An experimental and numerical investigation of prevaporized n-heptane nitrogen-diluted nonpremixed flames is reported. The major objective is to provide well-resolved experimental data regarding the structure and emission characteristics of these flames, including profiles of major species (N 2 , O 2 , C 7 H 16 , CO 2 , CO, H 2), hydrocarbon intermediates (CH 4 , C 2 H 4 , C 2 H 2 , C 3 H x), and soot precursors (C 6 H 6). A counterflow flame configuration is employed, because it provides a nearly one-dimensional flat flame that facilitates both the detailed measurements and simulations using comprehensive chemistry and transport models. The measurements are compared with predictions using a detailed n-heptane oxidation mechanism that includes the chemistry of NO x and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formation. The measurements are compared with predictions using a detailed n-heptane oxidation mechanism that includes the chemistry of NO x and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formation. Measurements and predictions exhibit excellent agreement for temperature and major species profiles (N 2 , O 2 , n-C 7 H 16 , CO 2 , CO, and H 2), reasonably good agreement for intermediate species (CH 4 , C 2 H 4 , C 2 H 2 , and C 3 H x), but significant differences with respect to benzene profiles. Consequently, the benzene submechanism was synergistically improved using pathway analysis and measured benzene profiles.