Hexane
Whatsapp Order
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
Related products
Acetone Extra Pure
Acetone Extra Pure is a high-purity grade of acetone (≥99.5%) specifically purified to meet stringent quality standards for laboratory and industrial applications. This volatile, colorless solvent is characterized by its rapid evaporation rate, excellent solvency power, and minimal impurity content, making it suitable for sensitive chemical processes and analytical applications
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with a mild pleasant odor and clear, colorless liquid appearance. It serves as a versatile solvent, preservative, and intermediate in chemical synthesis. Benzyl Alcohol is widely used across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints, coatings, and as a bacteriostatic agent in injectable drugs. Its relatively low toxicity and good solvent properties make it valuable in both industrial and consumer products.
Butanol
Butanol (also known as n-Butanol or Normal Butanol) is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild, alcoholic odor. It is a four-carbon primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H10O. Butanol is moderately soluble in water and miscible with many organic solvents. Its physical and chemical properties make it a versatile solvent and chemical intermediate. Butanol indicates a high purity grade often used in industrial, pharmaceutical, and chemical synthesis applications.
Ethoxy Propanol
Ethoxy Propanol, also known as Propylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (PnP), is a clear, colorless, low-viscosity solvent with a mild ether-like odor. It belongs to the family of glycol ethers and is miscible with water and most organic solvents. Ethoxy Propanol is widely valued for its excellent solvency, moderate evaporation rate, and compatibility with both polar and non-polar systems. It is extensively used in coatings, inks, cleaners, and chemical synthesis applications due to its balance of performance and safety.
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl Acetate is a clear, colorless, volatile organic solvent with a characteristic sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of pear drops. It is an ester formed by the condensation of ethanol and acetic acid. Known for its excellent solvency, low toxicity, and rapid evaporation rate, Ethyl Acetate is widely used as a solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis. It is miscible with most organic solvents and partially soluble in water. Ethyl Acetate offers high volatility, making it ideal for quick-drying formulations.
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, also known as 2-Ethoxyethanol or Ethyl Cellosolve, is a clear, colorless, and hygroscopic liquid with moderate volatility and excellent solvency. It belongs to the glycol ether family and is widely used as a solvent and coalescing agent due to its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar compounds. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents and has a moderate boiling point (~135°C). It finds extensive applications across coatings, inks, adhesives, cleaners, and chemical synthesis industries.
Methanol
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a clear, colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a distinct alcoholic odor. It is the simplest alcohol and is widely used as an industrial solvent, antifreeze, fuel, and chemical feedstock. Methanol is highly miscible with water and many organic solvents and serves as a precursor to numerous chemicals including formaldehyde, acetic acid, and various plastic
Toluene
Toluene is a clear, colorless aromatic hydrocarbon solvent with a distinct sweet odor. It is widely used as an industrial solvent and chemical feedstock due to its excellent solvency, volatility, and chemical stability. Toluene plays a critical role in the production of paints, coatings, adhesives, rubber, and various chemicals. It is also used as a fuel additive and in the manufacture of explosives and pharmaceuticals. Its versatility makes it a cornerstone in multiple industrial sectors.