2,2,4-Trimethylpentane (iso-octane)

Description

1. Product Overview

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane, commonly known as iso-octane, is a high-purity, branched-chain alkane serving as the gold-standard reference fuel for determining octane ratings in spark-ignition engines. Its primary industrial use is as a calibration standard in fuel testing and as a high-performance solvent in specialized chemical synthesis. The key value proposition is its exceptional anti-knock properties, chemical stability, and consistent low reactivity, which enable precise engine performance benchmarking. Strategically, iso-octane is critical to the global automotive and petrochemical sectors, where regulatory compliance and fuel efficiency mandates drive demand for reliable reference materials.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane (C₈H₁₈); branched-chain alkane, ≥99.5% purity by GC

• Grade available: Analytical Reagent (AR) / Reference Fuel Grade; ASTM D2699 compliant

• Physical characteristics:

  • Form: Clear, colorless liquid

  • Density: 0.691–0.693 g/mL at 20°C

  • Boiling point: 99–100°C

  • Flash point: -12°C (closed cup)

  • Octane number (RON): 100 (defined standard)

• Packaging options:

  • 1L, 5L, 20L HDPE containers

  • 200L steel drums (UN certified)

  • IBC totes (1,000L)

  • Bulk isotanks (20 MT)

• Shelf life: 36 months when stored in sealed, original containers under inert atmosphere, away from ignition sources and oxidizing agents

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Primary industries: Automotive fuel testing, petrochemical refining, specialty lubricants, analytical laboratories, and high-purity solvent manufacturing

• Specific operational use cases:

  • Octane rating calibration for motor gasoline (Research Octane Number and Motor Octane Number testing per ASTM D2699/D2700)

  • Solvent in polymerization reactions where non-polar, low-reactivity media are required

  • Reference matrix for GC-MS analysis in environmental and forensic labs

• Performance advantage: Unlike n-octane or toluene blends, iso-octane offers zero oxygenate interference, minimal evaporative losses during testing, and reproducible knock intensity — ensuring regulatory audits pass first time. Cost advantage comes from reduced re-testing and extended calibration intervals.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: Batch-to-batch purity variation <0.1%; ISO 17025-certified analytical certificates provided per shipment

• Supply reliability: Multiple strategic manufacturing sites with 99.9% on-time delivery rate over 5 years; safety stock held regionally

• Logistics capability: Hazmat-certified global shipping network (Class 3 flammable liquid, UN 1262); express and economy options available

• Price competitiveness: Tiered pricing for contract volumes (>100 MT/year) with index-linked or fixed-price mechanisms

• Sustainability: Available with carbon footprint declaration; reusable isotank program reduces single-use drum waste by up to 70%

• Technical support: Dedicated application specialists for ASTM method troubleshooting and custom blending requirements

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): 20 liters (1 tote or equivalent drum quantity)

• Bulk order specification: 20 MT (metric tons) per isotank or flexitank

• Loading capacity:

  • 20 ft container (drums / totes): Max 16 MT net (80 drums of 200L)

  • 40 ft container (totes / palletized drums): Max 24 MT net

  • Isotank (dedicated): 20 MT net per tank, single product

For spot quotes, long-term supply agreements, or regulatory d