Overview

Hexane (HEX-ane) is a colorless flammable liquid with a faint petroleum-like odor. Chemically it is classified as a saturated hydrocarbon, which means that its molecules contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms joined only by single bonds. Saturated hydrocarbons are also known as alkanes. By far its most important use is as a solvent in a variety of industrial operations.

Key Facts

Other Names:

n-hexane

Formula:

C₆H₁₄

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen

Compound Type:

Alkane; saturated hydrocarbon (organic)

State:

Liquid

Molecular Weight:

86.18 g/mol

Melting Point:

−95.35°C (−139.6°F)

Boiling Point:

68.73°C (155.7°F)

Solubility:

Insoluble in water; very soluble in ethyl alcohol; soluble in ether and chloroform

How It Is Made

Hexane is extracted from petroleum. Petroleum is a complex mixture of solid, liquid, and gaseous hydrocarbons that has virtually no use itself. However, the fractional distillation of petroleum produces hundreds of individual compounds, each of which has its own...