Petroleum ether or n-Hexane is a volatile, colorless, flammable liquid hydrocarbon solvent used in various industrial and laboratory applications, including extraction and cleaning purposes.
| IUPAC Name | n-Hexane |
| Molecular Formula | C6H14 |
| CAS number | 110-54-3 |
| Synonyms | Hexane, Petroleum spirit, Petroleum hexane, Mineral spirits, Dipropyl, Hexyl hydride |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C6H14/c1-3-5-6-4-2/h3-6H2,1-2H3 |
Petroleum Ether Properties
Petroleum Ether density g/ml
The density of petroleum ether is 0.67 g/mL. It is the mass per unit volume of a substance and is used to measure the concentration of a solution.
Petroleum Ether molecular weight
The molecular weight of petroleum ether is 86.18 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms in a molecule of a substance.
Petroleum Ether Structure
The molecular structure of n-Hexane consists of a chain of six carbon atoms and fourteen hydrogen atoms arranged in a linear pattern. It is a non-polar, hydrophobic substance that does not dissolve in water. The structure of n-hexane is a crucial factor in determining its physical and chemical properties.
Petroleum Ether molar mass
The molar mass of n-hexane is 86.18 g/mol. It is the total mass of one mole of a substance and is used in many chemical calculations.
n-Hexane boiling point
The boiling point of n-hexane is between 68.73 °C. It is the temperature at which a liquid changes into a vapor and can be measured under a specific pressure.
Petroleum Ether melting point
The melting point of petroleum ether is -93.5 °C. It is the temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid.
The properties of n-hexane such as molar mass, boiling point, melting point, density, molecular weight, and structure are important for understanding its behavior and use in various applications.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.65-0.71 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Sweet, gasoline-like odor |
| Molar Mass | 86.18 g/mol |
| Density | 0.67 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -93.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 68.73 °C |
| Flash Point | -22°C |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 43.6 kPa at 20°C |
| Vapour Density | 2.3 (air = 1) |
| pKa | NA |
| pH | NA |
Note: pKa and pH values are not applicable for a liquid like n-hexane, as they are properties of an aqueous solution.
Petroleum Ether Safety and Hazards
n-Hexane is flammable and hazardous if ingested or inhaled. It can cause skin irritation and eye irritation. It is also toxic if ingested in large amounts. Proper protective measures, such as wearing gloves and eye protection, should be taken when handling n-hexane. It should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from sources of ignition.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable liquid, Harmful |
| Safety Description | S16 – Keep away from sources of ignition |
| UN IDs | UN1208 |
| HS Code | 2710.19.90 |
| Hazard Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, moderate skin irritant |
Petroleum Ether Synthesis Methods
n-Hexane is a by-product of the petroleum refining process and is produced by distillation of crude oil. The crude oil is first subjected to fractional distillation to separate the different hydrocarbons present in the oil. n-Hexane is obtained from the light naphtha fraction of the crude oil, which is further distilled to purify it. The process of distillation is conducted under carefully controlled conditions to ensure the quality and purity of the final product. Alternative synthesis methods of petroleum ether include the use of petrochemicals or synthetic processes that involve the production of hexane from other feedstocks. These methods, however, are less commonly used due to the availability and economic feasibility of n-hexane obtained from petroleum refining.
Petroleum Ether Uses
Petroleum ether is a versatile and widely used solvent in various industrial and laboratory applications. It is commonly used as a cleaning agent for removing grease and oil from metal parts and as a solvent for various resins, waxes, and gums. It is also used as a solvent in the extraction of essential oils and as a thinning agent for some paints and coatings. In the laboratory, it is used as a solvent in chemical reactions, as a reagent in organic synthesis, and as a extraction solvent for natural products. In addition, n-hexane is also used as a fuel and as a refrigerant in refrigeration systems. The low boiling point and high volatility of n-hexane make it an ideal solvent for many industrial and laboratory applications.