Hexane

About Hexane

The name Hexane may refer to any of the 5 structural isomers with the chemical formula C₆H₁₄. The unbranched, linear conformation of hexane is called n-hexane, or normal hexane.

The term hexanes (pluralized) refers to a mixture containing multiple isomers of hexane, as well as some smaller proportion of non-isomeric C5, C6, and C7 alkanes. The branched structural isomers of hexane include 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, and 2,3-dimethylbutane, as well as 2,2-dimethylbutane. Hexanes as a mixture is cheaper than pure form n-hexane, and is acceptable for many applications.

As a carbon chain lacking other functional groups, hexane exhibits nonpolar characteristics, making it a good solvent for other non-polar species. Due to weak intramolecular forces, hexane has a low boiling point and evaporates quickly. These characteristics serve its primary use as a solvent for the extraction of edible seed and vegetable oils (i.e. to produce cooking oils). It is also used in adhesive formulations, degreasing formulations, thermometers, as a cleaning reagent, and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals

Industries that Use Hexane

• Food & Beverage
• Furniture, Shoes, Textiles
• Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical
• Car manufacturing
• Industrial

Common Uses and Applications

• Solvent for seed/vegetable oil extraction
• Adhesive/glue formulations
• Aerosol degreaser formulations
• Thermometers
• Alcohol denaturant
• Reaction medium for pharmaceuticals and polymers
• Cleaning agent
• Laboratory reagent