High quality single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were grown using n-heptane as the carbon feedstock and Ni/Co acetylacetonate catalyst precursors. They were characterized with regards to morphology, diameter distributions and yield using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. n-Heptane provides a cheap and effective carbon source for the selective synthesis of clean SWCNTs at 680 degrees C with improved yield in comparison to other carbon sources. In addition we show the applicability of selective growth of individual SWCNTs rooting from lithographically patterned catalyst islands at this low temperature. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.