Icosane

Icosane (alternative spelling eicosane and eichosane[2]) is an alkane with the chemical formula C20H42.

n-Icosane (the straight-chain structural isomer of icosane) is the shortest compound found in paraffin waxes used to form candles.

Icosane's size, state or chemical inactivity does not exclude it from the traits its smaller alkane counterparts have.

Its non-polar trait means it can only perform weak intermolecular bonding (hydrophobic/van der Waals forces).

[3] IUPAC currently recommends icosane,[4] whereas Chemical Abstracts Service and Beilstein use eicosane.

Structural formula of icosane
Ball and stick model of the icosane molecule
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 0: Exposure under fire conditions would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible material. E.g. sodium chloride Flammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oil Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no code