| Hexane |
|---|
|
Physical Properties
Color - Colorless
Odor - Gasoline-like Odor
Density - \(0.02385 \; lbm/in^3 \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \; (0.6603 \; g/cc \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ)\)
Viscosity - \(0.30 \; cP \;\)@\(\; 77 \; F^\circ \; (0.30 \; cP \;\)@\(\; 25 \; C^\circ)\)
Molar Mass - \(86.17848 \; g/mol \;(86.17848 \; g/mol)\)
Vapor Pressure - \(86.18 \; torr \;\)@\(\; 49.6 \; F^\circ \; (0.1000 \;bar \;\)@\(\; 9.8 \; C^\circ)\)
Surface Tension - \(17.89 \; dynes/cm \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \;(17.89 \; dynes/cm \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ) \)
Chemical Properties
Chemical Formula - \(C_6 H_{14}\)
State of Matter - Liquid
Flammability - Highly Flammable
Electrical Properties
Dielectric Constant - \(1.89 \;(1.89)\)
Thermal Properties
Melting Point - \(-139 \; F^\circ \; (-95 \; C^\circ)\)
Boiling Point - \(155.7 \; F^\circ \; (68.7 \; C^\circ)\)
Flash Point - \(-7.6 \; F^\circ \; (-22 \; C^\circ)\)
Autoignition Temp. - \(437 \; F^\circ \; (225 \; C^\circ)\)
LFL - \(1.2\)%
PEL - \(500 \; ppm\)
Heat of Fusion - \(65.30 \; BTU/lb \; (151.8 \; J/g)\)
Heat of Vaporization - \(144.0 \; BTU/lb \; (334.8 \; J/g)\)
Specific Heat Capacity - \(0.5421 \; BTU/lbF^\circ \;\)@\(\; 77 \; F^\circ \; (2.268 \; J/gC^\circ \;\)@\(\; 25 \; C^\circ )\)
Thermal Conductivity - \(0.833 \; BTUin/hrft^3F^\circ \;\)@\(\; 77 \; F^\circ \; (0.120 \; W/mK \;\)@\(\; 25 \; C^\circ )\)
Optical Properties
Refractive Index - \(1.3751 \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \; \lambda \; 589.3 \; mm \; (1.3751 \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ \; \lambda \; 589.3 \; mm)\)
|
Hexane, also referred to as n-hexane, is an organic compound and a straight-chain alkane with the molecular formula \(C_6 H_{14}\). It is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with a faint, gasoline-like odor, especially when pure. Hexane is primarily obtained from the refining of crude oil and is a significant component of gasoline.
It is widely used as a non-polar solvent in various industrial and laboratory applications due to its relatively low cost, high volatility (meaning it evaporates quickly), and ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds. Its main applications include extracting edible oils from seeds (like soybeans and canola), serving as a solvent in glues, adhesives, varnishes, and inks, and acting as a cleaning and degreasing agent in industries like printing and textile manufacturing. While useful, hexane is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and can pose health risks with prolonged exposure, including neurological effects.
