HEXANE
(AND RELATED HYDROCARBONS)

Hexane (and related aliphatic hydrocarbons)
(Normal hexane, skellysolve B)
CAS 110-54-3

C₆H₁₄

Colorless liquid
bp 69 °C, mp -95 °C
Slightly soluble in water (0.014 g/100 mL)

Mild gasoline-like odor detectable at 65 to 248 ppm

3.0 (air = 1.0)

124 mmHg at 20 °C

-21.7 °C

225 °C

LD₅₀ oral (rat) 28,700 mg/kg

PEL (OSHA) 500 ppm (1800 mg/m³)

TLV-TWA (ACGIH) 50 ppm

Highly flammable; chronic exposure may cause neurotoxic effects.

Hexane and related aliphatic hydrocarbons exhibit only slight acute toxicity by all routes of exposure. The liquid may cause irritation upon contact with skin or eyes. Hexane vapor (and the vapor of other volatile hydrocarbons) at high concentrations (>1000 ppm) is a narcotic, and inhalation may result in lightheadedness, giddiness, nausea, and headache. Ingestion of hexane or other hydrocarbons may lead to aspiration of the substance into the lungs, causing pneumonia. Prolonged skin exposure may cause irritation due to the ability of these solvents to remove fats from the skin. Hexane is regarded as a substance with good warning properties.

Chronic exposure to hexane or other aliphatic hydrocarbons may cause central nervous system toxicity. Hexane has not been found to be a carcinogen or reproductive toxin in humans.

Hexane is extremely flammable (NFPA rating = 3), and its vapor can travel a considerable distance to an ignition source and "flash back." Hexane vapor forms explosive mixtures with air at concentrations of 1.1 to 7.5 % (by volume). Hydrocarbons of significantly higher molecular weight have correspondingly higher vapor pressures and therefore present a reduced flammability hazard. Carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers should be used for hexane fires.

Contact with strong oxidizing agents may cause explosions or fires.

Hexane and other aliphatic hydrocarbons should be handled in the laboratory using the "basic prudent practices" described in Chapter 5.C, supplemented by the additional precautions for dealing with extremely flammable substances (Chapter 5.F). In particular, hexane should be used only in areas free of ignition sources, and quantities greater than 1 liter should be stored in tightly sealed metal containers in areas separate from oxidizers.

In the event of skin contact, immediately wash with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 min (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally) and obtain medical attention. If hexane is ingested, obtain medical attention immediately. If large amounts of this compound are inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once.

In the event of a spill, remove all ignition sources, soak up the hexane with a spill pillow or absorbent material, place in an appropriate container, and dispose of properly. Respiratory protection may be necessary in the event of a large spill or release in a confined area.

Excess hexane and waste material containing this substance should be placed in an appropriate container, clearly labeled, and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.

The information in this LCSS has been compiled by a committee of the National Research Council from literature sources and Material Safety Data Sheets and is believed to be accurate as of July 1994. This summary is intended for use by trained laboratory personnel in conjunction with the NRC report Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. This LCSS presents a concise summary of safety information that should be adequate for most laboratory uses of the title substance, but in some cases it may be advisable to consult more comprehensive references. This information should not be used as a guide to the nonlaboratory use of this chemical.

Copyright 1995 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.