A set of ignition data of linear and branched chain alkanes (n-butane, n-pentane, neopentane, n-heptane, and isooctane) measured in an original rapid compression machine is provided. It allows a comparison of the ignition conditions of pressure, temperature and equivalence ratio for these hydrocarbons. Derailed mechanisms from different research groups based on a similar generic scheme of hydrocarbon oxidation are tested against the experimental ignition delays. The differences between experimental and modeling results are discussed.