Hexane
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Hexane is a colorless, volatile, and highly flammable hydrocarbon solvent belonging to the alkane series with the chemical formula C6H14. It is a mixture of isomers, primarily n-hexane, with a faint gasoline-like odor. Hexane is widely used as an industrial solvent due to its non-polar characteristics, low boiling point, and excellent ability to dissolve oils, fats, waxes, and resins. It is commonly obtained from petroleum refining and is a key component in formulations requiring rapid evaporation and strong solvency. Hexane finds broad applications in chemical synthesis, extraction, cleaning, and manufacturing sectors.
Description
Hexane
Primary UsesÂ
- Industrial Solvent
- Used extensively as a solvent for extraction of edible oils from seeds and vegetables such as soybeans, corn, and canola.
- Employed in the formulation of adhesives, glues, and cements, especially rubber cement, due to its effective dissolving power and fast drying.
- Utilized in the cleaning and degreasing of machinery and metal parts in automotive and manufacturing industries.
- Solvent for extraction and purification processes in pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Used as a carrier solvent in chemical reactions, polymerizations, and resin production.
- Acts as a medium for synthesis of various organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
- Laboratory Applications
- Commonly used as a solvent in chromatography and other analytical techniques due to its volatility and low UV absorbance.
- Used in sample preparation and cleaning laboratory glassware.
- Consumer Products
- Present in some paint thinners, varnishes, and spot removers.
- Used in the formulation of aerosol sprays and cleaning agents.
Secondary Uses
- Electronics Industry
- Used in cleaning electronic components and circuit boards due to its rapid evaporation and non-polar nature.
- Printing Industry
- Acts as a solvent in ink formulations and cleaning printing presses.
- Textile Industry
- Utilized in degreasing and cleaning fibers and fabrics.
- Fuel Industry
- Sometimes employed as a blending agent or component in gasoline formulations to enhance performance.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Hexane
- Common/Trade Names: n-Hexane, Hexane solvent
- CAS Number: 110-54-3
- HS Code: 2901.29.00
- Molecular Formula: C6H14
- Synonyms: n-Hexane; Hexane solvent; C6H14
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless; characteristic gasoline-like odor
- Boiling Point: 68.7 °C
- Melting Point: -95 °C
- Density: ~0.660 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Vapor Pressure: Approx. 150 mmHg at 20°C
- Flash Point: -22 °C (closed cup)
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; miscible with organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform
- Vapor Density: 3.0 (air = 1)
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; highly flammable
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Flam. Liq. 2; Asp. Tox. 1; STOT SE 3 (narcotic effects)
- Toxicity: Neurotoxic with prolonged or high-level exposure; skin irritant
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 500 ppm (8-hour TWA)
- Health Risks: May cause dizziness, headaches, and nerve damage with chronic exposure
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Container Type: Steel drums, safety cans
- Storage Conditions: Store in cool, well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources
- Shelf Life: Stable if stored properly in sealed containers
- Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation and skin contact; use in explosion-proof areas
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Listed on REACH and TSCA inventories
- Subject to VOC regulations due to high volatility
- Usage limits regulated in consumer products due to toxicity
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms at high concentrations
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic but neurotoxic effects warrant caution
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
- Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, flame-resistant lab coat, and appropriate respiratory protection in confined areas
- Handling Guidelines: Use only in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods; avoid ignition sources and static discharge
- Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling; avoid eating or smoking during use
- First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention
- Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
- Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention
- Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; vapors may form explosive mixtures with air
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚), or water spray
- Special Precautions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
- Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, aldehydes, and other toxic fumes
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MonoPropylene Glycol ( MPG)
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n-propyl Acetate
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Normal Hexane
Product Description
Normal Hexane is a colorless, highly flammable liquid hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C6H14. It belongs to the aliphatic hydrocarbon family and is primarily used as a solvent due to its excellent ability to dissolve oils, fats, and various organic compounds. It has a low boiling point and evaporates quickly, making it ideal for industrial and laboratory applications.Xylene
 Xylene is a clear, colorless, flammable aromatic hydrocarbon solvent consisting of three isomers: ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene. It is widely utilized in various industries for its excellent solvency, chemical stability, and moderate evaporation rate. Xylene serves as a key raw material in chemical manufacturing and an effective solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning applications.