Hexane
Hexane
Hexane (/ˈhɛkseɪn/; from Greek έξ (hex, "six") and -ane) is a hydrocarbon of the alkane series. It is a colorless liquid, odorless when pure, and with boiling points approximately 69 degrees Celsius.
Etymology
The term "hexane" comes from the Greek word for six, "hex", and the chemical suffix "-ane", which is used in organic chemistry to form names of hydrocarbons with a single bond. The "hex-" prefix refers to the six carbon atoms in the hexane molecule, while "-ane" indicates that the carbon atoms are connected by single bonds.
Properties
Hexane is a significant constituent of gasoline. It is also used widely as a cheap, relatively safe, largely unreactive, and easily evaporated non-polar solvent.
Health Effects
Inhalation of hexane at high concentrations (over 5000 ppm) can cause neurotoxicity, leading to a condition known as "hexane poisoning". Symptoms of hexane poisoning include nausea, headache, tinnitus, and in severe cases, damage to the peripheral nervous system.
Related Compounds
Hexane is a member of the alkane series and is structurally related to other alkanes such as pentane and heptane. It also has a number of structural isomers, including 2-methylpentane and 3-methylpentane.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hexane
- Wikipedia's article - Hexane
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