The Uses of Heptane

Heptane (and its many isomers) is widely applied in laboratories as a totally non-polar solvent. As a liquid, it is ideal for transport and storage. In the grease spot test, heptane is used to dissolve the oil spot to show the previous presence of organic compounds on a stained paper. This is done by shaking the stained paper in a heptane solution for about half a minute. Extraction into heptane is a means by which aqueous bromine may be distinguished from aqueous iodine. In water, both bromine and iodine appear brown. However, iodine turns purple when dissolved in heptane, whereas the bromine solution remains brown. Heptane is commercially available as the rubber cement solvent "Bestine" and the outdoor stove fuel "Powerfuel" by Primus.http://www.lookchem.com/Heptane/