N-Undecane stands out in the family of alkanes, forming a hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C11H24. It presents itself as a clear, colorless liquid at room temperature, showing practically no odor. With a boiling point near 196°C to 198°C and a melting point close to -26°C, N-Undecane demonstrates stability under standard handling. Its density clocks in at about 0.74 g/cm³. Being a straight-chain alkane, it has low water solubility but dissolves well in organic solvents. The structure exhibits linear carbon atoms, which plays a part in how chemists and engineers put it to use. N-Undecane appears as a material for scientific research, calibration standards, and sometimes formulators choose it for specialized manufacturing.
N-Undecane operates as a reference fuel in engine testing and surface treatments. A key use is as a solvent or calibration material for gas chromatography, where impurities or volatile organic content demand high levels of precision. Industries appreciate its inertness — meaning it remains largely unreactive in most laboratory and industrial contexts. This makes N-Undecane a choice for simulated distillation and as an internal standard for hydrocarbon analysis. It also features in aviation research, especially for fuel blends, and as a chemical “raw material” in synthesis where non-aromatic, straight-chain hydrocarbons get specified. Some labs use it as a diluent or carrier in formulations where purity and stability make a pronounced difference.
The molecular structure of N-Undecane reveals an unbranched chain with eleven carbon atoms bound together, finishing with hydrogen at each end and along the chain. This layout underlay its chemical stability and hydrophobicity. The material behaves as a low-viscosity liquid under most conditions encountered outside cold storage. Specific gravity for N-Undecane floats below water, supporting its application where layer separation is necessary. Thermal expansion is moderate, meaning shifts in temperature don't bring dramatic volatility. In terms of appearance, it doesn’t form crystals under normal circumstances, and you’ll never see it as a flake or pearl in standard supply chains — liquid format rules. Technical specifications generally require a high purity, sometimes around 99%, reducing risk of reactions from unknown byproducts.
N-Undecane’s molecular formula, C11H24, fits the typical alkane general formula CnH2n+2. For customs and import-export, the Harmonized System (HS) Code usually falls under 2901.19 for acyclic hydrocarbons. Material safety data sheets emphasize its liquid state for storage, transport, and emergency response teams. The solid form exists only at deep cold — not likely seen except in cryogenic settings. Density, viscosity, and evaporation rate show up in specification sheets for regulatory and performance purposes. Chemists and safety managers rely on these specifics to craft safe protocols for usage and disposal. Since the commercial product reaches users in drums or bulk containers, clear labeling and traceability gain importance, especially across borders with tight chemical regulations.
N-Undecane gains attention not because it causes sudden danger, but because all hydrocarbons need respect in handling. Its flash point hovers around 65°C, so sparks and open flames turn it into an ignition hazard. Inhalation at high concentrations irritates airways. Skin contact for short periods does not usually harm healthy adults, but chronic exposure or splashing in eyes should trigger immediate flushing and medical attention. Environmental concerns surround improper disposal since hydrocarbons can linger in soil and water. In workplace environments, local exhaust ventilation, gloves, goggles, and proper containment make up core practices. Fire marshals treat N-Undecane as a combustible liquid, so it stores away from oxidizers, acids, and ignition sources. For transportation, it carries a UN code for hydrocarbon liquids. Everybody in the supply chain — from warehouse to laboratory — counts on up-to-date safety data sheets (SDS) to identify the right first response in an accident.
Handling N-Undecane responsibly opens possibilities for safer results and fewer environmental setbacks. Improvement often means swapping in newer storage materials, investing in closed transfer systems, and strengthening safety training. Chemical plants track inventory by lot, not just for regulatory recalls, but so quality never gets overlooked. Laboratories disposing of surplus N-Undecane neutralize small volumes with care — never dumping into drains or on soil. My own experience in academic settings showed the value of thorough storage logs and regular safety audits. The more teams document spills and near misses, the more they learn, until even simple hydrocarbons like N-Undecane find their best place in both research and industry. If more companies review their local chemical inventories, limiting unnecessary stockpiling or experimenting with less hazardous alternatives for basic tasks, problems shrink across the board. Greater transparency on product sourcing and batch testing wins trust with every downstream user. For those upstream in supply, regular updates to technical sheets and honest hazard disclosure — including even minor health effects — keep the cycle responsible and sustainable.
