C16H34 is the chemical formula for hexadecane, a straight-chain alkane with 16 carbon atoms and 34 hydrogen atoms. It is a colorless, odorless liquid at room temperature and is part of the alkane family, which consists of saturated hydrocarbons. Hexadecane is commonly found in petroleum and is used in various applications, including as a solvent and in the production of detergents. Hexadecane has a high boiling point of around 287 °C (549 °F) and is insoluble in water. It is often used in laboratory settings for studies involving fuel properties and as a standard in thermogravimetric analysis. Its stability and non-reactive nature make it a useful compound in both industrial and research applications.