Chemical Properties
white powder or waxy solid
Definition
ChEBI: A straight-chain alkane containing 28 carbon atoms.
General Description
Waxy hydrocarbon, insoluble in water.
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as n-Octacosane, may be incompatible with strong oxidizing agents like nitric acid. Charring of the hydrocarbon may occur followed by ignition of unreacted hydrocarbon and other nearby combustibles. In other settings, aliphatic saturated hydrocarbons are mostly unreactive. They are not affected by aqueous solutions of acids, alkalis, most oxidizing agents, and most reducing agents. When heated sufficiently or when ignited in the presence of air, oxygen or strong oxidizing agents, they burn exothermically to produce carbon dioxide and water.
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for n-Octacosane is not available, but n-Octacosane is probably combustible.
Purification Methods
Purify it by forming its adduct with urea, washing it and crystallising it from acetone/water. [McCubbin Trans Faraday Soc 58 2307 1962.] Crystallise it then from hot filtered isopropyl ether solution (10mL/g). [Beilstein 1 IV 588.]
