n-Heptane is the straight-chain alkane with the chemical formula H₃C(CH₂)₅CH₃ or C₇H₁₆. It is the zero point of the octane rating scale.

Hexane is an alkane hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH₃(CH₂)₄CH₃. The "hex" prefix refers to its six carbons, while the "ane" ending indicates that its carbons are connected by single bonds. Hexane isomers are largely unreactive, and are frequently used as an inert solvent in organic reactions because they are very non-polar. They are also common constituents of gasoline and glues used for shoes, leather products and roofing. Additionally, it is used in solvents to extract oils for cooking and as a cleansing agent for shoe, furniture and textile manufacturing. In laboratories, hexane is used to extract oil and grease from water and soil before determination by gravimetric analysis or gas chromatography.