Hexane (S) – Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Last Updated: June 11, 2019 Hexane is a hydrocarbon solvent manufactured by Phillips 66 Specialty Solvents. It is a highly flammable liquid and vapor that may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. Prolonged exposure can cause skin irritation, drowsiness, dizziness, and may damage organs. This product is intended for industrial and laboratory use only.
Link to Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
Quick Facts
- Product Name: Hexane (S)
- Other Names: Mixed Hexanes
- Code: 003457
- Type: Solvent
- Supplier: Phillips 66 Specialty Solvents
- Address: P.O. Box 358, Borger, TX 79008-0358
- Phone: 800-762-0942
- Email: SDS@P66.com
- Website: www.phillips66.com/SDS
- Customer Service: 800-696-4240
- Emergency Phone: CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300 (24-hour)
- GHS Classification:
- Flammable Liquid – Category 2
- Aspiration Hazard – Category 1
- Skin Irritation – Category 2
- STOT (Single Exposure) – Category 3
- STOT (Repeated Exposure) – Category 2
- Reproductive Toxicity – Category 2
- Aquatic Toxicity (Chronic) – Category 2
- Signal Word: Danger
- NFPA Ratings: Health (1), Flammability (3), Reactivity (0)
Hazards & Safety
- Hazard Statements:
- Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
- May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
- Causes skin irritation.
- May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
- Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
- Precautionary Statements:
- Obtain special instructions before use.
- Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
- Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. No smoking.
- Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.
- Use only non-sparking tools and explosion-proof electrical equipment.
- Avoid breathing vapors. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection.
- Store in a cool, well-ventilated area.
- Dispose of contents and container according to local regulations.
- California Prop 65: Contains n-Hexane, known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.
First Aid Measures
- Eyes: Rinse cautiously with water. Remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Skin: Remove contaminated clothing and wash with soap and water. Seek medical attention if redness or irritation occurs.
- Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen and seek medical help.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Risk of aspiration into lungs. Call a poison center or physician immediately.
- Note to Physicians: Epinephrine and similar drugs may cause cardiac arrhythmias in persons overexposed to hydrocarbons. Treat symptomatically.
Fire & Explosion Data
- Flash Point: –26 °C (–15 °F) (Tag Closed Cup)
- Auto-Ignition Temperature: 258 °C (496 °F)
- Flammable Limits: 1.2–7.7% (v/v)
- Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO₂, or foam.
- Combustibility: Highly flammable; vapors can travel and ignite at distant sources.
- Protective Gear: Firefighters should wear SCBA and full protective clothing.
- Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide and other products of incomplete combustion.
Handling & Storage
- Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. No smoking.
- Avoid breathing vapors or mists.
- Ground and bond containers during transfer.
- Use only non-sparking tools.
- Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas.
- Empty containers retain residue and may be hazardous—do not weld, cut, or reuse.
Exposure & PPE
- Component: n-Hexane (CAS 110-54-3)
- Exposure Limits:
- ACGIH TWA: 50 ppm (Skin)
- OSHA PEL: 500 ppm (1800 mg/m³)
- Mexico NOM TWA: 50 ppm (Skin)
- Eyes: Safety goggles or face shield.
- Skin: Nitrile or other chemical-resistant gloves.
- Respiratory: NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator when exposure limits are exceeded.
- Clothing: Flame-resistant or antistatic clothing.
- Ventilation: Explosion-proof local exhaust ventilation required in enclosed spaces.
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Appearance: Colorless liquid
- Odor: Mild, gasoline-like odor
- Boiling Point: 63–69 °C (145–157 °F)
- Flash Point: –26 °C (–15 °F)
- Auto-Ignition Temperature: 258 °C (496 °F)
- Vapor Pressure: 5.6 psia (37.8 °C)
- Vapor Density: ~3 (Air = 1)
- Specific Gravity: 0.677 (15.6 °C)
- Solubility: Negligible in water
- Percent Volatile: 100%
- Flammability: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
Stability & Reactivity
- Stable under normal conditions.
- Avoid high temperatures and all ignition sources.
- Incompatible with strong oxidizers and reducing agents.
- Hazardous polymerization will not occur.
- Decomposition may release carbon oxides and hydrocarbons.
Toxicology & Ecology
- Aspiration Hazard: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
- Skin Irritation: Causes irritation and dryness.
- Eye Irritation: Mild irritation possible.
- STOT (Single Exposure): May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- STOT (Repeated Exposure): May damage organs (nervous system, liver).
- Reproductive Toxicity: Suspected of damaging fertility.
- Acute Toxicity:
- Oral LD₅₀ (rat): >5 g/kg
- Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit): >2 g/kg
- Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
- Bioaccumulation: Log Kow = 3.9; potential for bioaccumulation.
- Persistence: Degrades in air within 3 days; volatilizes readily from soil and water.
Transport & Disposal
- UN Number: 1208
- Proper Shipping Name: Hexanes
- Hazard Class: 3 – Flammable Liquid
- Packing Group: II
- Marine Pollutant: Yes
- Disposal: Dispose of through an approved waste facility. Do not reuse containers. Handle all residues as hazardous waste.
Regulatory Status
- TSCA: Listed
- SARA 311/312: Fire, Acute Health, Chronic Health Hazard
- SARA 302/313: Contains n-Hexane (>60%) – subject to reporting requirements
- CERCLA: Petroleum exclusion applies
- California Prop 65: Contains n-Hexane (known to cause reproductive harm)
- NFPA Ratings: Health (1), Flammability (3), Reactivity (0)