Hexane

1Identification

Name

Hexane

IUPAC name

hexane

CAS number

110-54-3

EC number

203-777-6

Molecular formula

C6H14

Molecular weight

86.18 g/mol

InChIKey

VLKZOEOYAKHREP-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCCCC

PubChem CID

8058

Synonyms

HEXANE, n-Hexane, Skellysolve B, Esani, Gettysolve-B, Hexyl hydride, Dipropyl, Hexanen, Heksan, normal-hexane, RefChem:6658, Hexanes, hexan, Normal hexane

Recommended uses

• The main use of hexane is as a solvent to extract edible oils from seed and vegetable crops (e.g., soybeans, peanuts, corn). Hexane is also used as a cleaning agent (degreaser) in the printing industry.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Used as a solvent, especially in the adhesive and shoe industries; abused by glue sniffers for its euphoric effects; [LaDou, p. 430] Used in shoe and furniture manufacture to dissolve glue; also used in adhesive tape manufacturing; [Sullivan, p. 1211] Fuels made from petroleum contain n-hexane. Modern blends of US gasoline contain about 3% n-hexane. [ATSDR ToxProfiles] Used as a solvent for vegetable oils, polymers, and paints; [Hawley] Used as a degreaser by vehicle repair technicians in a commercially available aerosol containing toluene, acetone, and hexane (50% n-hexane);
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry] Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint] Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other] Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Intermediate Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents) Laboratory chemicals Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Soil amendments (fertilizers) Monomers Fuel agents Fuel Solvent Flavoring and nutrient Other Lubricating agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Intermediate Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents) Laboratory chemicals Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Monomers Fuel Fuel agents Solvent Flavoring and nutrient Lubricating agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Chemical Classes -> Hydrocarbons (contain hydrogen and carbon atoms), Volatile organic compounds · Food Additives -> EXTRACTION_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• n-Hexane is a chemical made from crude oil. Pure n-Hexane is a colorless liquid with a slightly disagreeable odor. It is highly flammable, and its vapors can be explosive. Puren-Hexane is used in laboratories. Most of then-Hexane used in industry is mixed with similar chemicals called solvents. The major use for solvents containing n-Hexane is to extract vegetable oils from crops such as soybeans. These solvents are also used as cleaning agents in the printing, textile, furniture, and shoemaking industries. Certain kinds of special glues used in the roofing and shoe and leather industries also contain n-Hexane.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• n-Hexane can cause male reproductive toxicity according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• N-hexane is a clear colorless liquids with a petroleum-like odor. Flash points -9 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. Used as a solvent, paint thinner, and chemical reaction medium.
  CAMEO Chemicals

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS07, GHS08, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

7 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 0 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 3 - Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Materials produce hazardous atmospheres with air under almost all ambient temperatures or, though unaffected by ambient temperatures, are readily ignited under almost all conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• INHALATION causes irritation of respiratory tract, cough, mild depression, cardiac arrhythmias. ASPIRATION causes severe lung irritation, coughing, pulmonary edema; excitement followed by depression. INGESTION causes nausea, vomiting, swelling of abdomen, headache, depression. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• CAUTION: Petroleum crude oil (UN1267) may contain TOXIC hydrogen sulphide gas. · Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. · Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Behavior in Fire: Vapors may explode (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. · Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. · Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. · Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). · Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. · Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. · Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. · Containers may explode when heated. · Many liquids will float on water. · Substance may be transported hot.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Highly flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• n-Hexane is a chemical made from crude oil. Pure n-Hexane is a colorless liquid with a slightly disagreeable odor. It is highly flammable, and its vapors can be explosive. Puren-Hexane is used in laboratories. Most of then-Hexane used in industry is mixed with similar chemicals called solvents. The major use for solvents containing n-Hexane is to extract vegetable oils from crops such as soybeans. These solvents are also used as cleaning agents in the printing, textile, furniture, and shoemaking industries. Certain kinds of special glues used in the roofing and shoe and leather industries also contain n-Hexane.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Hexane is used to extract edible oils from seeds and vegetables, as a special-use solvent, and as a cleaning agent. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure of humans to high levels of hexane causes mild central nervous system (CNS) effects, including dizziness, giddiness, slight nausea, and headache. Chronic (long- term) exposure to hexane in air is associated with polyneuropathy in humans, with numbness in the extremities, muscular weakness, blurred vision, headache, and fatigue observed. Neurotoxic effects have also been exhibited in rats. No information is available on the carcinogenic effects of hexane in humans or animals.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Shortness of breath. Euphoria. Headache. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Dry skin.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Stop discharge if possible. Keep people away. Shut off ignition sources and call fire department. Stay upwind and use water spray to "knock down" vapor. Isolate and remove discharged material. Notify local health and pollution control agencies.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped or safely confined. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• To fight fire, use carbon dioxide, dry chemical.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Remove all ignition sources. Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• In the event of spillage, naked flames, sparks, and heat should be avoided; approved, efficient, protective clothing and respirators should be provided. Small-scale spillage should be absorbed on paper towels or sawdust; sand or earth can be used for larger spills. Fire-fighting foam can be used in large spillages to reduce evaporation. If possible, liquid spills should be recovered for recycling.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Store only in original container. Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Well closed. Ventilation along the floor. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Drums should be stored in a well-ventilated area in fire-resistant containers. Metal containers should be electrically-grounded, when liquid is being transferred.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Safe Storage: Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Well closed.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for n-Hexane: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F). Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Respirator Recommendations: Up to 500 ppm: [Table#263]
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH Up to 500 ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator* Up to 1100 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode* (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained posit…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• N-HEXANE may be sensitive to light. It may also be sensitive to prolonged exposure to heat. This compound can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. This would include compounds such as liquid chlorine, concentrated O2, sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite. It is also incompatible with dinitrogen tetraoxide. It will attack some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. (NTP, 1992).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Forms explosive mixture with air. Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire and explosions. contact with dinitrogen tetreoxide may explode at 28 °C. Attacks some plastics, rubber and coatings. may accumulate static electrical charges, and may cause ignition of its vapor.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Mixtures with dinitrogen tetraoxide may explode at 28 °C
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• During kinetic studies, one sample of a 1:1 molar soln of tetraoxide in hexane exploded during (normally slow) decomp at 28 °C.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Neurological (Nervous System), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Nervous
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the skin. The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Exposure to high concentrations of vapour could cause unconsciousness. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. This may result in polyneuropathy. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Hexane may be disposed of by atomizing in a suitable combustion chamber.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Spray into the furnace. Incineration will become easier by mixing with a more flammable solvent. Recommendable methods: Incineration, open burning, use as a boiler fuel, & evaporation. Not recommendable method: Landfill. Peer review: Care. Highly flammable. Evaporate only small amt. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May 1985))
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1208

Shipping name

• UN 1208; Hexanes
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 3.2; Hexanes
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Hexane
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Marine pollutant
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Hexanes
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1208 128
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Hexane is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Hexane is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8058 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.