Heptadecane

/ˌhɛptəˈdɛkeɪn/ noun

Definition

A hydrocarbon containing 17 carbon atoms arranged in a chain, commonly found in petroleum products and used in laboratory research.

Etymology

From Greek 'hepta' (seven) + 'deca' (ten) + chemical suffix '-ane'. The name describes 17 carbon atoms (7 + 10).

Kelly Says

Heptadecane is one of the components that makes gasoline smell distinctive—it's part of the volatile organic compound cocktail that gives petrol its characteristic odor!

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