N-Hexane
Zouping Jinxing Chemical Co., Ltd. is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of n-hexane in China. If you're going to wholesale bulk n-hexane made in China, welcome to get free sample from our factory. All customized products are with high quality and low price.
Basic properties
Appearance: Colorless, transparent, highly volatile liquid; gasoline-like odor
Melting point: -95.6°C
Boiling point: 68.7°C (approx. 30°C lower than n-heptane; approx. 70°C lower than xylene)
Density: 0.659 g/cm³ (at 20°C; 34% lighter than water)
Flash point: -23°C (closed cup)-Class I flammable; more volatile/hazardous than n-heptane (-4°C)
Auto-ignition temperature: 225°C
Refractive index: n²⁰_D 1.3749
Solubility: Insoluble in water; miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroform, and oils; exhibits strong dissolving power for non-polar fats, waxes, and resins (rosin, terpene resins) but is virtually insoluble in polar substances
Octane rating: RON ≈ 25 (slightly higher than n-heptane, yet still classified as a low-octane alkane)
Primary Uses
Vegetable oil extraction: "No. 6 solvent" (extraction solvent) used for soybean and rapeseed oils consists primarily of n-hexane, which is recovered via evaporation and recycled (this application accounts for the largest share of global consumption).
Rubber processing: Fast-drying diluent for oil-extended SBS/SEBS, adhesive coating, and tire cord dipping.
Electronics cleaning: Degreasing and cleaning of circuit boards, LCD screens, and magnetic heads (formerly used as a substitute for trichloroethylene, though now largely replaced by n-heptane/IPA azeotropes due to neurotoxicity concerns).
Chromatography: GC injection solvent, eluent for low-molecular-weight GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography), and developing agent for TLC (Thin-Layer Chromatography).
Organic synthesis: Inert medium for free-radical halogenation and organolithium/Grignard reactions (preferred over n-heptane for low-temperature reactions because it does not freeze at lower temperatures).
Safety and Toxicology
Acute toxicity: n-Hexane has low toxicity (oral LD₅₀ in rats ≈ 28 g/kg); however, its vapor has an anesthetic effect, and high concentrations can lead to impaired consciousness.
Chronic occupational poisoning: n-Hexane is a known peripheral neurotoxin; it is oxidized in the body to 2,5-hexanedione, which binds to neuronal tubulin, causing symmetrical numbness in the distal extremities, muscle weakness, and foot/wrist drop-a condition colloquially known as "rubber shoe factory paralysis." my country sets the occupational exposure limit (PC-TWA) at 100 mg/m³ (calculated as n-hexane; "skin" notation applies).
Toxicity amplification by impurities: If industrial-grade product contains benzene (common in older facilities), hematotoxicity is compounded; current national standards mandate a benzene content of <0.1% in extraction solvent oils.
Carcinogenicity: Pure n-hexane is classified by IARC as Group 3; however, occupational exposure to mixtures is definitively linked to neurotoxic impairment.
Flammability and explosion: Explosive limits are 1.2%–7.7% (v/v); sensitive to static electricity; open-top transfer using plastic drums is prohibited.
Protection: Explosion-proof equipment and powerful ventilation required; use activated carbon filter cartridges (supplied-air respirators for high concentrations); nitrile gloves (fluororubber is superior; butyl rubber is adequate); open flames and non-explosion-proof electrical equipment are prohibited on-site.
Storage and transport: UN 1208, Class 3, PG II; warehouse temperature must be controlled below 35°C during hot summer weather.
FAQ
Q: Toxicity and Occupational Health
A: Primary Hazard: Peripheral neurotoxicity (the most characteristic health risk associated with n-hexane). Acute: High-concentration inhalation causes dizziness, nausea, anesthesia, and confusion; Chronic (most dangerous): Long-term, low-concentration exposure (months to years) can lead to n-hexane-induced peripheral neuropathy, manifesting as numbness and weakness in the limbs, muscle atrophy, and difficulty walking; severe cases can result in paralysis. This constitutes irreversible nerve damage. Toxicity Classification: LD₅₀ (oral, rat) is approximately 28.7 g/kg (low toxicity, but highly volatile; inhalation poses a far greater risk than ingestion); Occupational Exposure Limits: China GBZ 2.1: PC-TWA 100 mg/m³ (≈29 ppm), PC-STEL 180 mg/m³; ACGIH TLV-TWA: 50 ppm (Note: This limit applies to n-hexane isomers and emphasizes neurotoxicity); NIOSH REL: 100 ppm (10-hour TWA), 1100 ppm (IDLH); OSHA PEL: 500 ppm (8-hour TWA) (This limit is relatively lenient and has been proven insufficient to prevent neuropathy; many companies adopt stricter standards). Metabolic Characteristics: Metabolized in the body into 2,5-hexanedione, which is the primary neurotoxic metabolite.
Q: Key Points for Handling and Storage
A: Ventilation is paramount: Operations must be conducted in an explosion-proof fume hood or under strong, comprehensive exhaust ventilation to ensure airborne concentrations remain below occupational exposure limits; PPE: Wear a respirator for organic vapors (e.g., Class A filter cartridge), chemical safety goggles, and nitrile or neoprene gloves; wear anti-static work clothing; Fire and explosion prevention: Keep away from open flames, sparks, and heat sources; use explosion-proof electrical equipment; ensure equipment is grounded to prevent static electricity; Storage: Store in a sealed, cool, and well-ventilated dedicated hazardous chemical warehouse (≤30°C); keep separate from oxidizing agents and strong acids; Disposal: Dispose of as flammable organic hazardous waste through a qualified facility; strictly prohibit discharge into sewers or indiscriminate disposal.
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