Heptacosane

/ˌhɛptəˈkoʊseɪn/ noun

Definition

A hydrocarbon molecule containing 27 carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms bonded in a chain, used in chemical research and industrial applications.

Etymology

From Greek 'hepta' (seven) + 'cosa' (twenty) + chemical suffix '-ane' for saturated hydrocarbons. The name describes the molecular structure with 27 total carbon atoms (20 + 7).

Kelly Says

Heptacosane is one of many hydrocarbons that exists as a waxy solid at room temperature—it's actually found in small amounts in crude oil and is part of the paraffin wax used in candles!

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