Merck, 650552-1L, Hexane

Hexane (n-hexane) is an alkane, that can be obtained from petroleum by distillation. It can also be produced by electrolyzing the potassium butyrate solution. It is widely employed organic solvent for the dissolution and isolation of fats and oils. Its thermodynamic properties and kinetics of thermal decomposition have been studied over a range of temperature. A study on the zeolite supported platinum catalyzed isomerization and aromatization of n-hexane has been reported. Its removal from hexane contaminated air streams using vapor phase biological reactor (VPBR) immobilized with hexane-degrading Aspergillus niger strain has been studied. The metabolism of n-hexane forms 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD), which is reported to induce neurotoxicity.