Hexane

__Hexane__ By: Araceli Agcaoili, Block D About Hexane Hexane is a highly volatile aliphatic hydrocarbon. // Also know as n //-Hexane, it is a commercial and industrial product that contains a mixture of hydrocarbons with six carbon atoms (hence the prefix "hex"). It is made from the refining of crude oil. The exact composition of the fraction very much depends on the source of the oil (crude or reformed) and the constraints of the refining. At room temperature it is a colourless liquid with a slight gasoline smell. Hexane is flammable and can be an explosion hazard. It also is highly reactive with certain materials, such as liquid chlorine, concentrated oxygen, and sodium hypochlorite. Due to its carbon-hydrogen makeup and the fact that hexane only has single molecular bonds, it can be classified as a straight-chain alkane. Hexane also has a melting point  of about -139.54°F (-95.3°C) and a boiling point of 154.04°F (67.8°C). It has a molar mass of 86.18 grams per mole (g/mol). It is also a non- polar molecule  (not soluble in water). How it affects us · Hexane it is most known for its role as a solvent. A number of plants and vegetables are treated with it in order to extract their oils and proteins for use in other products. Produce treated include soybeans , peanuts, and corn. · Hexane  is also used as a cleaning solvent and as an industrial degreaser. In addition it acts as a vegetable solvent, cleaning agent, and thermometer liquid. Effects on Health Hexane is a neurotoxin and is often used as a narcotic as well. Nearly all those affected by hexane are workers. Its toxicity is relatively low, but extremely high exposure to hexane will have its effects. //** Moderate Exposure **// A little exposure to hexane leads to numbness in the extremities, dizziness, confusion, nausea, headache, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. //** Chronic Exposure **// Repeated exposure to hexane may have adverse health effects over a long period of time including decreased motor nerve conduction, changes in vision, and muscle weakness. Chronic exposure is only a worry if you constantly handle hexane or hexane containing solvents.

Interesting Facts There has been some controversy linked to hexane. Did you know that nearly every major ingredient in conventional soy-based infant formula is hexane extracted. A variety of food products use oils and proteins extracted through the use of hexane. These products include baby formula , alternative vegetarian foods, and  protein shakes. Some of these products even claim to be natural or healthy alternatives. Health groups have had concerns after testing samples of industrial products extracted using hexane, and determining that some residue remained. In particular, many vegetarians have been conscious because a number of veggie burgers are made using hexane. Manufacturers of soy-based fake meat like to make their products have as little fat as possible to meet the demands of their health conscious consumers. The cheapest and most efficient way to do this is by submerging soybeans in a bath of hexane to separate the oil from the protein. If a non-organic product contains a soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, or texturized vegetable protein, you can be pretty sure it was made using soy beans that were made with hexane. Amy’s Kitchen, Garden Burger, and even President’s Choice are just three of the veggie burgers that are made with hexane. Sources [] [] [] [] []