n-Dodecane (NC12) | High-Purity C12 Paraffinic Hydrocarbon

n-Dodecane (NC12) at a Glance

n-Dodecane, also written as n-C12 or NC12, is a clear, colorless straight-chain hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C₁₂H₂₆ and CAS number 112-40-3. It is used as a high-boiling nonpolar solvent, extraction diluent, distillation chaser, hydrocarbon reference material and fuel-research surrogate.

Unlike commercial hydrocarbon blends, n-Dodecane represents a defined twelve-carbon normal alkane. Its consistent identity, water immiscibility and controlled volatility make it useful where a reproducible C12 hydrocarbon phase is required.

Typical n-Dodecane Specifications

Commercial specifications vary according to industrial, high-purity, anhydrous or analytical grade. The following parameters are commonly used when qualifying NC12.

These are general market references rather than a guaranteed sales specification. Product acceptance should be based on the approved TDS, contract specification and lot-specific Certificate of Analysis.

Physical Properties of n-Dodecane

Published flash points differ because closed-cup and open-cup methods produce different results. Do not select storage, fire-protection or transport controls from a generic value alone. Use the test method and value stated in the current grade-specific SDS.

How to Select the Right n-Dodecane Grade

Industrial or Technical Grade

Industrial grades may be suitable for process-fluid, cleaning, rubber, paper, ink or general solvent applications where trace impurities are not critical.

Qualification should still address purity, distillation range, sulfur, aromatics, color and residue where these parameters affect the process.

High-Purity Grade

High-purity n-Dodecane is commonly selected for organic synthesis, extraction studies, controlled formulations and research requiring a defined C12 hydrocarbon.

A GC assay of approximately 99% is common, but the impurity profile can be more important than the total assay.

Anhydrous or Low-Moisture Grade

Moisture-sensitive reactions and analytical procedures may require a specifically tested low-water grade. An ordinary 99% product should not automatically be described as anhydrous.

Confirm the maximum water limit, analytical method, packaging and storage conditions before qualification.

Analytical or Reference Grade

GC reference materials and calibration work require a grade supplied with appropriate traceability, concentration data and analytical documentation.

A general industrial COA does not replace a certified reference-material certificate.

Why n-Dodecane Works as a Process Hydrocarbon

n-Dodecane provides the behavior of a defined, nonpolar C12 hydrocarbon without the broad boiling range found in many commercial paraffinic mixtures.

Key process characteristics include:

• Strong compatibility with many oils, waxes and nonpolar organic compounds

• Very low water solubility

• Clear phase separation from aqueous systems

• A higher boiling point than lighter hydrocarbon solvents

• Lower evaporation rate than shorter-chain alkanes

• Consistent chemical identity for comparative experiments

• Straight-chain structure without aromatic functionality

• Suitability for controlled distillation and hydrocarbon-phase studies

Its high boiling point can reduce rapid solvent loss, but it also increases the energy and time required for removal. Residual-solvent requirements should be evaluated before formulation use.

n-Dodecane Applications

Solvent Extraction and Phase-Separation Studies

Because n-Dodecane is nonpolar and practically insoluble in water, it can serve as an organic diluent in liquid-liquid extraction systems.

It is used in laboratory and industrial studies involving:

• Metal-ion extraction systems

• Tributyl phosphate and other extractant formulations

• Hydrometallurgical research

• Distribution-coefficient measurements

• Interfacial and mass-transfer studies

• Aqueous–organic phase-separation testing

The complete extraction formulation—not n-Dodecane alone—determines selectivity, kinetics, phase disengagement and process safety.

Organic Synthesis and Reaction Processing

n-Dodecane may be used as a nonpolar reaction medium, carrier or inert hydrocarbon phase in suitable synthesis processes.

Before use, confirm:

• Solubility of reactants and products

• Reaction-temperature requirements

• Catalyst compatibility

• Required moisture level

• Ease of solvent removal

• Impurity sensitivity

• Waste and recovery strategy

High purity does not automatically mean the product is suitable for pharmaceutical manufacturing or another regulated application.

Distillation Chaser and High-Boiling Process Solvent

Its boiling point of approximately 216°C makes n-Dodecane useful as a distillation chaser or high-boiling process liquid.

It can help displace lower-boiling components or maintain a liquid phase during selected distillation operations. The process must be evaluated for thermal stability, complete removal and compatibility with the intended product.

Fuel and Combustion Research

n-Dodecane is used as a defined hydrocarbon component and surrogate fuel in combustion, spray, ignition and engine research.

Its known molecular identity supports comparison of:

• Fuel-spray behavior

• Droplet evaporation

• Ignition delay

• Combustion kinetics

• Soot formation

• Heat-transfer behavior

Research-grade use does not mean that n-Dodecane is an approved finished transportation fuel.

Gas Chromatography and Hydrocarbon Analysis

High-purity or certified n-Dodecane can be used as:

• A GC retention reference

• A hydrocarbon identification standard

• An internal or external analytical standard

• A component in hydrocarbon calibration mixtures

• A reference compound in environmental or petroleum analysis

Use an appropriately certified grade when quantitative traceability is required.

Coatings, Inks and Cleaning Formulations

n-Dodecane can provide nonpolar solvency and controlled evaporation in selected coatings, inks, cleaning and degreasing formulations.

Formulators should assess:

• Resin and additive compatibility

• Drying time

• VOC requirements

• Flash point

• Surface residue

• Worker exposure

• Substrate compatibility

Do not assume that performance in one hydrocarbon formulation will transfer directly to another.

Rubber, Paper and Industrial Processing

n-Dodecane may function as a process solvent, carrier or test hydrocarbon in rubber, pulp, paper and related industrial operations.

The required grade depends on whether the product contacts sensitive polymers, finished surfaces or regulated downstream materials.

n-Dodecane vs Isododecane and Normal Paraffin Blends

n-Dodecane, isododecane and commercial C12 paraffin blends should not be treated as interchangeable names.

Branching and composition affect volatility, boiling behavior, solvency, viscosity and formulation feel. Buyers requiring a defined chemical should specify CAS 112-40-3, minimum n-C12 assay and acceptable neighboring hydrocarbons.

Packaging and Supply Options

Common n-Dodecane packaging formats include:

• Laboratory bottles

• Metal or compatible plastic drums

• Intermediate bulk containers, where permitted

• ISO tanks or other bulk formats for qualified volumes

Packaging availability depends on grade, flash point, transport classification, destination and order quantity.

Before ordering, confirm:

• Net weight or volume

• Container and closure material

• Headspace or inert-gas requirements

• Pallet configuration

• Container-loading quantity

• Dangerous-goods documentation

• Shelf-life or retest period

Storage and Material Compatibility

Store n-Dodecane in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.

Keep it away from:

• Heat and ignition sources

• Open flames and hot surfaces

• Strong oxidizing agents

• Static-discharge risks

• Incompatible seals, hoses or plastics

Use grounded and bonded transfer equipment where required by the risk assessment. Because the vapor is heavier than air, prevent accumulation in low or poorly ventilated areas.

Verify compatibility for tanks, pumps, gaskets, hoses and sampling equipment before bulk handling.

Safety and Handling

n-Dodecane is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid. The applicable classification can include aspiration toxicity: it may be fatal if swallowed and enters the airways.

Important controls include:

• Do not siphon by mouth.

• Do not induce vomiting after ingestion unless directed by medical professionals.

• Use appropriate gloves and eye protection.

• Provide ventilation during transfer or sampling.

• Prevent prolonged or repeated skin contact.

• Keep containers closed when not in use.

• Control ignition and static-discharge sources.

• Prevent uncontrolled discharge to drains or surface water.

Repeated skin exposure can cause dryness or cracking. Consult the current SDS for first aid, firefighting, spill response, occupational controls and disposal.

Transport classification can vary with jurisdiction, packaging and shipment configuration. The shipment-specific SDS and dangerous-goods assessment must govern.

Documentation for Supplier Qualification

Depending on grade and application, buyers may request:

• Technical Data Sheet

• Safety Data Sheet

• Lot-specific Certificate of Analysis

• GC chromatogram

• IR identity data

• Water-content result

• Composition or homolog distribution

• Country-of-origin statement

• REACH or TSCA statement

• Transport classification

• Retest or shelf-life information

Document requirements should be agreed before sampling or commercial approval.

Information to Include in an n-Dodecane RFQ

For an accurate quotation, provide:

• Intended application

• Required n-Dodecane purity

• Maximum water content

• Color requirement

• Limits for C11, C13 or branched hydrocarbons

• Limits for sulfur or aromatics

• Required analytical documents

• Packaging

• Trial and annual quantities

• Delivery country and destination port

• Incoterm

• Required delivery date

If replacing another hydrocarbon product, attach the approved specification rather than requesting only “99% n-Dodecane.”

Frequently Asked Questions About n-Dodecane

What is n-Dodecane?

n-Dodecane is a straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon containing twelve carbon atoms. It is a clear, colorless liquid with the formula C₁₂H₂₆.

What are NC12 and n-C12?

NC12 and n-C12 are commercial abbreviations for normal, straight-chain dodecane. The CAS number is 112-40-3.

Is n-Dodecane organic or inorganic?

n-Dodecane is an organic chemical. It belongs to the alkane and paraffinic-hydrocarbon family.

What is n-Dodecane used for?

It is used in solvent extraction, organic synthesis, controlled distillation, fuel research, hydrocarbon analysis, GC reference work and selected industrial formulations.

Is n-Dodecane soluble in water?

No. It is practically insoluble in water and normally forms a separate hydrocarbon phase.

What is the boiling point of n-Dodecane?

Its boiling point is approximately 216°C at atmospheric pressure.

What is the flash point of n-Dodecane?

Published values are commonly between approximately 70°C and 85°C. The result depends on the test method, so use the value in the current grade-specific SDS.

Is n-Dodecane flammable?

It is generally handled as a combustible liquid. It can burn when heated and exposed to an ignition source, so suitable fire and static controls are required.

Is n-Dodecane the same as isododecane?

No. n-Dodecane is a straight-chain molecule. Isododecane is branched and can have different volatility, solvency and formulation behavior.

Is n-Dodecane the same as a C12 paraffin blend?

Not necessarily. A C12 paraffin product may be predominantly n-Dodecane or may contain neighboring and branched hydrocarbons. Check the GC composition and specification.

Which purity should I purchase?

General industrial processes may accept a technical grade, while synthesis, analytical, extraction or research applications may require ≥99%, low moisture or a certified reference grade.

How should n-Dodecane be stored?

Store it sealed in a cool, ventilated area away from oxidizers, heat and ignition sources. Follow the current SDS and local fire-code requirements.

Request an n-Dodecane Quote

Looking for n-Dodecane, NC12 or n-C12 for industrial processing, extraction, synthesis, distillation or research?

Send us your required purity, impurity limits, packaging, quantity and delivery destination. Our team will review the specification and confirm grade suitability, documentation, availability and commercial terms.

Request an n-Dodecane sample, COA, SDS or quotation for CAS 112-40-3.