Hexane Formula: Do you know what chemical compound is used to extract edible oil from seeds and vegetables? It is nothing but hexane because of its easy oil recovery, narrow boiling point \(\left(63-69^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right)\), and excellent solubilizing ability. Hexane is also used as a cleaning agent in the textile, printing industries and furniture. Inhalation of hexane causes cough, irritation of the respiratory tract, mild depression, cardiac arrhythmias. In this article, we will learn more about hexane in detail.

Definition of Hexane

Hexane is an organic compound. Hexane is a type of hydrocarbon that consists of six carbon atoms surrounded by \(14\) hydrogen atoms and has the molecular formula \({{\rm{C}}_6}{{\rm{H}}_{14}}\) The term hexanes refer to a mixture of predominantly \(\left( {60\% } \right)\) hexane, with varying amounts of \(2\)-methylpentane and \(3\)-methylpentane isomeric compounds and possibly smaller amounts of non-isomeric \({{\rm{C}}_5},{{\rm{C}}_6}\) and \({{\rm{C}}_7}\) cycloalkanes or alkanes. Hexane is an important component of gasoline. It is a colourless, odourless liquid in pure form with a boiling point of approximately \(69^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\left(156.2^{\circ} \mathrm{F}\right)\) It is widely used as a cheap, relatively safe, largely inert and easily evaporated nonpolar solvent. Other names for hexane are sextane and hexacarbane.

Derivation of Hexane Formula

Hexane contains six carbon atoms and is a simple compound. It is also a straight-chain alkane. The general formula of hexane follows \({{\rm{C}}_{\rm{n}}}{{\rm{H}}_{2{\rm{n}} + 2}}\) to include the terminal hydrogen atoms. So, the molecular formula of hexane is \({{\rm{C}}_{\rm{6}}}{{\rm{H}}_{{\rm{14}}}}\) In addition, each carbon atom in hexane is individually bonded to the hydrogen atoms.

Structure of Hexane

Hexane is a saturated compound that contains single bonds that link carbon atoms to each other.

Production of Hexane

Hexanes are mainly produced by refining crude oil. The exact composition of the fraction depends largely on the oil source (crude or reformed) and refining constraints. A commercial product (typically about \(50%\) by weight of a straight-chain isomer) is the fraction boiling at \(65-70^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\left(149-158^{\circ} \mathrm{F}\right)\)

Properties of Hexane

Physical Properties

1. The chemical formula of Hexane is \({{\rm{C}}_{\rm{6}}}{{\rm{H}}_{{\rm{14}}}}\) and its molecular weight is \(86.18\;{\rm{g}}/{\rm{mol}}\) and its density is \(655\;{\rm{kg}}/{{\rm{m}}^3}\)
2. Hexane is a colourless volatile liquid that is insoluble in water and highly inflammable.
3. The odour of hexane is similar to that of gasoline odour.
4. The boiling point and melting point of hexane is \(68.5\) to \({\rm{69}}{\rm{.}}{{\rm{1}}^{\rm{o}}}{\rm{C}}\) and \({\rm{ – 9}}{{\rm{4}}^{\rm{o}}}{\rm{C}}\), respectively.
5. The solubility of hexane is \(9.5\,{\rm{mg}}{{\rm{L}}^{ – 1}}\)
6. Hexane has a considerable vapour pressure at room temperature. That is \(17.60\,{\rm{kPa}}\) (at \({\rm{2}}{{\rm{0}}^{\rm{o}}}{\rm{C}}\)).

Chemical Properties

1. Hexane, as one of the higher hydrocarbons, undergoes thermal cracking, resulting in the production of several hydrocarbons.

\(\underset{{{\text{By}}\,{\text{thermal}}\,{\text{cracking}}}}{\mathop {{{\text{C}}_{\text{6}}}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{14}}}}}}  \to \underset{{{\text{Butane}}}}{\mathop {{{\text{C}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{10}}}}}} {\text{ + }}\underset{{{\text{Ethane}}}}{\mathop {{{\text{C}}_{\text{2}}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}}}} \)

2. The hexane compound quickly undergoes burning, releasing water and carbon dioxide molecules. 

The chemical reaction involved is as follows:

\(\underset{{{\text{Hexane}}}}{\mathop {{\text{2}}{{\text{C}}_{\text{6}}}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{14}}}}}} {\text{ + 19}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}} \to \underset{{{\text{Carbon}}\,{\text{dioxide}}}}{\mathop {{\text{12C}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}}} {\text{ + }}\underset{{{\text{Water}}}}{\mathop {{\text{14}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{O}}}} \)

Uses of Hexane – C₆H₁₄

1. Hexane is used as a cleaning agent in the printing industry.
2. Hexane is used as the liquid in low-temperature thermometers.
3. In industry, hexanes are used in adhesives for footwear, leather and roofing. 
4. They are widely used in the extraction of food-based soybean oil in the United States and are potentially present as impurities in all soy food products in which the technique is used. The lack of FDA regulation on this contamination is subject to some controversy.
5. Hexane is also used to extract food oils (such as canola oil or soybean oil) from seeds, for cleaning and degreasing various items, and in the textile industry. 
6. Hexanes are commonly used as nonpolar solvents in chromatography. 
7. Typical laboratory use of hexanes is the extraction of contaminants from oils and fats from water and soil for analysis. Since hexane cannot be easily deprotonated, it is used in the laboratory for reactions involving very strong bases, such as the production of organolithium compounds. For example, butyllithium is usually supplied as a solution in hexane.

Health Hazard of Hexane

1. Short-term exposure to air contaminated with hexane affects the nervous system and can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and even loss of consciousness.
2. Chronic exposure can cause more serious damage to the nervous system.
3. If ingested, it can cause severe abdominal pain and respiratory effects, which can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, or chest, and even chemical pneumonitis. Personal protective equipment is recommended when handling hexane.

Summary

Hexane is an organic compound. Hexane is a type of hydrocarbon that consists of six carbon atoms surrounded by \(14\) hydrogen atoms and has the molecular formula \({{\rm{C}}_6}{{\rm{H}}_{14}}\). The chemical formula of Hexane is \({{\rm{C}}_6}{{\rm{H}}_{14}}\), and its molecular weight is \(86.18\;{\rm{g}}/{\rm{mol}}\), and its density is \(655\;{\rm{kg}}/{{\rm{m}}^3}\). Hexane is a colourless volatile liquid that is insoluble in water and highly inflammable. Hexane is used as a cleaning agent in the printing industry. Hexane is used as the liquid in low-temperature thermometers. In industry, hexanes are used in adhesives for footwear, leather and roofing. They are widely used in the extraction of food-based soybean oil.

FAQs on Hexane Formula

Q.1. Is hexane absorbed by the body?
Ans: Hexane can be easily inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Q.2. Can you drink water after drinking hexane?
Ans: Hexane is dangerous to health. Ingestion of hexane can cause severe abdominal pain and affect the respiratory system.

Q.3. What is hexane used for?
Ans: The uses of hexane are as follows:
1. Hexane is used as a cleaning agent in the printing industry.
2. Hexane is used as the liquid in low-temperature thermometers.
3. In industry, hexanes are used in adhesives for footwear, leather and roofing. 
4. They are widely used in the extraction of food-based soybean oil.

Q.4. How bad is hexane for you?
Ans: Hexane is toxic to health. Short-term exposure to air contaminated with hexane affects the nervous system and can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and even loss of consciousness. Chronic exposure can cause more serious damage to the nervous system.

Q.5. Describe the physical properties of hexane?
Ans: The physical properties of Hexane are as follows:
1. The chemical formula of Hexane is \({{\rm{C}}_{\rm{6}}}{{\rm{H}}_{{\rm{14}}}}\) and its molecular weight is \(86.18\;{\rm{g}}/{\rm{mol}}\) and its density is \(655\;{\rm{kg}}/{{\rm{m}}^3}\)
2. Hexane is a colourless volatile liquid that is insoluble in water and highly inflammable.
3. The odour of hexane is similar to that of gasoline odour.
4. The boiling point and melting point of hexane is \(68.5\) to \({\rm{69}}{\rm{.}}{{\rm{1}}^{\rm{o}}}{\rm{C}}\) and \(-96\) to \({\rm{ – 9}}{{\rm{4}}^{\rm{o}}}{\rm{C}}\), respectively.
5. The solubility of hexane is \(9.5\,{\rm{mg}}{{\rm{L}}^{ – 1}}\)
6. Hexane has a considerable vapour pressure at room temperature. That is \(17.60\,{\rm{kPa}}\) (at \({\rm{2}}{{\rm{0}}^{\rm{o}}}{\rm{C}}\)).

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