A process for the preparation of n-heneicosane is disclosed. The process comprises (a) reacting 2,4-alkaneanedione with 1-bromooctadecane in absolute ethanol in the presence of 18-crown-6 as catalyst to produce 2-heneicosanone; and (b) reducing said 2-heneicosanone using hydrazine hydrate and potassium hydroxide in ethylene glycol to obtain n-heneicosane.