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N Hexane

N Hexane is a clear solvent widely used in chemical synthesis and industrial extractions.

N Hexane is a volatile, colorless organic solvent with the chemical formula C6H14, extensively leveraged in East Africa's industrial and manufacturing sectors.

Packaging

50 kg drums, 200 L drums

Supply Region

Kenya, East Africa

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is N Hexane?

N Hexane is a volatile, colorless organic solvent with the chemical formula C6H14, extensively leveraged in East Africa's industrial and manufacturing sectors. It is primarily recognized for its effectiveness in dissolving non-polar substances, making it a critical component in processes requiring hydrocarbon extraction or cleaning. Its role spans diverse industries including paints and coatings, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis.

Companies purchasing N Hexane value its performance in applications such as vegetable oil extraction, adhesive formulations, and degreasing operations. This solvent's commercial importance is heightened by its relatively low cost, high solvency power, and availability in bulk quantities. In markets like Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, N Hexane's steady supply by Zenco Systems Ltd supports local manufacturers and processors who depend on dependable sourcing and consistent quality to maintain production efficiency and regulatory compliance.

N Hexane: Detailed Product Overview

N Hexane is a straight-chain alkane hydrocarbon consisting of six carbon atoms bonded linearly with fourteen hydrogen atoms (C6H14). Its molecular structure confers low polarity and high volatility, which underpins its effectiveness as a solvent in dissolving oils, fats, and other hydrophobic materials without interacting with polar compounds such as water.

The solvent action of n-hexane relies on its ability to penetrate complex organic matrices and break intermolecular bonds in non-polar substances, facilitating their separation or removal. This property makes it especially useful in vegetable oil extraction, where it efficiently dissolves oil from seed solids without compromising oil quality.

Physically, n-hexane is a clear, colorless liquid with a boiling point around 69°C and a vapor pressure that necessitates careful handling to minimize inhalation risks and environmental losses. The solvent's low water solubility (about 0.009 g/100 mL at 25°C) means it separates readily from aqueous phases, aiding in recovery and reuse where applicable.

N Hexane is supplied in various grades that may vary by purity, with some industrial grades containing isomeric mixtures. Zenco Systems Ltd advises buyers to confirm specific grade and purity requirements during procurement to match application needs. The chemical is widely specified by its CAS number 110-54-3, ensuring clarity in regulatory and safety documents.

In paints and coatings, n-hexane acts as a fast-evaporating carrier, enhancing application flow and finish. Its volatility rate supports quick drying times but requires appropriate ventilation and containment to prevent fire hazards. Compatibility with various organic compounds and low residue deposition make it a preferred solvent in formulating adhesives and coatings in East African manufacturing hubs.

Applications and Uses of N Hexane

Vegetable Oil Extraction

N Hexane is the solvent of choice for extracting oils from oilseeds such as sunflower, soybean, and cottonseed. It effectively dissolves the oils within crushed seeds, allowing for efficient separation from solid residues through filtration or centrifugation. The solvent's volatility allows for easy recovery by distillation, minimizing solvent loss and preserving oil quality. Typical use concentrations vary but usually range from 5% to 20% volume relative to seed mass depending on the extraction technology.

Industrial Cleaning and Degreasing

In industrial cleaning, particularly metal part degreasing, N Hexane dissolves stubborn fats, greases, and lubricants without damaging metal surfaces. It is favored for high-throughput assembly lines due to its rapid evaporation and low residue. Degreasers formulated with n-hexane provide efficient surface preparation before painting or coating, critical in automotive and machinery manufacturing sectors.

Chemical Synthesis Precursor

N Hexane serves as an inert, non-polar solvent medium facilitating various chemical syntheses requiring hydrocarbon phases. It is used to dissolve reactants, assist in temperature control, and enable phase separation post-reaction. Such syntheses include manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. The solvent’s purity and low reactivity are essential to avoid side reactions, making specification verification critical.

Adhesive Formulations

The paints and coatings industry uses N Hexane to dissolve and dilute polymer resins, facilitating smooth mixing and application of adhesives. The solvent’s fast evaporation rate expedites drying, while its solvency ensures uniform viscosity. This improves bonding quality on substrates such as plastics, metals, and wood, supporting durable industrial and construction applications.

Coatings and Paints

N Hexane is used as a volatile carrier solvent in coatings and paints formulations. It optimizes the fluidity of paints, allowing for smoother application and rapid drying, critical in manufacturing lines aiming to reduce cycle times. The solvent’s ability to evaporate completely without leaving residues ensures high-quality finishes and adherence to environmental and safety standards.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Paints & Coatings range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Cost-Effective Solvent Solution

N Hexane offers a balance of strong solvency power and affordability, making it the solvent of choice for large-scale industrial applications such as oil extraction and degreasing. Its widespread availability in East Africa reduces shipping costs, and bulk packaging further drives down unit prices when purchased from Zenco Systems Ltd.

Efficient Volatility for Industrial Processes

Its high volatility enables rapid evaporation, essential in coatings and adhesives production where drying time directly impacts throughput. This speed translates to increased operational efficiency, reducing bottlenecks on production lines and enhancing product turnaround.

Versatile Non-Polar Solvent

Because of its non-polar nature, N Hexane dissolves a wide range of hydrocarbons and oils without reacting chemically, making it highly adaptable for diverse chemical synthesis and cleaning applications. This versatility allows customers to standardize solvent usage across different process units, simplifying procurement and storage.

Reliable Supply with Quality Assurance

Zenco Systems Ltd caters to industrial and commercial consumers across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the broader East African region, ensuring consistent product availability and compliance with quality specifications. Buyers benefit from verified supply chains, reducing risk associated with solvent purity and delivery delays.

Packaging Information

N Hexane is supplied primarily in 50 kg drums and 200 L steel drums, suitable for industrial scale use and storage. These packaging formats facilitate easy handling, storage, and transport within Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Bulk supply options through tanker deliveries are possible for high-volume customers, subject to logistics arrangements. Each shipment includes sealed, labeled containers complying with transport safety regulations, ensuring product integrity upon delivery.

Standard formats: 50 kg drums, 200 L drums

Storage and Handling

Store N Hexane in tightly closed containers away from sources of heat, sparks, and open flames due to its high flammability. Ideal storage temperature is below 30°C in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry environment to minimize vapor accumulation. Containers should be made of compatible materials such as steel or certain plastics resistant to hydrocarbons. Segregate storage from strong oxidizers to prevent hazardous reactions. Use grounding and bonding when transferring to avoid static discharge. Shelf life typically ranges up to 12 months if stored under these conditions. Always use personal protective equipment and ensure proper ventilation during handling.

Safety Information

N Hexane is highly flammable and poses inhalation risks due to its volatile organic compounds. Users should wear flame-resistant gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection when handling large volumes or in poorly ventilated areas. Avoid skin contact as prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis. In case of fire, use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers. Spill cleanup requires vapor control and proper disposal in accordance with local regulations. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd for comprehensive hazard identification, first aid measures, and disposal instructions.

Technical Specifications

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density0.655 - 0.660 g/cm³ at 20°C (typical)
FormulaC6H14
Packaging50 kg drums, 200 L drums
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
CAS Number110-54-3
Solubility0.009 g/100 mL in water at 25°C
Flash Point-22°C (closed cup)
Boiling Point68.7°C
Chemical Namen-Hexane
Storage ConditionsStore in cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources

Applications

  • Vegetable oil extraction
  • Industrial cleaning
  • Chemical synthesis
  • Adhesive formulations
  • Coatings and paints

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density0.655 - 0.660 g/cm³ at 20°C (typical)
FormulaC6H14
Packaging50 kg drums, 200 L drums
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
CAS Number110-54-3
Solubility0.009 g/100 mL in water at 25°C
Flash Point-22°C (closed cup)
Boiling Point68.7°C
Chemical Namen-Hexane
Storage ConditionsStore in cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources

Product Features

  • - Colorless transparent liquid
  • - Non-polar solvent
  • - High volatility and low boiling point
  • - Low water solubility
  • - CAS Number 110-54-3
  • - Fast evaporating carrier

Industries Served

  • - Food processing
  • - Paints and coatings
  • - Pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • - Agricultural chemicals
  • - Automotive manufacturing
  • - Mining and mineral processing

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions About N Hexane

What is N Hexane used for in industrial applications?

N Hexane is primarily used as a solvent for extracting vegetable oils, in industrial cleaning, particularly degreasing metal parts, as a medium in chemical synthesis, and as a carrier solvent in adhesives and coatings formulations.

Is N Hexane available in bulk quantities for large-scale industries in East Africa?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies N Hexane in bulk through 50 kg and 200 L drums, with potential for tanker delivery arrangements for very large orders across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring countries.

How should N Hexane be stored safely?

Store N Hexane in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, well-ventilated place away from heat and ignition sources. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and segregate from oxidizing substances to prevent fire hazards.

What safety precautions are necessary when handling N Hexane?

Due to its flammability and vapor risk, use personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and ensure adequate ventilation or respiratory protection. Avoid skin contact and inhalation, and follow SDS guidelines for spill and fire incidents.

Can Zenco Systems Ltd supply N Hexane outside Kenya?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd has a distribution network serving Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and other East African countries, with logistics support for cross-border deliveries, ensuring compliance with regional regulations.

What purity levels are available for N Hexane?

Purity and grade specifications vary depending on the application. Confirm exact purity with Zenco Systems Ltd at the time of order as it impacts suitability for sensitive uses like pharmaceutical or food processing.

Is N Hexane suitable for use in food-grade applications?

N Hexane used in vegetable oil extraction is usually of a grade meeting specified purity criteria. Confirm with supplier if the batch meets food-grade standards and regulatory requirements before purchase.

What packaging options are available for N Hexane in East Africa?

Standard industrial packaging includes 50 kg drums and 200 L drums, which are convenient for transport and storage across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Custom packaging requests may be accommodated for large orders.

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