Hexane
Description
Hexane (CAS 110-54-3), commercially recognized as n-hexane, is a straight-chain aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent used across extraction, formulation, and industrial cleaning processes.
Its fast evaporation rate and low residue profile make it a preferred solvent where clean separation and high-purity output are critical procurement requirements for industrial buyers.
In edible oil production, n-hexane extracts oil from soybeans, sunflower seeds, and other oilseeds at commercial scale, delivering high yields with minimal co-extraction of non-target compounds.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it to purify active ingredients and recrystallize intermediates where solvent selectivity directly affects the final product quality and consistency.
In adhesive and rubber cement formulations for footwear, packaging, and automotive assembly, hexane controls viscosity and drying speed to ensure optimal bonding performance during manufacturing.
Electronics and precision parts manufacturers rely on it for degreasing metal surfaces and cleaning components prior to coating or bonding to ensure a residue-free finish on parts.
Hexane is supplied as a clear liquid in drums, IBCs, and bulk tanker quantities. Standard commercial grades include technical-grade hexane and high-purity grades meeting USP specifications.
Purity levels typically range from 85% mixed hexane isomers in technical grades to 95%+ n-hexane content in higher-specification grades suitable for sensitive extraction applications.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -94.3 °C |
| Boiling Point | 68.7 °C |
| Density | 0.6548 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C |
| Flash Point | 30 °F |
| Appearance | n-Hexane is a highly flammable, colorless, volatile liquid with a gasoline-like odor. The water/odor threshold is 0.0064 mg/L and the air/odor threshold is 230 875 milligram per cubic meter. |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Mild gasoline-like odor detectable at 65 to 248 ppm |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | insoluble |
| Vapor Pressure | 40 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.388 |
| pH | 7 |
| Log P | 4 at 20℃ and pH7 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29011000 |
| UN Number | 3295 |
| ADR Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Documentation
Other Names
normal-hexane|n-hexane|hexyl hydride|CH3-[CH2]4-CH3|Skellysolve B|Esani|Gettysolve-B|Dipropyl
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