working with it to respect its flammability and potential health effects. Looking forward, increased awareness around chemical exposure may drive demand for further workplace controls and cleaner handling technologies, ensuring N-Nonane remains a staple without adding unnecessary risks.
