n-Hexane (C6H14) is a colorless liquid that is insoluble in water. It is obtained by fractional distillation of petroleum. Hexane is classified as flammable and moderately toxic. At low concentrations in air it is also explosive, but under equilibrium conditions these concentrations are only achieved at temperatures below 2°C. Its main use is as a solvent in the extraction of oils from seeds. It is also used in motor fuels, as a polyolefins solvent, as polymerization medium and paint diluent.
Molecular weight:86.178 | Critical temperature: 507.44 K |
Melting point: 177.83 K | Critical pressure: 3.031 MPa |
Normal boiling point: 341.88 K | Critical density: 232.8 kg/m3 |
See Table 1.
Note. From C. F. Beaton, G. F. Hewitt, 1989, Physical Property Data for the Design Engineer, Hemisphere Publishing Corporation, New York, with permission.