Hexane is an organic substance, a straight chain saturated hydrocarbon, with the chemical formula C6H14 for n-hexane. Belonging to alkanes, there are also paraffin and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The characteristics of this type of compound are hydrogen atom saturation (the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms in the molecule) and simple bonds. A carbon atom is connected to four hydrogen atoms as the top node of a tetrahedron. Carbon atoms are interconnected through non-polar bonds. Both C-C and C-H bonds have sufficient strength, which ensures the low chemical activity of hexane. According to the spatial arrangement of carbon atom structures in hexane, five isomers can be distinguished.
Under certain pressure and temperature conditions, hexane reacts with dilute nitric acid to undergo reactions such as halogenation and sulfochlorination. Oxidation by oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide; Burning with the release of a large amount of heat. Oxidation in the presence of a catalyst can generate alcohols, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids. By reforming in the presence of a catalyst, isomers of hexane and benzene are obtained.
Hexane is a clear and volatile liquid with a slight odor. Liquids are flammable and explosive. Insoluble in water, miscible with organic solvents such as chloroform, ethanol, methanol, acetone, and ether.
Hexane is obtained from the condensate of gasoline fractions and associated gases from the first distillation of petroleum.
Hexane isomers are separated from gasoline obtained through alkylation or catalytic cracking; Hydrocracking from gas oil (heavy fraction of petroleum) and tar after removing solid components.
The hazards of n-hexane
Hexane is irritating to the skin; Oral administration can harm the lungs; When inhaled, it acts as an anesthetic substance, causing drowsiness, dizziness, peripheral nervous system damage, leg numbness, and central nervous system suppression. Hexane vapor can irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes.
Frequent inhalation of hexane vapor can lead to chronic poisoning and severe neurological disorders, manifested as decreased leg sensitivity, fatigue, decreased muscle tone, headaches, and even quadriplegia.
Hexane is flammable and explosive. It is only allowed to be used in well ventilated rooms or fume hoods, following fire safety regulations, and using all protective equipment, including gas masks with automatic gas supply.
The transportation of hexane must be carried out in sealed containers with special information markings, separated from flammable materials. Storage - Keep in a ventilated room, away from light, dry, and cool.
application
Neutral solvents for paints and varnishes, adhesives for furniture and shoes, n-hexane adhesives.
- Produce gasoline and gasoline additives (hexane isomers) to improve their performance.
Raw materials for producing benzene, synthetic rubber, and polyolefins.
Used for the classification and purification of substances in the chemical industry.
- As an industrial degreaser and cleaner.
- Used for the extraction and purification of vegetable oils in the food industry.
In laboratory practice, it is used to analyze the quality of water, drugs, food, and oil products. Used for complex and precise research (fluorescence measurement, UV spectroscopy, gas chromatography). Non polar solvents in chemical reactions.
- As an indicator liquid in thermometers with a negative value range.
Hexane is an excellent solvent for paraffin plugs in petroleum production.
In the electronics and tire industries.