Hexane
Description
General name for any isomeric form of the hydrocarbon with the formula C6H14. Hexane is the major component in Ligroin petroleum distillate. It is used as a solvent for oils, fats, waxes, pressure sensitive adhesives, and as a paint thinner.
Note: The physical parameters for normal (straight chain) hexane are provided with this entry.
Synonyms and Related Terms
hexyl hydride; n-hexane
Other Properties
Soluble in ethanol, acetone and ether. Insoluble in water.
| Composition | CH3(CH2)4CH3 |
|---|---|
| CAS | 100-54-3 |
| Melting Point | -95 |
| Density | 0.65937 |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 86.2 |
| Refractive Index | 1.37486 |
| Boiling Point | 68.742 |
Hazards and Safety
Flammable, fire risk. Inhalation can adversely affect nervous system. Skin contact can cause irritation and redness.
LINK: International Chemical Safety Card
Comparisons
Authority
- R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia, Dover Publications, New York, 1966
- Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
- Matt Roberts, Don Etherington, Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: a Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1982
- Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997
- The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 4729; ref. index=1.37486 (mixed isomers)
- The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998
- CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, Robert Weast (ed.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, v. 61, 1980 Comment: ref. index=1.372 (n-hexane)