Learn about hexane—structure, formula, properties, uses, safety hazards, and real-life applications. Easy guide for students with exam tips and key facts about hexane in chemistry.
Hexane was attributed as the cause of an explosion that occurred in the National University of Río Cuarto, Argentina on 5 December 2007, due to a hexane spill near a heat-producing machine that exploded, producing a fire that killed one student and injured 24 more.
Commercial hexane may contain from 20%-85& n-Hexane and various amounts of hexane isomer, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, 2-3-dimethylbutene, cyclopentane, cyclohexane and small quantities of pentane and heptane isomers, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, dichloromethane and trichloroethylene.
Hexane is an organic compound made of carbon and hydrogen that is most commonly isolated as a byproduct of petroleum and crude oil refinement. At room temperature it is an odorless, colorless liquid, and it has many uses in industry.
Hexane, also called hexanes, is a mixture of straight-chain alkanes with six carbon atoms. It consists of approximately 60 percent n-hexane, varying amounts of the isomers 2-methylpentane and 3-methylpentane, and smaller amounts of non-isomer alkanes.
Hexane is used to extract edible oils from seeds and vegetables, as a special-use solvent, and as a cleaning agent. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure of humans to high levels of hexane causes mild central nervous system (CNS) effects, including dizziness, giddiness, slight nausea, and headache.
n-Hexane is also used as a special purpose solvent and cleaning agent in several industries including textile manufacturing, shoe and leather making, and furniture manufacturing.
Hexane is a significant chemical compound, frequently used in industrial applications. Comprised of six carbon atoms and fourteen hydrogen atoms, it is classified as an alkane hydrocarbon.