Hexane

log Kow = 3.90

3.90

3.9

0.659 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

0.6606 g/cu cm at 25 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 0.7

0.66

0.6606 @25 °C

0.66

0.377 cP at 15 °C

3.26X10-4 Pa-s at 20 °C

1.4 mm²/s

Liquid

Colorless, very volatile liquid

less than 1 mg/mL at 61.7 °F (NTP, 1992)

In water, 9.5 mg/L at 25 °C

9.5 to 13 mg/L at 20 °C in distilled water, 75.5 mg/L at 20 °C in salt water

Very soluble in ethanol; soluble in ethyl ether, chloroform

Miscible with alcohol, chloroform, and ether

0.0095 mg/mL at 25 °C

-9.4 °F (NTP, 1992)

-7 °F

-7 °F (-22 °C) (Closed cup)

-22 °C c.c.

-7 °F

-7 °F

156 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

68.73 °C

68.70 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

69 °C

156 °F

68.73 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-139 °F (NTP, 1992)

-95.35 °C

-93.5 °C

-95 °C

-139 °F

-95.35 °C

2.97 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

2.97 (Air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 3.0

2.97

Odor Threshold Low: 65.0 [ppm]；Odor Threshold High: 248.0 [ppm]；Odor threshold from AIHA

0.0064 mg/l

Danger

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]；H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]；H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]；H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]；H361f ***: Suspected of damaging fertility [Warning Reproductive toxicity]；H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]；H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P318, P319, P321, P331, P332+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P391, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (2 of 4001) of reports.

Chemical: Hexane

Chemical: Hexane, branched and linear

Hazard Traits - Environmental tox; Neurotoxicity; Reproductive Toxicity；Authoritative List - ATSDR Neurotoxicants; CA TACs; CWA 303(d); IRIS Neurotoxicants; OEHHA RELs; Prop 65；Report - regardless of intended function of ingredient in the product

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (amended)

Hexane is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Hexane are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 03-11-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/15741

Behavior in Fire: Vapors may explode (USCG, 1999)

· 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.；· For hybrid vehicles, GUIDE 147 (lithium ion or sodium ion batteries) or GUIDE 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted.；· If molten aluminum is involved, refer to GUIDE 169.

Highly flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.

Flammable. Flashback along vapor trail may occur.

Flammable liquid. A very dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame...

Flammable, dangerous fire risk.

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)

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.

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. Several consumer products containn-Hexane, such as gasoline, quick-drying glues used in various hobbies, and rubber cement. .

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 has classified hexane as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.

Acute exposure to 5000 ppm produces giddiness within 10 minutes and 30,000 ppm produces narcosis within 30-60 minutes. [ACGIH] Peripheral neuropathy is the main long-term adverse effect, and it has been observed after exposures in the range of 400 ppm for 45 days or 30 ppm for 2 months to 5 years. [CHEMINFO] n-Hexane is in the list of Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation published on the web site of the U.N. International Drug Control Programme, indicating its potential to cause narcosis in workers. [Reference #1] Vehicle repair technicians developed peripheral neuropathy while using an aerosol cleaner containing hexane, acetone, and toluene. Acetone and methyl ethyl ketone amplify the neurotoxicity of n-Hexane. [Reference #2] A skin irritant; Ingestion can cause aspiration into the lungs; Inhalation may cause lowering of consciousness; Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause polyneuropathy; May have adverse effects on human reproduction, based on animal studies; [ICSC] A skin and eye irritant; Inhalation may cause drowsiness or dizziness; An aspiration hazard by ingestion (may cause lung injury); Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause organ injury; Suspected reproductive toxicant and teratogen; Targets the peripheral nervous system, kidney, and testes; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

1208 128

1208 128

Couri D, Milks M; Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 22: 145-66 (1982). This is a review and discussion with 93 references on the toxicity and metab of hexacarbons incl hexane.

WHO; Environmental Health Criteria 122: n-Hexane (1991)

DHHS/NTP; Report on the Toxicity Studies of n-Hexane in B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies) NTP TOX2 (1991) NIH Pub No. 91-3121

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:；CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. CAUTION: For mixtures containing alcohol or polar solvent, alcohol-resistant foam may be more effective.；SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam. If regular foam is ineffective or unavailable, use alcohol-resistant foam.；LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If regular foam is ineffective or unavailable, use alcohol-resistant foam. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.；FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. For petroleum crude oil, do not spray water directly into a breached tank car. This can lead to a dangerous boil over. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

Use powder, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Rest. Refer immediately for medical attention.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.；· Keep unauthorized personnel away.；· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.；· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.；· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.；· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.；· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.；· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.；· A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.；· Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.；· Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.；Large Spill；· Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.；· Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

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. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.；INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.；INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Volatile chemicals have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

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).；-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.；· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.；· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.；· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.；· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.；· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.；· Keep victim calm and warm.；· Keep victim under observation.；· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.；· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.；Specific First Aid:；· Wash skin with soap and water.

(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.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).；· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) [ACGIH] - 2,5-Hexanedione (without hydrolysis) in urine = 0.5 mg/L end of shift;

50.0 [ppm]

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.

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.

To fight fire, use carbon dioxide, dry chemical.

Flashback along a vapor trail may occur, since the vapor is heavier than air. Fire extinguishers containing carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam are recommended. Water sprays should not be used, since these may cause the fire to spread, though a water spray can be used to cool containers.

Drums should be stored in a well-ventilated area in fire-resistant containers. Metal containers should be electrically-grounded, when liquid is being transferred.

Safe Storage: Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Well closed.

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.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:；ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.；LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)

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.

Hexane may be disposed of by atomizing in a suitable combustion chamber.

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))

The International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals recommends: "Incineration, open burning, use as a boiler fuel, evaporation. Spray into the furnace. Incineration will become easier by mixing with a more flammable solvent. Care, highly inflammable, evaporate only small amounts. Landfill is not recommended".

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

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.

n-Hexane was detected in 8 of 12 samples of mothers breast milk from the cities of Bayonne NJ, Jersey City NJ, Bridgeville PA and Baton Rouge LA(1). The air expired from humans contained n-hexane in 6.9% of the 387 samples collected from 54 subjects(2). The average n-hexane concentration of 4.7 ng/L was expressed as the geometric mean with upper and lower limits of 13.5 and 1.63 ng/L, respectively(2).

To study the protective effects of garlic oil (GO) on the peripheral nerve injuries induced by n-hexane. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats in each group): the control, the n-hexane treatment (2000 mg/kg), the low dose GO, and the high dose GO groups. The rats in the low and high doses of GO groups were pretreated with GO (40 and 80 mg/kg) before exposure to n-hexane (2000 mg/ kg), while the animals of the n-hexane treatment group were given normal saline and then 2000 mg/ kg n-hexane. The rats were exposed to GO and n-hexane 6 times a week for 10 weeks. The gait scores and staying time on the rotating rod for all rats were detected every two weeks. The rats were sacrificed at the end of ten weeks, then the levels of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), maleic dialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidation capacity (T-AOC) and the ability of inhibition of OH in livers were examined. The gait scores increased significantly and the time staying on the rotating rod obviously decreased in rats of n-hexane treatment group, as compared with control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In the hepatic tissues of n-hexane group, the levels of MDA and ADH significantly increased, the activities of GSH-Px, T-AOC and the ability of inhibition of OH obviously decreased, as compared to control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In 2 GO groups, the gait scores and the staying time on the rotating rod were significantly improved, the levels of MDA and ADH significantly decreased, the activities of GSH-Px, T-AOC and the ability of inhibition of OH obviously increased, as compared with n-hexane group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). ADH could play an important role in the protective effects induced by garlic oil on the peripheral nerve injuries produced by n-hexane.

Four separate groups of 5 rats each were exposed to 1000 ppm n-hexane, 1000 ppm n-hexane plus 1000 ppm toluene, 1000 ppm n-hexane plus 1000 ppm methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), or fresh air. Distributions of n-hexane metabolites in the mixed exposure group were ... similar to that of an n-hexane-alone group. The amount of metabolites decreased to approximately 1/6 of that in the n-hexane group by co-exposure with toluene and to approximately 1/4 by co-exposure with MEK. Toluene decr the neurotoxicity of n-hexane by the inhibition of n-hexane metabolism.

Toluene at 1000 ppm exerted an antagonistic effect on n-hexane neurotoxicity in rats exposed to 1000 ppm n-hexane 12 hr/day for 16 wk. While 1000 ppm n-hexane considerably impaired the function of peripheral nerves, as measured by nerve conduction velocities in the rat tail, the combined exposure resulted in only slight impairment.

n-Hexane ... potentiates chloroform toxicity.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for N-HEXANE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Neurological (Nervous System), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Nervous

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system

Hexane mainly affects the nervous system. It causes degeneration of the peripheral nervous system (and eventually the central nervous system), starting with damage to the nerve axons. Exposure to hexane may also damage the lungs and reproductive system. (L977, L978)

LC50; Species: Goldfish; Concentration: 4 mg/L for 24 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

EC50; Species: Chlamydomonas angulosa (Green Algae) age 3-4 days, exponential growth phase 5x10+4 cells/mL; Conditions: static, 19 °C, pH 6.5; Concentration: 94 mmol/cu m for 3 hr; Effect: physiology, photosynthesis /formulation/

EC50; Species: Chlorella vulgaris (Green Algae) age 3-4 days, exponential growth phase 20x10+4 cells/mL; Conditions: static, 19 °C, pH 6.5; Concentration: 149 mmol/cu m for 3 hr; Effect: physiology, photosynthesis /formulation/

LC50; Species: Artemia salina (Brine Shrimp) nauplii; Conditions: saltwater, static, 20 °C; Concentration: 41 mmol/cu m for 24 hr /> or =97% purity formulation/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for N-HEXANE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 130(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that n-hexane is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of n-hexane from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.80 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 153 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 9.5 mg/L(4). n-Hexane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(3). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 100% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks(5) suggesting that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 130(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that n-hexane is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.80 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 153 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 9.6 mg/L(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 2.7 hours and 3.7 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 170(SRC), from its log Kow of 3.90(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high, provided the compound is not metabolized by the organism(SRC). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 100% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks(9) suggesting that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), n-hexane, which has a vapor pressure of 153 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase n-hexane is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 24 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.61X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). n-Hexane does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Oral (L175) ; inhalation (L175) ;dermal (L175)

IDENTIFICATION: n-Hexane is a straight chain saturated hydrocarbon obtained from certain petroleum fractions after various thermal or catalytic cracking steps. Commercial hexane may contain from 20%-85& n-Hexane and various amounts of hexane isomer, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, 2-3-dimethylbutene, cyclopentane, cyclohexane and small quantities of pentane and heptane isomers, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, dichloromethane and trichloroethylene. Trace amounts of benzene may be present. N-Hexane is a colorless liquid and solubility in water is low. It is miscible with alcohol, chloroform and ether. Main uses are: rubber and adhesive solvent in shoe factories; extraction of soybean oil, callous seed oil and flaxseed oil. It is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and is a cleaning agent for textiles, furniture and leather products. N-Hexane is also used for: determination of the refractive index of minerals, filling for thermometers and denaturant. HUMAN EXPOSURE: The target organs are: central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, respiratory system, heart, skin and eyes. Chemical pneumonia can occur after ingestion and and aspiration to the lungs. CNS depression, convulsions, coma and death may follow acute exposures to large concentrations. Inhalation of n-hexane usually causes eye, nose, throat and respiratory irritation, which are rapidly reversible when exposure is discontinued. Symptoms are more severe is ingestion or inhalation are associated with exposure to other hydrocarbons which may potentiate the effects. Exogenous catecholamines may precipitate a fatal ventricular arrhythmia in the sensitized myocardium. Acute exposure to considerable concentrations of n-hexane may cause cough, wheezing, bloody frothy sputum, headache, dizziness, tachycardia and fever. Gastrointestinal symptoms may result. Respiratory system: slow and shallow respiration; aspiration of n-hexane may cause pulmonary edema and chemical pneumonia. Cardiovascular sy

Hexane's toxicity is caused by it neurotoxic metabolite, 2,5-hexanedione. It damages the central and peripheral nervous system by causing axonal swelling and degeneration. 2,5-Hexanedione also reacts with lysine side-chain amino groups in axonal cytoskeletal proteins to form pyrroles. This results in neurofilament cross-linking and loss of function. (L175)

Chemical: Hexane

Chemical: Hexane, branched and linear

Hazard Traits - Environmental tox; Neurotoxicity; Reproductive Toxicity；Authoritative List - ATSDR Neurotoxicants; CA TACs; CWA 303(d); IRIS Neurotoxicants; OEHHA RELs; Prop 65；Report - regardless of intended function of ingredient in the product

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (amended)

Hexane is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Hexane are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 03-11-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/15741

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.

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).

(AZ) ARIZONA 4000 ug/L

(FL) FLORIDA 10 ug/L

(ME) MAINE 420 ug/L

(MN) MINNESOTA 400 ug/L

For more State Drinking Water Guidelines (Complete) data for N-HEXANE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

N-hexane ... causes peripheral polyneuropathy and testicular atrophy. The testicular toxicity is separate from its neurotoxicity. /The metabolite, 2,5-hexanedione (HD)/ produces gonadal toxicity by altering testicular tubulin. The HD testicular toxicity results from alterations in Sertoli cell microtubules and the altered microtubules result from pyrole-dependent cross-linking. HD toxicity is slow in onset. Initially, HD affects the cross-linking of cytoskeletal elements leading to altered protein secretions and trafficking in the Sertoli cell. Consequently, there is altered Sertoli cell-germ cell contacts and a loss of Sertoli cell paracrine support of the germ cells.

2,5-Hexanedione is the toxic metabolite resulting from oxidation of /n-hexane./ ... Exposure to 2,5-hexanedione or its precursors results in a slowly progressive peripheral polyneuropathy and testicular injury. The chemical basis of the injury involves reaction of 2,5-hexanedione with protein amines, such as the epsilon-amine of lysine, to form pyrroles which further react to form protein-protein crosslinks. The target cell of injury in the testis is the supportive cell in the seminiferous epithelium, the Sertoli cell. A major function of the Sertoli cell is to nurture the dependent germ cell population by secreting seminiferous tubule fluid. 2,5-Hexanedione-induced crosslinking of the microtubule subunit protein, tubulin, leads to altered Sertoli cell microtubule-dependent transport and deficient formation of seminiferous tubule fluid, compromising germ cell viability.

n-Hexane's metabolism to 2,5-hexanedione decreases phosphorylation of neurofilaments, which destroys the normal cytoskeletal matrix. Neurofilament proteins are then transported down the axon where they accumulate, crosslink, and produce the giant axonal swelling that characterizes this axonopathy.

Different levels of physical activity, namely, rest, 25 W, and 50 W (for 12 hr followed by 12 hr at rest) were simulated to assess the impact of work load on the recommended biological exposure indices: ...free (nonhydrolyzed) 2,5-hexanedione (a metabolite of n-hexane) at the end of the shift at the end of the workweek. ... Urinary 2,5-hexanedione predicted for 50 ppm was 1.07 mg/L at 50 W and 0.92 mg/L at rest (+16%). ...

Phenobarbital pre-treatment induces 2- and 3-hydroxylation /of n-hexane/ six-fold; 3,4-benzopyrene suppresses 2- and stimulates 3-hydroxylation.

The major urinary metabolite in rat is 1-hexanol.

...2,5-Hexanedione is principal metabolite of this and other 6-carbon compounds... .

For more Metabolism/Metabolites (Complete) data for N-HEXANE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Hexane has known human metabolites that include Hexanol.

Hexane is absorbed through the lungs and relatively poorly absorbed through the intact skin.

Accumulation in the tissues depends on lipid content in these tissues. n-/Hexane/ is oxidized in the liver. Excretion occurs via the lungs and kidneys. ... Excretion of /hexane/ is related to dose.

The pharmacokinetics of inhaled n-hexane in rat and man were compared. In the rat metabolism was saturable. Up to 300 ppm, the metabolic rate was directly proportional to the concentration in the atmosphere, reaching 47 umol/(hr X kg). Only 17% of n-hexane was exhaled unchanged. Above 300 ppm, the amount of n-hexane in the body rose with increasing atmospheric concentrations from 1.6 up to a limiting value of 9.6, which corresponded to the thermodynamic distribution coefficient of n-hexane between the organism and the atmosphere. Up to 3000 ppm, the rate of metabolism increased to 245 umol/(hr X kg); only a slow further increase was found up to 7000 ppm (285 umol/(hr X kg). In man the steady-state concentrations of n-hexane were about 1 ppm. The metabolic clearance was 132 1/hr, and n-hexane accumulated to a factor of 2.3 in the organism. The thermodynamic distribution coefficient was calculated to be 12. Twenty per cent of n-hexane in the body was exhaled unchanged. At low concentrations the rate of metabolism of n-hexane is limited in both species by transport to the enzyme system. Under these conditions the rate of metabolism of n-hexane should not be influenced by xenobiotics which induce the n-hexane metabolizing enzyme system.

... Male Fischer 344 rats were exposed to 500, 1000, 3000 or 10,000 ppm (14)C-n-hexane for 6 hr and the elimination of radioactivity followed for 72 hr after exposure. The disposition of radioactivity was dose-dependent, with 12, 24, 38 and 62% of the acquired body burden excreted as n-hexane by the lung with increasing exposure concentration. In contrast, 38, 31, 27 and 18% of the body burden of radioactivity was recovered as expired (14)CO2 and 35, 40, 31 and 18% was recovered in the urine with increasing n-hexane concentration. Radioactivity remaining in the tissues and carcass 72 hr after exposure represented 6.1, 8.8, 7.4 and 5.4% of the body burden for the respective exposures. The dose-dependent elimination of radioactivity was apparently due in part to an inhibition of n-hexane metabolism, reflected by a decrease in total 14CO2 and urinary 14C excretion after 10,000 ppm exposure compared to the 3000 ppm exposure.

For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for N-HEXANE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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.

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); [Reference #2] Used for determining refractive index of minerals, filling for thermometers (instead of mercury), for calibrations, as reaction medium for polymerizations and pharmaceutical manufacture, alcohol denaturant, as cleaning agent in textile, furniture, and leather industries, and as laboratory reagent; [HSDB]

Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]；Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]；Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]；Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry]

Leather crafting [Category: Hobbies]；Painting [Category: Hobbies]；Sculpturing plastics [Category: Hobbies]

Determining refractive index of minerals; filling for thermometers instead of mercury, usually with a blue or red dye; extraction solvent for oilseed processing.

Solvent, especially for vegetable oils; low temperature thermometers; calibrations; polymerization reaction medium; paint diluent; alcohol denaturant.

2023: 1,000,000,000 - <2,500,000,000 lb；2022: 1,000,000,000 - <2,500,000,000 lb；2021: 1,000,000,000 - <2,500,000,000 lb；2020: 1,000,000,000 - <2,500,000,000 lb

Hexane is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) chemical (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule.[Table#268]

Production volume for non-confidential chemicals reported under the 2006 Inventory Update Rule. Chemical: Hexane. Aggregated National Production Volume: 500 million to < 1 billion pounds.

The technical grade is a mixture of approx 50% n-hexane and 50% isohexane and cyclohexane. Impurities are benzene (0.001%) and other aromatics (0.01%). Component of light petroleum products such as gasoline.

85%, 95%, 99%, spectro, research, and nanograde.

Cosmetics product ingredient: n-Hexane；Reason for Listing:；- Identified as a neurotoxicant in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s Toxic Substances Portal, Health Effects of Toxic Substances and Carcinogens, Nervous System；- Identified as a Toxic Air Contaminant under sections 93000 and 93001 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations；- Identified as a pollutant by California or the United States Environmental Protection Agency for one or more water bodies in California under section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act and section 130.7 of title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations；- Identified as a chemical for which a reference dose or reference concentration has been developed based on neurotoxicity in the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Integrated Risk Information System；- Identified with non-cancer endpoints and listed with an inhalation or oral Reference Exposure Level by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment under Health and Safety Code section 44360(b)(2)；- Known to cause reproductive toxicity and listed under Health and Safety Code section 25249.8 of the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Prop 65)；Potential Health Impacts: Environmental toxicity, Neurotoxicity, and Reproductive Toxicity；Product count: 10

Information on 140 consumer products that contain Hexane in the following categories is provided:；• Auto Products；• Commercial / Institutional；• Hobby/Craft；• Home Maintenance；• Home Office；• Inside the Home；• Landscaping/Yard

Chemical Classes -> Hydrocarbons (contain hydrogen and carbon atoms), Volatile organic compounds

Food Additives -> EXTRACTION_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable；Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing；Adhesive Manufacturing；All Other Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing；Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing；All other Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing；Paint and Coating Manufacturing；Petroleum Refineries；Services；Other (requires additional information)；All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing；Wood Product Manufacturing；Petrochemical Manufacturing；Food, beverage, and tobacco product manufacturing；Printing and Related Support Activities；Pesticide, Fertilizer, and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing；Custom Compounding of Purchased Resins；Rubber Product Manufacturing；Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing；Wholesale and Retail Trade

Hexane: ACTIVE

Aliphatic Hydrocarbons, 1991 Production and Sales: hexane 1.72X10+8 kg in sales. /from table/