Skip to main content

Hexane

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C6H14
CAS number
110-54-3
IUPAC name
hexane
State
State
Hexane is in a liquid state at room temperature and is often used as an industrial solvent. It is highly volatile and can evaporate quickly, releasing toxic fumes into the air.
Melting point (Celsius)
-95.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
178.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
68.73
Boiling point (Kelvin)
341.88
General information
Molecular weight
86.18g/mol
Molar mass
86.1780g/mol
Density
0.6594g/cm3
Appearence

Hexane is a colorless liquid with a slight gasoline-like odor. It is a clear, volatile liquid that is immiscible with water but mixes with alcohol, ether, and chloroform.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Hexane

Hexane (C6H14) is a non-polar hydrocarbon that displays interesting solubility characteristics.

Being a member of the alkane family, hexane is well-known for its low solubility in water, which can be attributed to the following factors:

  • Non-polar nature: Hexane's molecular structure lacks polar functional groups, making it non-polar and incompatible with polar solvents like water.
  • Hydrophobic interactions: Its hydrophobic properties lead to a preference for dissolving in other non-polar or weakly polar solvents.

In contrast, hexane is highly soluble in:

  • Organic solvents: Such as benzene, diethyl ether, and chloroform, which share similar non-polar characteristics.
  • Oils and fats: Hexane is frequently used as a solvent in extracting oils due to its effective solubilization of lipid compounds.

Thus, hexane serves as an important solvent in various applications, but it is essential to remember its limited solubility in water due to its inherent chemical properties.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Hexane

Hexane, a simple alkane, is an essential hydrocarbon in the world of chemistry and industry. Here are some fascinating points about this compound:

  • Common Uses: Hexane is widely used as a non-polar solvent in various laboratory and industrial processes. It's often employed in the extraction of edible oils from seeds and vegetables, showcasing its practical importance in the food industry.
  • Environmental Impact: While hexane is an important industrial solvent, its release into the environment raises concerns. Its volatile nature can contribute to air pollution, making it a compound of interest for environmental scientists.
  • Biochemical Role: In biochemistry, hexane engages in interesting reactions. It serves as a hydrophobic solvent in the extraction of certain biomolecules, helping to elucidate cellular mechanisms.
  • Health Considerations: Exposure to hexane has been linked to neurological effects, emphasizing the need for safety measures when handling this compound. Understanding its toxicology is vital for workers in industries utilizing hexane.
  • Isomers: Hexane has several isomers, including 2-hexane and 3-methylpentane. This variety leads to differences in physical and chemical properties, making hexane a topic of interest in organic chemistry studies.
  • Fuel of Choice: Hexane’s derivatives function as fuels in lighter fluid and gasoline mixtures, showcasing its versatility and relevance in everyday life.

In conclusion, hexane exemplifies how a simple molecule can play a significant role in various fields, from industrial applications to environmental science. As we continue to study its properties and effects, hexane remains an essential compound in the chemist's toolkit.

Synonyms
HEXANE
n-Hexane
110-54-3
Esani
Gettysolve-B
Skellysolve B
Hexyl hydride
hexan
Dipropyl
Hexanen
Heksan
92112-69-1
normal-hexane
Normal hexane
NCI-C60571
HSDB 91
NSC 68472
CCRIS 6247
CHEBI:29021
EINECS 203-777-6
UNII-2DDG612ED8
2DDG612ED8
DTXSID0021917
AI3-24253
NSC-68472
UN1208
n-C6H14
DTXCID001917
CH3-[CH2]4-CH3
EC 203-777-6
NSC68472
HEXANE (II)
HEXANE [II]
n-Hexan
N-HEXANE (MART.)
N-HEXANE [MART.]
Butane, ethyl-
Esani [Italian]
Heksan [Polish]
Hexanen [Dutch]
HEXANES, MIXTURE OF ISOMERS, FOR SPECTROSCOPY
Hexane, for HPLC, >=95%
CH3-(CH2)4-CH3
MFCD00009520
1-hexane
Hexane; NSC 68472; Skellysolve B; n-Hexane
Senofilcon C
HexH
Hexane, for HPLC
Hexane, p.a.
n-Hexane, anhydrous
Hexane (DOT)
n-Hexane, p.a.
n-Hexane HPLC grade
n-Hexane, ACS grade
Hexane Fraction, purum
Hexane, technical grade
n-Hexane, HPLC Grade
HEXANE [USP-RS]
N-HEXANE [HSDB]
HEXANE (N)
Hexane, anhydrous, 95%
N-HEXANE [MI]
Epitope ID:116866
Exxsol Hexane (Salt/Mix)
Hexane, analytical standard
Hexane, p.a., 95%
2CE3AJR3M4
SENOFILCON C [USAN]
Hexane, AR, >=99%
WLN: 6H
Hexane, ACS reagent, 99%
CHEMBL15939
n-Hexane, Environmental grade
Hexane, p.a., 95.0%
Hexane, for HPLC, >=99%
DTXSID70181299
DTXSID80179642
MSK3501
Hexane, purification grade, 95%
n-Hexane, Spectrophotometric Grade
Hexane, ReagentPlus(R), >=99%
HY-Y1224
Hexane, puriss., >=95% (GC)
Tox21_200777
LMFA11000007
STL445663
Hexane, Laboratory Reagent, >=95%
Hexane, purum, >=98.0% (GC)
n-Hexane 100 microg/mL in Methanol
AKOS000269046
Hexane, UV HPLC spectroscopic, 97%
Hexane, SAJ first grade, >=95.0%
n-Hexane 1000 microg/mL in Methanol
Hexane, JIS special grade, >=96.0%
Hexanes [UN1208] [Flammable liquid]
NCGC00248828-01
NCGC00258331-01
CAS-110-54-3
Hexane, for HPLC, >=97.0% (GC)
Hexane, spectrophotometric grade, >=95%
H0394
H0405
H0490
H1197
Hexane, suitable for determination of dioxins
NS00003550
A802211
Q150440
Hexane, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, anhydrous, >=95%
Hexane, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, >=99.0% (GC)
680AF2EE-A7B6-479B-BFB3-0F5354069F72
Hexane, >=96.0%, suitable for residual phthalate analysis
InChI=1/C6H14/c1-3-5-6-4-2/h3-6H2,1-2H
n-Hexane, 95% min. glass distilled HRGC/HPLC trace grade
Hexane, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, reag. Ph. Eur., >=99% (GC)
Hexane, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
Hexane, commercial grade (52% n-hexane, 16% 3-methylpentane, 16% methylcyclopentane)
Hexane, puriss., absolute, over molecular sieve (H2O <=0.01%), >=99.0% (GC)
203-777-6
478799-92-7
50981-41-4
HEXANE, COMMERCIAL GRADE (52% n-HEXANE, 16% 3-METHYLCYCLOPENTANE, 16% METHYLCYCLOPENTANE)