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 Uses 

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. Consumer Products
  • Present in some paint thinners, varnishes, and spot removers.
  • Used in the formulation of aerosol sprays and cleaning agents.

 

Secondary Uses

  1. Electronics Industry
  • Used in cleaning electronic components and circuit boards due to its rapid evaporation and non-polar nature.
  1. Printing Industry
  • Acts as a solvent in ink formulations and cleaning printing presses.
  1. Textile Industry
  • Utilized in degreasing and cleaning fibers and fabrics.
  1. Fuel Industry
  • Sometimes employed as a blending agent or component in gasoline formulations to enhance performance.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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