Hexane

Hexane
General
Other names	n-Hexane
Molecular formula	C₆H₁₄
SMILES	CCCCCC
Molar mass	86.18 g/mol
Appearance	colorless liquid
CAS number	^*
Properties
Density and phase	0.6548 g/ml, liquid
Solubility in water	immiscible
Melting point	−95 °C (178 K)
Boiling point	69 °C (342 K)
Viscosity	0.294 cP at 25 °C
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS
EU classification	Flammable (F) Harmful (Xn) Repr. Cat. 3 Dangerous for the environment (N)
NFPA 704
R-phrases	, , , , , ,
S-phrases	, , , , , , ,
Flash point	−23.3 °C
Autoignition temperature	233.9 °C
Explosive limits	1.2–7.7%
RTECS number	MN9275000
Supplementary data page
Structure and properties	n, ε_r, etc.
Thermodynamic data	Phase behaviour Solid, liquid, gas
Spectral data	UV, IR, NMR, MS
Related compounds
Related alkanes	Pentane Hexanes Heptane
Related compounds	Cyclohexane
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Chemical infobox

Hexane is an alkane hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH₃(CH₂)₄CH₃. The "hex" prefix refers to its six carbons, while the "ane" ending indicates that its carbons are connected by single bonds. Hexane isomers are largely unreactive, and are frequently used as an inert solvent in organic reactions because they are very non-polar. They are also common constituents of gasoline. Hexane has five isomers:

Production

Hexane is produced by the refining of crude oil. The exact composition of the fraction depends largely on the source of the oil (crude or reformed) and the constraints of the refining. The industrial product (usually around 50% by weight of the straight-chain isomer) is the fraction boiling at 65–70 °C.

Toxicity

The acute toxicity of hexane is relatively low, although it is a mild anesthetic. Inhalation of high concentrations produces first a state of mild euphoria, followed by somnolence with headaches and nausea.

Chronic intoxication from hexane has been observed in recreational solvent abusers and in workers in the shoe manufacture, furniture restoration and automobile construction. The initial symptoms are tingling and cramps in the arms and legs, followed by general muscular weakness. In severe cases, atrophy of the skeletal muscles is observed, along with a loss of coordination and problems of vision.

Similar symptoms are observed in animal models. They are associated with a degeneration of the peripheral nervous system (and eventually the central nervous system), starting with the distal portions of the longer and wider nerve axons. The toxicity is not due to hexane itself but to one of its metabolites, hexane-2,5-dione. It is believed that this reacts with the amino group of the side chain of lysine residues in proteins, causing cross-linking and a loss of protein function.

The effects of hexane poisoning in humans are not permanent, and usually disappear gradually over one to three years after the end of exposure.

Reference

Institut national de recherche et de sécurité. (2005). "Hexane". Fiche toxicologique n° 113, 8pp. (in French)

Alkanes | Solvents

Production

Toxicity

See also

Reference

External links

Gourt Home::Gourt :: Hexane

Production

Toxicity

See also

Reference

External links