What is the chemical composition of hexane?
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.
What are the effects of hexane exposure?
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.
Is n-hexane exposure associated with defects in color vision?
These results may indicate a relationship between n-hexane exposure and development of defects in color vision, and would support a recommendation for periodic assessment of workers exposed to n-hexane and chemically related solvents.
What is a hexane solution used for?
Hexane is an extraction solvent used in food production Present in volatile fractions of various plant species e. g. apples, orange juice, guava fruit, roasted filberts, porcini (Boletus edulis), shiitake (Lentinus edodes), heated sweet potato and sage.
What is the percentage of n-hexane in the technical grade?
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. Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. Volumes 1-2. 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, NY. 2001, p. 1269
What are the side effects of hexane?
Acute Effects. CNS effects include dizziness, giddiness, slight nausea, and headache in humans. (-) Acute exposure to hexane vapors may cause dermatitis and irritation of the eyes and throat in humans. Acute animal tests in rats have demonstrated hexane to have low acute toxicity from inhalation and ingestion exposure.
What is hexane used for in industry?
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.