What is Hexane? Structure, Properties, and Uses in Chemistry

Hexane is essential in chemistry and helps students understand various practical and theoretical applications related to this topic. It is commonly studied in organic chemistry for its structure, properties, safe usage, and industries where it is used as a solvent.

What is Hexane in Chemistry?

Hexane refers to a straight-chain alkane hydrocarbon with six carbon atoms and fourteen hydrogen atoms. This concept appears in chapters related to hydrocarbons, alkanes, and organic solvents, making it a foundational part of your chemistry syllabus. 

Hexane is a colorless, non-polar liquid widely used as an industrial solvent and in laboratory settings.

Molecular Formula and Composition

The molecular formula of hexane is C₆H₁₄. It consists of six carbon atoms bonded in a straight chain, each surrounded by hydrogen atoms, making it a saturated hydrocarbon (alkane). Hexane is categorized under the class of alkanes, which are simple hydrocarbons with only single bonds.

Preparation and Synthesis Methods

• Industrial preparation of hexane mainly involves the fractional distillation of crude oil, where hexane is separated as a component of petroleum ether. 
• In laboratories, hexane may be obtained from a mixture of hydrocarbons found in petroleum refining. 
• The separation uses boiling point differences and sometimes further purification is done by distillation or chromatography.

Physical Properties of Hexane

Hexane is a volatile, colorless, and odorless (when pure) liquid. It is lighter than water and does not mix well with water due to its non-polar nature. Here are its important physical properties:

Property	Value
Molecular Formula	C6H14
Molar Mass	86.18 g/mol
Appearance	Colorless, volatile liquid
Odor	Mild, gasoline-like
Boiling Point	68.5–69.1°C
Melting Point	−96 to −94°C
Density	655 kg/m3
Solubility in Water	Insoluble (9.5 mg/L at 25°C)
Polarity	Nonpolar

Chemical Properties and Reactions

Hexane mainly undergoes combustion and cracking reactions. Its complete combustion produces carbon dioxide and water: C₆H₁₄ + 9.5 O₂ → 6 CO₂ + 7 H₂O

Hexane is highly flammable and does not easily react with acids, bases, or oxidizing agents. It can undergo substitution reactions with halogens (like chlorine) in presence of sunlight.

Frequent Related Errors

• Confusing hexane with cyclohexane or isomeric forms like 2-methylpentane.
• Assuming hexane is polar because it is a liquid; it is actually nonpolar.
• Mixing up hexane’s boiling point with similar alkanes.
• Neglecting safety precautions due to its mild odor (it is still hazardous).

Uses of Hexane in Real Life

Hexane is widely used as a solvent in oil extraction from seeds such as soybeans and canola. It is a common cleaning and degreasing agent in the textile, leather, and furniture industries. 

In laboratories, hexane is used in chromatography and as a non-polar solvent for chemical reactions. It is also found in some glue and adhesive formulations.

Relation with Other Chemistry Concepts

Hexane is closely related to topics such as Alkanes and Hydrocarbons, helping students build a conceptual bridge between different families of organic compounds. 

It also connects with subjects like Isomerism, which explains the existence of different isomers of hexane, and organic solvents, highlighting hexane's nonpolar use in separating nonpolar substances from mixtures.

Step-by-Step Reaction Example

1. Start with the reaction setup.

2. Write the balanced equation.

3. State reaction conditions like heat and open flame.

4. Explain each intermediate or by-product.

5. Final Answer: Hexane burns in oxygen to give carbon dioxide and water under complete combustion.

Lab or Experimental Tips

Remember hexane by the rule of “like dissolves like”: nonpolar substances dissolve in nonpolar solvents. Vedantu educators often use the analogy of hexane as “the oil extractor” because it easily dissolves oils or fats, while it cannot dissolve in water. 

Always handle hexane in a well-ventilated place and wear gloves due to its volatility and potential health effects.

Try This Yourself

• Write the IUPAC name of hexane’s isomers.
• State whether hexane can dissolve in water or not. Give a reason.
• Give two real-life uses of hexane in laboratories or industry.

Final Wrap-Up

We explored hexane—its structure, properties, reactions, and real-life importance. For more in-depth explanations and exam-prep tips, explore live classes and notes on Vedantu. Always remember to follow proper safety measures when handling hexane, and connect its concepts with related chemistry topics for long-term understanding.