Heptane is a colorless liquid hydrocarbon that is derived from petroleum and is classified as a "straight-chain" alkane. It is considered the standard for octane ratings, such as those listed on gasoline pumps in the United States and around the world. Here are some of the uses of heptane:

• Industrial Applications: Heptane is used for anesthetics, cements, compounders, inks, lab reagents, organic synthesis, and solvents. It is also used as a thinner for rubber cement.

• Laboratory Solvent: Heptane (and its many isomers) is widely used in laboratories as a non-polar solvent. It is ideal for transport and storage as a liquid.

• Grease Spot Test: Heptane is used to dissolve an 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.

• Adhesive Remover: Heptane is used as an adhesive remover by stamp collectors. It is used to remove self-adhesive stamps that some collectors find difficult to separate from envelopes via the traditional method of soaking in water.

• Fuel: Heptane is used as a fuel source for pressurized, outdoor liquid fuel stoves due to its hydrocarbon chemical makeup, which expends vast amounts of heat energy during hydrocarbon combustion.

• Minor Component of Gasoline: Heptane is a minor component of gasoline (petrol) .

In summary, heptane is used in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications, as well as a fuel source and a minor component of gasoline.