n-Hexane

Synonyms

Hexyl hydride; normal-Hexane; Hexane; [NIOSH] Hexanes; Dipropyl; Esani [Italian]; Gettysolve-B; Heksan [Polish]; Hexanen [Dutch]; Skellysolve B; [ChemIDplus] UN1208

Category

Aliphatics, Saturated (<C12)

Description

Colorless liquid with a gasoline-like odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

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]

Comments

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]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

2,5-Hexanedione (without hydrolysis) in urine = 0.5 mg/L end of shift;

Yes

50 ppm

500 ppm

50 ppm

1100 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

It has been reported that a 10­minute exposure to 5,000 ppm caused dizziness and a sensation of giddiness.

153 mm Hg

65 ppm

Odor Threshold High

248 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 77,000 ppm/1 hr

Explanatory Notes

IDLH = 10% of LEL (lower explosive limit); Odor threshold from AIHA; Flash point = -7 deg F; [CHEMINFO] VP from HSDB;

Urine (2,5-hexanedione): 15 hours; blood: 2-3 hours; fat: 64 hours; [TDR, p. 769]

Reference Link #2

may ignite at ambient temp

Acute solvent syndrome

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Neuropathy, toxic
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Leather Tanning and Processing
• Painting (Solvents)
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing)
• Working with Glues and Adhesives

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Leather crafting
• Painting
• Sculpturing plastics