Hexane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hexane |
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| IUPAC name | Hexane |
| Other names | Sextane |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | |
| PubChem | |
| EC number | 203-777-6 |
| DrugBank | DB02764 |
| KEGG | C11271 |
| MeSH | |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:29021 |
| RTECS number | MN9275000 |
| SMILES | CCCCCC |
| Beilstein Reference | 1730733 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1985 |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | |
| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Petrolic |
| Density | 0.6606 g mL−1 |
| Melting point | |
| Boiling point | |
| 9.5 mg L−1 | |
| log P | 3.764 |
| Vapor pressure | 17.60 kPa (at 20.0 °C) |
| kH | 7.6 nmol Pa−1 kg−1 |
| λmax | 200 nm |
| −74.6·10−6 cm3/mol | |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.375 |
| Viscosity | 0.3 mPa·s |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std enthalpy of formation ΔfH |
−199.4–−198.0 kJ mol−1 |
| Std enthalpy of combustion ΔcH |
−4180–−4140 kJ mol−1 |
| Standard molar entropy S |
296.06 J K−1 mol−1 |
| Specific heat capacity, C | 265.2 J K−1 mol−1 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Reproductive toxicity – After aspiration, pulmonary oedema, pneumonitis, and death |
| NFPA 704 |
3
1
0
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| Explosive limits | 1.2–7.7% |
| U.S. Permissible exposure limit (PEL) |
TWA 500 ppm (1800 mg/m3) |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Hexane is a type of organic compound with the chemical formula C6H14. It belongs to a group of chemicals called alkanes, which are made up of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. Hexane has six carbon atoms linked together.
The word "hexane" can refer to any of five different forms of this compound. These forms are called structural isomers. This means they all have the same chemical formula (C6H14) but their atoms are arranged in different shapes. However, in IUPAC naming, "hexane" usually means the straight-chain form, without any branches.
Hexane is a colourless liquid and doesn't react easily with other chemicals. You can find a lot of hexane in gasoline.
What is Hexane?
Hexane is a simple hydrocarbon. This means it is a chemical compound made only of hydrogen and carbon atoms. It is part of the alkane family, which are hydrocarbons where all the carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds.
The most common form of hexane is called n-hexane. This is a straight chain of six carbon atoms, with hydrogen atoms attached to them.
How Hexane is Used
Hexane is often used as a solvent. A solvent is a liquid that can dissolve other substances. Because hexane is good at dissolving oils and greases, it's used in many ways:
- It helps extract vegetable oils from seeds, like soybeans.
- It's used in some types of glues and adhesives.
- It can be found in cleaning products and degreasers.
- It's also used in laboratories as a chemical reagent.
Properties of Hexane
Hexane is a clear liquid that doesn't have a strong smell, though some people describe it as having a "petrol-like" odor. It does not mix well with water.
Here are some of its key properties:
- Appearance: A clear, colourless liquid.
- Density: It is lighter than water, with a density of about 0.66 grams per milliliter.
- Boiling Point: It boils at around 69 degrees Celsius (156 degrees Fahrenheit). This means it turns into a gas at this temperature.
- Melting Point: It freezes at about -95 degrees Celsius (-139 degrees Fahrenheit).
Safety Information
Hexane is a flammable liquid, meaning it can easily catch fire. It is important to handle it with care. It should be kept away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
Breathing in too much hexane vapor can cause dizziness or headaches. It's important to use hexane in well-ventilated areas to avoid breathing in too much of it.
Images for kids
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Skeletal formula of hexane
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Skeletal formula of hexane with all implicit carbons shown, and all explicit hydrogens added
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Ball and stick model of hexane
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Spacefill model of hexane
