n-Hexane CAS 110-54-3 is a straight-chain, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon (an alkane) consisting of six carbon atoms. It is a volatile, colorless liquid that is a major component of petroleum ether and gasoline fractions. As a non-polar solvent, it is widely used in industrial applications, but it is also known for its potential neurotoxicity with prolonged exposure.
Name :
n- HexaneCAS No. :
110-54-3MF :
C₆H₁₄MW :
86.18Purity :
99%Appearance :
Clear, colorless, highly volatile liquidChemical Properties
CAS Number: 110-54-3
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₄
Molecular Weight: 86.18 g/mol
Structural Formula: CH₃(CH₂)₄CH₃
IUPAC Name: Hexane
Synonyms:
n-Hexane
Dipropyl
Hexyl hydride
(Commercial "Hexane" is often a mixture of hexane isomers and other hydrocarbons
Physical State: Clear, colorless, highly volatile liquid.
Odor: Mild, gasoline-like odor.
Boiling Point: 68.7 °C (155.7 °F)
Melting Point: -95.3 °C (-139.5 °F)
Density: 0.659 g/mL at 25 °C
Vapor Pressure: 124 mmHg at 20 °C (high volatility)
Flash Point: -23 °C (-9 °F) – Highly Flammable.
Auto-Ignition Temperature: ~225 °C (437 °F)
Solubility: Immiscible with water. Miscible with alcohol, acetone, chloroform, and most other organic solvents. Excellent solvent for many non-polar compounds (oils, fats, waxes, some polymers).
Stability: Stable under normal conditions. Highly flammable; vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. May accumulate static charge.
Biological Activities
Toxicology (Primary Concern): n-Hexane is notable for its chronic neurotoxicity, which is not shared by most other alkane isomers.
Metabolism: It is metabolized in the body to 2,5-hexanedione, the primary toxicant.
Mechanism: 2,5-Hexanedione reacts with neurofilament proteins, forming cross-links that disrupt axonal transport in peripheral nerves, leading to degeneration. This results in a sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy, characterized by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the extremities, potentially progressing to paralysis.
Acute Effects: Inhalation can cause dizziness, nausea, headache, and respiratory irritation. High concentrations can lead to CNS depression and unconsciousness. Skin contact causes defatting and dermatitis.
Occupational Exposure: Chronic, low-level exposure in industrial settings (e.g., shoe manufacturing, furniture finishing, textile gluing) is linked to "hexane neuropathy."
Environmental Fate: Volatilizes readily into the atmosphere, where it reacts with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals. It is not considered persistent or bioaccumulative.
Biosynthesis
Natural Occurrence: Not biosynthesized by living organisms in significant quantities. Trace amounts can be found in natural gas, crude oil, and some plant volatiles.
Industrial Production/Origin: n-Hexane is not "biosynthesized" but is derived exclusively from petroleum refining.
1.It is obtained from the light gasoline fraction of crude oil during fractional distillation.
2.The mixed stream of C6 isomers (hexanes) is further processed via catalytic isomerization and selective fractionation to increase the concentration of the linear n-hexane isomer for commercial use. High-purity n-hexane (often >95%) is produced for specific applications.
Applications
FAQs
Q1: What is the main safety concern when handling n-hexane?
A1: The two primary hazards are its extreme flammability (low flash point) and its chronic neurotoxicity from inhalation exposure. Proper ventilation (preferably engineered controls like local exhaust), protective equipment (gloves, respirators where needed), and strict hygiene practices are mandatory.
Q2: How is n-hexane different from "commercial hexane"?
A2: n-Hexane refers specifically to the straight-chain isomer. Commercial or Laboratory-Grade Hexane is typically a mixture containing n-hexane along with other C6 isomers (e.g., methylcyclopentane, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane). The neurotoxic effect is primarily associated with n-hexane, though other isomers can have similar acute hazards.
Q3: What are the occupational exposure limits for n-hexane?
A3: Limits vary by country. Key examples:
OSHA PEL (USA): Time-Weighted Average (TWA) of 500 ppm (1800 mg/m³).
NIOSH REL (USA): Recommended TWA of 50 ppm (180 mg/m³) to prevent neuropathy.
ACGIH TLV (Global): TWA of 20 ppm.
Q4: Are there safer alternatives to n-hexane?
A4: Yes, depending on the application. Heptane is often a less toxic (though still flammable) alternative with a higher boiling point. Cyclohexane or isohexane mixtures may be used, though toxicity profiles differ. For extractions, supercritical CO₂ is a non-flammable, non-toxic alternative, though with higher capital cost.
Q5: How should n-hexane be stored and disposed of?
A5: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources, heat, and oxidizers. Use approved flammable liquid cabinets. Containers must be grounded to prevent static discharge. Dispose as hazardous waste through licensed handlers; never pour down the drain or into soil.
Q6: What are the signs of overexposure?
A6: Acute: Dizziness, giddiness, nausea, headache. Chronic: Gradual onset of numbness, tingling ("pins and needles"), and weakness in the hands and feet (stocking-glove neuropathy). Muscle weakness and vision problems may follow.
Q7: What purity grades are available?
A7: Common grades include:
Technical Grade (~60% n-hexane): For industrial applications.
Commercial Grade (~85% n-hexane): For general use.
Pure or Reagent Grade (>95% n-hexane): For laboratories and critical applications.
HPLC/GC Grade (>99%): For chromatography, with low UV absorbance.
Q8: Is it regulated?
A8: Yes. It is regulated as a hazardous substance for transportation, workplace safety (OSHA, others), and environmental release. In the workplace, air monitoring, medical surveillance for exposed workers, and proper hazard communication (GHS labeling, SDS) are required.
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