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Chemical Name: Hexane, mixture of isomers
Common Uses: Cleaning agents, solvents for adhesives, extraction solvent in food processing, laboratory reagent
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Characteristic gasoline-like smell
Synonyms: n-Hexane, hexanes, hexyl hydride
Chemical Formula: C6H14 (mix including n-hexane, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, and others)
Flammability: Catches fire easily, produces explosive vapors
Acute Health Hazards: Breathing vapors or prolonged skin contact can leave a person dizzy or lead to long-term nerve effects
Chronic Hazards: Nerve damage, numbness in hands and feet after repeat exposures
Target Organs: Central nervous system, peripheral nerves, respiratory tract
Physical Hazards: Can build up static electricity, leading to fire or explosion risk in poorly ventilated areas
n-Hexane: Up to 60%
2-Methylpentane: Variable, roughly 10-20%
3-Methylpentane: Typically present, less than 10%
Cyclohexane and other isomers: Trace to minor percentages
Impurities: May include toluene, xylene, other low-level petroleum hydrocarbons
Inhalation: Get outdoors if breathing feels heavy or dizziness sets in, fresh air helps flush it out
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with plenty of soap and water, chemicals can dry or irritate skin quickly
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with clean water thoroughly, remove contacts if easy
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, consult medical help quickly, give water if the person can swallow
Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide work better than water
Fire Hazards: Vapors ignite above minus 20°C, dense vapor can travel and flash back from a distance
Personal Fire Precautions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus, heat breaks down hexane and gives off toxic gases
Explosion Potential: Mixture with air can blow up if exposed to sparks, flames, or heat
Spill Response: Stop leaks, ventilate area, avoid walking through vapor cloud
Containment: Dike with sand or non-combustible material, keep runoff from drains and open water
Clean-up: Absorb with inert materials, use spark-proof tools
Personal Measures: Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, keep away from flames, avoid breathing vapors
Handling: Work in well-ventilated spaces, ground containers to cut static risk, keep lids tight
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands after use, don’t eat or drink near work areas
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, cool and dry spot away from heat, sparks, and sunlight
Compatibility: Keep clear of strong oxidizers, acids, halogens, and other reactive chemicals
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH recommend keeping levels below 50 ppm for n-hexane
Ventilation: Local exhaust systems help cut vapor build-up
Respiratory Protection: Use organic vapor cartridges or supplied air if ventilation falls short
Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, chemical splash goggles, flame-resistant clothing
Hygiene Measures: Change contaminated clothes, wash hands and face after handling hexane
Boiling Point: 63–70°C
Flash Point: -22°C to -27°C
Vapor Pressure: 120–150 mmHg at 25°C
Density: 0.65–0.69 g/cm³
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, dissolves in alcohol and ether
Evaporation Rate: High, vapor builds up fast in closed spaces
Vapor Density: Heavier than air, collects in low spots
Stability: Stays stable if kept sealed and away from ignition sources
Reactivity: Reacts strongly with oxidizers like bleach and nitric acid
Decomposition Products: Burning releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating fumes
Hazardous Polymerization: Should not polymerize under normal conditions
Acute Effects: Vapors numb the mind, dizziness, nausea, possible unconsciousness in high doses
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure can cause nerve damage, muscle weakness, tingling in fingers and toes
Routes of Exposure: Skin, inhalation, eyes, accidental ingestion
Symptoms: Headache, lightheadedness, numbness, skin dryness or cracking
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish and aquatic life, even at low concentrations
Environmental Mobility: Evaporates quickly from soil and water, vapor can travel
Persistence: Breaks down in air over days, does not build up in food chains easily
Bioaccumulation: Low risk, but short-term water contamination remains a concern
Waste Disposal Methods: Treat as hazardous waste, incinerate in approved facilities
Precautions: Never pour down drains or onto ground surfaces, collect all residues and unused product
Regulatory Status: Many countries treat even small amounts as controlled waste, strict rules apply
Transport Classification: Regulated as flammable liquid
Packing Group: II or III, depending on flash point and mixture grade
UN Number: Commonly under flammable liquids, road, rail, air, and sea transport face strict controls
Hazards During Transport: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, static electricity
Labeling: Flammable liquid diamond, proper shipping name, and emergency info on packages
Workplace Regulations: Occupational rules in many regions limit worker exposure to protect health
Environmental Rules: Spill reporting, release limits, and hazardous waste codes apply
Consumer Warnings: Labels must state flammability, toxicity, and possible nerve damage risks
Industry Practices: Companies are encouraged to use alternatives, and switch to safer solvents where possible
