n-Heptane vs Hexane
Comprehensive comparison of n-Heptane and Hexane including physical properties, applications, safety considerations, and pricing. Alliance Chemical supplies both chemicals in various grades and concentrations.
Quick Comparison Summary
Physical & Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | n-Heptane | Hexane | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 98.4°C | 68.73 °C | n-Heptane boils 29.67°C higher |
| Flash Point ⚠️ | -4°C | -22 °C | Hexane is more flammable |
| Density | 0.684 g/cm³ | 0.6594 g/cm³ | n-Heptane is denser |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble in water | 0.0013 g/L at 25 °C | |
| pH | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Molecular Weight | 100.21 g/mol | 86.18 g/mol | n-Heptane is heavier molecule |
| Melting Point | -90.6°C | -95 °C | n-Heptane melts 4.4°C higher |
| Vapor Pressure | 48 mmHg at 20°C | 160 hPa at 20 °C | Hexane is more volatile |
| Auto-ignition Temp ⚠️ | 215°C | 225 °C | n-Heptane auto-ignites at lower temp |
| Vapor Density | 3.5 (air = 1) | 2.97 (air = 1) | n-Heptane vapors sink more |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid | Clear, colorless liquid | Similar appearance |
| Odor | Gasoline-like | Slightly sweet odor |
Data sourced from PubChem (NIH), OSHA Technical Guidelines, and Alliance Chemical laboratory analysis. Last verified May 2026.
Applications & Use Cases
n-Heptane Best For:
- Solvent
- Laboratory reagent
- Gas chromatography
- Extraction solvent
- Octane rating reference fuel
Hexane Best For:
- Industrial solvent
- Laboratory reagent
- Oil extraction
- Adhesive production
- Cleaning agent
Choosing Between Them
The right choice depends on your specific application, required purity, and handling capabilities. Contact our team for guidance on which chemical best fits your needs.
Safety & Handling Comparison
Storage Requirements
Always store in original containers in a cool, well-ventilated area per NFPA 30 guidelines. Refer to each product's SDS for specific storage temperature ranges and incompatible materials.
PPE Requirements
At minimum: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132-138. Check each SDS below for chemical-specific PPE requirements.
Fire Hazard
Hexane has a lower flash point and requires extra fire precautions.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Which Chemical Should You Choose?
Decision Snapshot
| Decision Factor | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation Profile | Hexane | Lower boiling point supports faster flash-off. |
| Fire Safety Margin | n-Heptane | Higher flash point generally reduces ignition risk in handling and storage. |
| Application Breadth | Hexane | Compares distinct listed use cases to avoid generic recommendations. |
| Purity Flexibility | Standard grades | Based on availability of 99%+ concentration options in current product metadata. |
Choose n-Heptane if:
- You specifically need support for solvent applications.
- You specifically need support for gas chromatography applications.
- You need a higher-boiling solvent that stays in-process longer.
- Fire-risk controls are a priority and you prefer the higher flash-point option.
Choose Hexane if:
- You specifically need support for industrial solvent applications.
- You specifically need support for oil extraction applications.
- You want a faster-evaporating solvent for quick-dry production steps.
- You can manage stricter flammable-liquid controls for lower flash-point performance.
Commercial & Fulfillment Snapshot
Built for purchasing teams that need predictable dispatch, compliant documentation, and freight flexibility from parcel to full truckload.
| Procurement Advantage | n-Heptane | Hexane |
|---|---|---|
| Grade & Concentration Coverage | 99% with industrial/lab procurement support. | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. |
| Packaging Depth | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. |
| Dispatch SLA | Lane-scheduling cutoff is 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) and noon CT Friday. Outbound dispatch from Taylor, TX typically completes within 1-2 business days. | Lane-scheduling cutoff is 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) and noon CT Friday. Outbound dispatch from Taylor, TX typically completes within 1-2 business days. |
| Freight Optionality | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. |
| Compliance Readiness | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. |
| Bulk Procurement CTA | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. |
Need Help Deciding? Our technical team can help you choose the right chemical for your specific application. Email sales@alliancechemical.com for expert guidance.
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Alliance Chemical supplies both n-Heptane and Hexane in various grades and package sizes.