Hexane is classified as a straight-chain alkane hydrocarbon. Its chemical formula is C6H14. Hexane is a flammable and volatile liquid at ordinary temperatures. The sulfur content in hexane may be associated with the odor of garlic or some type of fish, such as mackerel or tuna.Â
Hexane is used in the production of polystyrene, which is a plastic with numerous applications. It is an active ingredient in some types of air fresheners and is used as a solvent for many types of paints, coatings, and adhesives. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, straight chain hydrocarbons were also used as an additive to gasoline to make engine emissions more uniform over a wide range of operating conditions. These added hydrocarbons also increase the amount of harmful pollutants that are emitted into the atmosphere when gasoline engines are operated.Â
Some people may think that hexane's ability to dissolve grease makes it useful as a solvent for cleaning up oil spills. The reality is that hexane is not very good for cleaning up oil spills because its solubility for water is quite low. Therefore, it does not dissolve readily into water and therefore, it cannot dissolve oil either.Â
Hexane may also be used in the production of various chemicals such as tetraethyllead and ethylbenzene. Tetraethyllead can be used as a lead replacement additive in gasoline and may help to reduce the level of lead found in the air. Ethylbenzene can be used in the production of styrene monomers, which is a precursor to polystyrene, which was mentioned earlier.Â
As mentioned above, hexane is flammable and volatile at ordinary temperatures. Its vapor pressure is low, but it is often flammable when in contact with air and can explode. If hexane does come into contact with an ignition source, the end result will be an explosion that can cause serious injury or death.Â
New York City was struck by a series of gas explosions in the East Village in 2008 and 2009. An investigation found that ammonia tanks stored at a local supermarket were what caused some of these explosions. A nearby bank was also hit by a gas explosion as well as five other buildings around lower Manhattan.Â
The production of nylon, paints, disinfectants, pesticides, and gasoline can all be traced back to hexane's use on factory floors around the world. It's also used in adhesives, and it's found in your tires and brake fluid. Even though it is not a direct cause of death, hexane exposure may be linked to cancer. Just how much hexane am I exposed to? According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, workers who suffer from prolonged exposure to hexane may experience eye irritation, headaches, loss of appetite and skin irritation.Â
But why is hexane dangerous? Hexane is a volatile organic compound, and this means that it has a high vapor pressure. It evaporates easily into the environment. The fact that hexane has such a high vapor pressure makes it particularly dangerous for those who may be exposed to it at work. This means its fumes are particularly toxic in the air, and it is therefore considered hazardous to both human health and the environment.Â
Another reason hexane gas is so dangerous is because of its flammability, which makes spilled hexane instantly combustible, producing alarming flames and releasing more toxic fumes than other flammable gases.
