Hexane is relatively inert compared to other hydrocarbons. It primarily undergoes reactions characteristic of alkanes, which include combustion and free radical substitution.

Combustion:

Hexane burns in oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water:

Halogenation:

Hexane undergoes substitution reaction by an exchange of hydrogen atoms by halogen atoms in light or heat.

One of the chlorinated product is obtained:

Cracking: Hexane can be cracked at high temperatures to produce smaller alkanes and alkenes.

Dehydrogenation: Hexane is dehydrogenated with catalysts at high temperatures to yield hexene.

Application

There are many important uses of hexane in different markets. A few major applications are described below.

1. Solvent

Industrial Solvent: Hexane is also an industrial solvent in the removal of oils and fats from seeds such as soybeans and corn.

Laboratory Uses: It is also used as a solvent in chemical reactions and extractions in laboratories.

2. Fuel

Component of Gasoline: Hexane is also one of the components of gasoline, which adds to its fuel properties.

3. Chemical Manufacture

Intermediate in Synthesis: It is the intermediate or starting material in the manufacture of most chemicals such as hexene and other products.

4. Cleaning Agent

Degreasing Agent: The solvent characteristic of hexane for dissolving oils and fats makes it useful for cleaning of machinery and equipment.

5. Pharmaceuticals

Extraction Process: Utilized hexane extraction process of active pharmaceutical ingredients and natural products.

6. Food Industry

Food Processing: Used in the processing of extraction of flavor compounds and essential oils.

7. Rubber and Plastics

Additive in Production: Hexane is used for the production of rubber and specific plastics.

Safety Note

Despite the many applications of hexane, it can be very highly flammable and hazardous to health when inhaled or ingested. Safety measures must always be taken into account when dealing with this material.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hexane is one of the organic compounds with quite diverse uses in many fields such as application as a solvent, fuel additives, and chemical reagent. Since its properties have much value in the food, drug, and oil/fat-extraction industries, its flammability and toxic hazards call for cautionary handling. Understanding its uses and the risks, the industries can use hexane in the best ways possible while minimizing any dangers that may develop.

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Hexane Formula

Chemical Formula:

Hexane is an alkane with the chemical formula

It is a colorless, inflammable liquid at room temperature and falls under the category of hydrocarbons.

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight: About 86.18 g/mol.

Boiling Point: About 68.7 °C (155.7 °F).

Melting Point: About 95 °C (139 °F).

Density: About 0.6548 g/cm³ at 20 °C.

Solubility: Not soluble in water but is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and benzene.

Vapor Pressure: About 124 mmHg at 20 °C.

Chemical Properties

Reactivity: