Normal Hexane
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.
Normal Hexane
Primary Uses
- Solvent in Extraction Processes
- Widely used as a solvent for extracting edible oils from seeds and vegetables (e.g., soybean, canola, sunflower).
- Used in the pharmaceutical industry for extracting active ingredients and compounds.
- Industrial Solvent
- Employed in cleaning and degreasing metal parts and machinery.
- Used in the manufacturing of adhesives, paints, coatings, and inks.
- Laboratory and Analytical Applications
- Used as a solvent in chromatography and other analytical techniques.
- Chemical Intermediate
- Utilized as a feedstock in organic synthesis and petrochemical industries.
Secondary Uses
- Rubber and Polymer Industry
- Used as a solvent for rubber cement and polymer processing.
- Cleaning Agent
- Utilized in formulations of industrial and household cleaning agents.
- Fuel Additive
- Occasionally used in blending gasoline to improve volatility.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Hexane
- Common/Trade Name: Normal Hexane, n-Hexane
- CAS Number: 110-54-3
- HS Code: 2710.19.50
- Synonyms: n-Hexane, Hexane
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Clear, colorless liquid
- Odor: Mild, gasoline-like odor
- Boiling Point: 68.7°C
- Melting Point: -95°C
- Density: 0.66 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents
- Flash Point: -22°C (closed cup)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Aspiration hazard, Neurotoxicant
- Toxicity: Exposure may cause nervous system effects including dizziness and neuropathy with chronic exposure
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL 500 ppm (TWA), ACGIH TLV 50 ppm (TWA)
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources
- Container Type: Supplied in metal drums or chemical-grade containers
- Shelf Life: Typically 12 months if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Use protective gloves, goggles, and ensure adequate ventilation; avoid inhalation
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with OSHA, EPA, and REACH regulations
- Listed in major chemical inventories such as TSCA, EINECS, and DSL
- Subject to transportation regulations due to high flammability and health hazards
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
- Ecotoxicity: Moderate toxicity to aquatic life; avoid release to the environment
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic but chronic exposure linked to neurological effects
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves, safety goggles, respiratory protection (if vapor concentration high)
- Handling Guidelines: Avoid inhalation and prolonged skin contact
- Storage Measures: Store away from oxidizing agents and sources of ignition; keep containers tightly closed
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes 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: Extremely flammable liquid and vapor; vapors may ignite explosively
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, CO₂, or water spray
- Special Precautions: Evacuate area; use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic fumes
Related products
Carbon Disulfide
Carbon Disulfide (CS₂) is a volatile, flammable, and highly toxic organic solvent composed of carbon and sulfur. At 99% purity, it is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, sweet, ether-like odor. Carbon Disulfide is produced primarily by the reaction of carbon (charcoal) with sulfur vapors at high temperatures. Due to its excellent solvent properties and reactivity, it is used across multiple industries, including the production of rayon, cellophane, rubber chemicals, and pesticides. Despite its utility, Carbon Disulfide requires careful handling because of its toxicity, flammability, and environmental hazards.
Di Acetone Alcohol
Di Acetone Alcohol (chemical name: 4-Hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one) is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild acetone-like odor. It is a versatile organic solvent and intermediate widely used in the manufacture of coatings, adhesives, inks, and specialty chemicals. Di Acetone Alcohol exhibits excellent solvency for resins, oils, and fats, combined with moderate evaporation rate and low volatility compared to acetone, making it suitable for controlled drying applications. It also serves as a chemical intermediate in synthesis reactions and as a component in solvent blends to optimize performance and drying characteristics.
Hexane
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.
Isophorone
Isophorone is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, ketone-like odor. Chemically classified as a cyclic α,β-unsaturated ketone (3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one), it is a solvent widely used in industrial applications. It has good solvency properties for resins, paints, coatings, and inks, combined with relatively slow evaporation compared to other ketones. Isophorone is miscible with many organic solvents and used extensively in manufacturing and chemical synthesis.
Methyl Acetate
Methyl Acetate is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a pleasant, fruity odor. It is an ester formed from methanol and acetic acid and is widely used as a solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning products. Known for its excellent solvency power and fast evaporation rate, methyl acetate is preferred in industrial and commercial applications where quick drying is essential.
N-Propanol
N-Propanol, also known as n-Propyl Alcohol or 1-Propanol, is a clear, colorless, low-viscosity liquid with a characteristic mild alcohol-like odor. It is a primary alcohol with the molecular formula C₃H₈O, fully miscible with water and common organic solvents such as alcohols, ketones, ethers, glycols, and hydrocarbons. This high-purity, semi-volatile, polar solvent serves as both a versatile solvent and a chemical intermediate across multiple industrial sectors. N-Propanol has a flash point of 15–23°C and is classified as a highly flammable liquid. Technical grade N-Propanol is manufactured for industrial applications and is not intended for direct human consumption unless specifically certified as USP or Food Grade.
Nitric Acid
Nitric Acid is a concentrated aqueous solution of nitric acid (HNO₃) commonly used as a strong oxidizing acid in numerous industrial, laboratory, and manufacturing processes. It is a highly corrosive, colorless to yellowish liquid with a pungent odor. Nitric Acid 68% is fundamental in the production of fertilizers, explosives, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. It is also widely used in metal treatment, etching, and cleaning applications due to its powerful oxidizing and nitrating properties.
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.

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