Hexane

Hexane (CAS 110-54-3), commercially recognized as n-hexane, is a straight-chain aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent.

Where is Hexane used?

• Edible oil production: extraction of oil from soybeans, sunflower seeds and other oilseeds at commercial scale
• Pharmaceuticals: purification of active ingredients and recrystallization of intermediates
• Adhesives and rubber cements for footwear, packaging and automotive assembly: viscosity and drying-speed control
• Electronics and precision parts: degreasing of metal surfaces and cleaning before coating or bonding
• It also serves in formulation and industrial cleaning processes.
• Production of cocoa butter by extraction from cocoa beans.
• Production of protein concentrates, particularly defatted protein products and flours, for example from soy.
• Laboratory chromatography.

Formulation notes

• Usually refers to a mixture of isomers, while n-hexane is a specific linear form with higher neurotoxicity risk.
• Standard nitrile gloves offer practically no protection, as it can permeate nitrile in a few minutes.

Typical specification

• Low n-hexane content grades are reserved for products consisting mainly of n-hexane isomers and containing less than 5% n-hexane.
• Technical grade generally contains 50% n-hexane and 50% isohexane and cyclohexane.
• Analytical grade contains between 95 and 99.5% n-hexane.

Regulatory status

• In the EU, the use as an extraction solvent is regulated by Directive 2009/32/EC, which also sets maximum residue limits in various foods.
• For transport, classified as UN Class 3, packing group II.
• Italy applies an occupational exposure limit (VLEP) of 20 ppm (72 mg/m³) for an 8-hour work shift, in accordance with Legislative Decree 81/2008 and European Directive 2006/15/CE.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Reacts with strong oxidants, creating a fire and explosion risk, and attacks some plastics, rubber, and coatings.
• Harmonized classification under CLP: Flam. Liq. 2, H225 (highly flammable liquid and vapour).
• Store in approved flammable liquid cabinets and use secondary containment to prevent any release into the environment.
• Store only in its original packaging, fireproof, separated from strong oxidants, well closed, with ventilation along the floor, and in an area without drains or sewer access.
• Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.

Frequently asked questions about Hexane

What is the difference between commercial hexane and n-hexane?

Commercial hexane contains generally between 20 and 80% n-hexane depending on origin or production method, while n-hexane is the specific linear isomer.

What are the flammability characteristics of hexane?

Hexane has a flash point of -22°C (closed cup) and explosive limits in air of 1.1-7.5 vol%.

To which products do the maximum residue limits for hexane apply?

The MRLs apply only to oils, fats or cocoa butter, products based on defatted protein and flour, and defatted cereal germs.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.