Title: n-Hexane
CAS Registry Number: 110-54-3
Molecular Formula: C6H14
Molecular Weight: 86.18
Percent Composition: C 83.62%, H 16.37%
Line Formula: CH3(CH2)4CH3
Literature References: Chief constituent of petr ether, ligroin, and commercial hexane. Review of toxicity and metabolism: D. Couri, M. Milk, Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 22, 145-166 (1982). Book: Technology and Solvents for Extracting Oilseeds and Nonpetroleum Oil, P. J. Wan, P. J. Wakelyn, Eds. (AOCS Press, Champaign, 1987) 350 pp.
Properties: Colorless, very volatile liquid; faint, peculiar odor. d420 0.6591. bp 69°. mp -100 to -95°. nD20 1.375. Flash point: -18.0°C. Vapor pressure (mmHg): 186.1 at 30°, 400.6 at 50°. Partition coefficient (1-octanol/water) at 25°: >4100. Spec heat at 22.0°: 0.536 cal/g/°C. Viscosity at 15°: 0.337 cP. Heat of vaporization: 79.4 cal/g. Surface tension at 20°: 18.41 dyne/cm. Insol in water. Miscible with alcohol, chloroform, ether. LC50 (4 hr) in mice by inhalation: 48000 ppm; LD50 orally in rats: 32.0 g/kg (Couri, Milks).
Melting point: mp -100 to -95°
Boiling point: bp 69°
Flash point: Flash point: -18.0°C
Index of refraction: nD20 1.375
Log P: Partition coefficient (1-octanol/water) at 25°: >4100
Density: d420 0.6591
Toxicity data: LC50 (4 hr) in mice by inhalation: 48000 ppm; LD50 orally in rats: 32.0 g/kg (Couri, Milks)
CAUTION: Potential symptoms of overexposure are lightheadedness; giddiness; nausea, headache; peripheral neuropathy; numbness of extremities, muscle weakness; irritation of eyes and nose; dermatitis; aspiration of liquid may cause chemical pneumonia. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 162.
Use: Determining refractive index of minerals; filling for thermometers instead of mercury, usually with a blue or red dye; extraction solvent for oilseed processing. |