Decane is an alkane hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C<sub>10</sub>H<sub>22</sub>. Although 75 structural isomers are possible for decane, the term usually refers to the normal-decane ("n-decane"), with the formula CH<sub>3</sub>(CH<sub>2</sub>)<sub>8</sub>CH<sub>3</sub>. All isomers, however, exhibit similar properties and little attention is paid to the composition. These isomers are flammable liquids. Decane is present in small quantities (less than 1%) in gasoline (petrol) and kerosene. Like other alkanes, it is a nonpolar solvent, and does not dissolve in water, and is readily combustible. Although it is a component of fuels, it is of little importance as a chemical feedstock, unlike a handful of other alkanes.
Decane undergoes combustion, just like other alkanes. In the presence of sufficient oxygen, it burns to form water and carbon dioxide.
With insufficient oxygen, carbon monoxide is also formed.
It can be manufactured in the laboratory without fossil fuels.
It has a surface tension of 0.0238 N÷m<sup>âÂÂ1</sup>.