n-Eicosane (the straight-chain structural isomer of eicosane) is the shortest compound found in paraffin waxes, used to form candles. It can be isolated from agave attenuate leaves. It is also found in Vanilla madagascariensis and Gymnodinium nagasakiense.[4]
Eicosane's size, state and chemical inactivity do not exclude it from the traits of its smaller alkane counterparts. It is a colorless or white, non-polar molecule, nearly unreactive except when it burns. It is less dense than and insoluble in water. Its non-polar trait means it can only perform weak intermolecular bonding (hydrophobic/van der Waals forces).
Eicosane's phase transition at a moderate temperature makes it a candidate phase change material, or PCM, which can be used to store thermal energy and control temperature.
↑Vargaftik, N. B. (1983). Handbook of physical properties of liquids and gases: pure substances and mixtures (2nded.). Washington: Hemisphere Pub. Corp. ISBN9780891163565.
