Chemical laboratory

Hexane

High-Purity Industrial Solvent for Extraction Applications

  • CAS 110-54-3
  • Formula C₆H₁₄
  • Flash Pt -22 °C
  • Density 0.6594 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 68.73 °C °C
Flash point -22 °C °C
Density 0.6594 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 0.0013 g/L at 25 °C -
Ph N/A -
Molecular weight 86.18 g/mol g/mol
Melting point -95 °C °C
Vapor pressure 160 hPa at 20 °C mmHg
Autoignition temp 225 °C -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Slightly sweet odor -
Vapor density 2.97 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Hexane (C₆H₁₄) is a colorless, highly volatile hydrocarbon solvent with a slightly sweet odor. As a straight-chain alkane, hexane offers exceptional dissolving properties for non-polar compounds, making it indispensable across industrial manufacturing, laboratory research, and extraction processes. With a low boiling point of 68.73°C and excellent solvent characteristics, hexane serves as a critical component in numerous applications requiring efficient separation and purification.

Key Applications

Hexane's primary industrial use is in oil extraction, particularly for vegetable oils from seeds and plant materials. The solvent's ability to dissolve oils and fats efficiently makes it essential in food processing operations. In laboratory settings, hexane serves as a premium reagent for chromatography and spectroscopy applications, providing reliable results in analytical procedures. The chemical industry relies on hexane for polymer production and as a cleaning agent for removing grease and oil-based contaminants from equipment and surfaces. Additionally, hexane plays a vital role in adhesive production, where its solvent properties help create uniform formulations.

Safety & Handling

Hexane requires careful handling due to its extremely low flash point of -22°C, making it highly flammable. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and flame-resistant clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation or use in fume hoods to prevent vapor accumulation, as hexane vapors are heavier than air with a vapor density of 2.97. Keep away from ignition sources, hot surfaces, and electrical equipment. The autoignition temperature of 225°C requires additional precautions in heated applications.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store hexane in cool, well-ventilated areas away from heat sources and incompatible materials. Use only approved containers designed for flammable liquids, ensuring proper grounding and bonding during transfer operations. Maintain storage temperatures below 25°C to minimize vapor pressure and evaporation losses. Hexane is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and should be kept separate from such materials. When properly stored in sealed containers, hexane maintains its quality for extended periods.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers high-quality Hexane with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS, LTL, and FTL to meet your timeline requirements. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) documentation, ensuring you receive consistent, reliable product quality for your critical applications.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hexane (CAS 110-54-3) and what is it used for?
Hexane (C6H14, CAS 110-54-3) is a non-polar aliphatic solvent used widely in industrial and laboratory settings. Common uses include degreasing/cleaning, coatings and adhesives formulations, petrochemical processes, and as a laboratory solvent for chromatography and extractions (non-food applications).
How should hexane be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store hexane in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks and oxidizers, in tightly closed containers designed for flammable liquids. Unopened, properly stored product can remain stable for years, but suppliers typically recommend using within 1–5 years and to check the Certificate of Analysis for expiry guidance.
What are the key safety and handling precautions for hexane?
Hexane is a highly flammable liquid and can cause adverse health effects with prolonged inhalation exposure; use explosion-proof ventilation, grounded transfer equipment, and appropriate PPE (solvent-resistant gloves, eye protection). Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use and follow local occupational exposure limits and emergency procedures.
What are the differences between hexane concentrations and grades?
Hexane is supplied in multiple grades—technical, reagent, anhydrous, and high-purity (e.g., HPLC/GC grade)—with typical purities ranging from ~95% to >99.9%. Higher-purity grades have lower levels of isomeric and organic impurities and are required for analytical work, while technical grades are common for industrial cleaning and formulations.
What documentation do suppliers provide for hexane?
Suppliers provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (CoA) detailing purity and impurity profile, and often a technical data sheet (TDS); regulatory information such as REACH or TSCA status is available on request. Request current SDS and CoA with each shipment to confirm grade and compliance.
How is hexane shipped and what packaging options are available?
Hexane is transported as a flammable liquid (UN1208, Class 3) and must comply with relevant dangerous goods regulations; use approved packaging and labeling. Typical packaging includes drums, steel or plastic IBCs, and small bottles or cans for laboratory quantities, with bulk deliveries available from many suppliers.
Which materials are compatible or incompatible with hexane?
Hexane is compatible with glass, stainless steel, PTFE and many hydrocarbon-resistant metals and plastics. It can swell or degrade certain elastomers and plastics (e.g., natural rubber, some neoprenes, polystyrene and ABS), and is incompatible with strong oxidizers, so compatibility testing is advised for specific components.
What are the key technical specifications of hexane I should check?
Key specifications include CAS number (110-54-3), molecular formula C6H14, molecular weight ~86.18 g·mol⁻1, boiling point ~69°C, and density around 0.66 g·mL⁻1 at 20°C; also verify stated purity, water content, and specified impurity levels. For analytical applications, request GC impurity profiles and anhydrous certification if required.
Which industries and applications commonly use hexane?
Hexane is used across coatings, adhesives, printing, automotive and metalworking for degreasing, in petrochemical manufacturing, and in research laboratories for solvent extraction and chromatography (non-food uses). Its low polarity and volatility make it valuable where rapid evaporation and non-polar solvency are needed.
How can I purchase hexane and what affects availability and lead time?
Hexane is available from chemical distributors in a range of grades and package sizes; availability and lead time depend on grade, quantity, regional regulations and shipping restrictions. Contact suppliers for quotations, provide intended use to ensure correct grade, and request SDS/CoA and any regional regulatory documentation before ordering.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
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