HEXANE

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Basic information

  • Chemical formula(s): \({\rm C_6H_{14}}\), \({\rm CH_3(CH_2)_4CH_3}\)
  • Other names: hexyl hydride
  • CAS: 110-54-3
  • International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC): 0279
  • Flammability: yes - highly flammable
  • NOAA’s description: clear colourless liquid with a petroleum-like odour, vapours heavier than air.

NFPA 704 (fire diamond)

  • Health (blue): 1 - exposure would cause irritation with only minor residual injury.
  • Flammability (red): 3 - it can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Its flash point is -26 °C. It’s autoignition temperature is 234 °C.
  • Instability–reactivity (yellow): 0 - normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water.
  • Special notice (white): -

Hazard statements

Code Phrase
H225 highly flammable liquid and vapour
H302 harmful if swallowed
H305 may be harmful if swallowed and enters airways
H315 causes skin irritation
H336 may cause drowsiness or dizziness
H361fd suspected of damaging fertility, suspected of damaging the unborn child
H373 may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H411 toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Precautionary statements

Code Phrase
P201 obtain special instructions before use
P202 do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood
P210 keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources, no smoking
P233 keep container tightly closed
P235 keep cool
P240 ground and bond container and receiving equipment
P241 use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/light/…/equipment
P242 use only non-sparking tools
P243 take precautionary measures to prevent static discharges
P260 do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray
P264 wash … thoroughly after handling
P271 use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
P273 avoid release to the environment
P280 wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
P281 use personal protective equipment as required
P301+P330+P331 IF SWALLOWED: rinse mouth, do NOT induce vomiting
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: wash with soap and water
P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): remove/take off immediately all contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water or shower
P304+P340 IF INHALED: remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing
P308+P313 IF EXPOSED OR CONCERNED: get medical advice/attention
P310 immediately call the ETH Emergency Desk: +41 44 342 11 88 (from mobile) or 888 (from landline)
P312 call the ETH Emergency Desk: +41 44 342 11 88 (from mobile) or 888 (from landline) if you feel unwell
P314 get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell
P332+P313 IF SKIN IRRITATION OCCURS: get medical advice/attention
P363 wash contaminated clothing before reuse
P370+P378 IN CASE OF FIRE: use dry chemical, \({\rm CO_2}\), water spray or alcohol-resistant foam as extinguishing agents to extinguish
P391 collect spillage
P403+P233 store in a well ventilated place, keep container tightly closed
P405 store locked up
P501 dispose of contents/container to HCI-Shop

Protective measures

Gloves

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and OSHA Glove Selection Chart categorize gloves into four protection levels (very good, good, fair, poor (not recommended)) for given chemical. The levels of protection against hexane for four types of gloves are:

  • Neoprene: fair.
  • Natural latex or rubber: poor.
  • Buthyl: poor.
  • Nitrile: good.

Safety goggles

  • Always wear safety goggles when handling hexane. Corrective glasses are not considered safety googles.
  • Handle hexane inside the fume hood only (with exception of moving the closed bottle to and from the storage cabinet).

Clothing

  • Wear long trousers and fully covered shoes.
  • Contact lenses are forbidden while working with chemical substances, even in combination with safety glasses.
  • Do not wear cosmetics.
  • Do not wear synthetic clothing while working with flammable liquids or gases or when a hazard is present as these materials tend to melt and stick to exposed skin.
  • Do not wear headphones.

Spill management

  • Use personal protective equipment.
  • Avoid dust formation, avoid breathing dust.
  • Avoid breathing vapors or mist.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation.
  • Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
  • Sweep up without creating dust and arrange disposal.
  • Do not let it enter drain.
  • If a spill happened outside the fume hood (on the floor or desktop) contact Dr Jakub Tkaczuk (+41 44 632 31 62) and the ETH Emergency Desk (+41 44 342 11 88 from mobile or 888 from landline).