Decane is an alkane hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C10H22. Although 75 structural isomers are possible for decane, the term usually refers to the normal-decane ("n-decane"), with the formula CH3(CH2)8CH3. All isomers, however, exhibit similar properties and little attention is paid to the composition.[1] These isomers are flammable liquids. Decane is present in small quantities (less than 1%) in gasoline (petrol) and kerosene.[2] [3] Like other alkanes, it is a nonpolar solvent, and does not dissolve in water, and is readily combustible. Although it is a component of fuels, it is of little importance as a chemical feedstock, unlike a handful of other alkanes.
Decane undergoes combustion, just like other alkanes. In the presence of sufficient oxygen, it burns to form water and carbon dioxide.
2 C10H22 + 31 O2 → 20 CO2 + 22 H2OWith insufficient oxygen, carbon monoxide is also formed.
It can be manufactured in the laboratory without fossil fuels.[4]
It has a surface tension of 0.0238 N·m−1.[5]