NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

n-Hexane

CAS
110-54-3

CH3[CH2]4CH3

RTECS
MN9275000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Hexane, Hexyl hydride, normal-Hexane
DOT ID & Guide
1208 / 128

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 50 ppm (180 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL†: TWA 500 ppm (1800 mg/m3)
IDLH
1100 ppm [10%LEL] See: 110543
Conversion
1 ppm = 3.53 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a gasoline-like odor.
MW: 86.2
BP: 156°F
FRZ: -219°F
Sol: 0.002%
VP: 124 mmHg
IP: 10.18 eV

Sp.Gr: 0.66
Fl.P: -7°F
UEL: 7.5%
LEL: 1.1%

Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1500, 3800; OSHA 7
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet (flammable)
Change: No recommendation

First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Soap wash immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
Up to 500 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
Up to 1100 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, nose; nausea, headache; peripheral neuropathy: numb extremities, muscle weakness; dermatitis; dizziness; chemical pneumonitis (aspiration liquid)
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0279   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0114