Archives January 7, 2026

Amber glass bottle of High-Purity n-Hexane HPLC grade on a laboratory bench with UV absorbance specifications.

Ultimate Purity for Precision Analysis: High-Purity n-Hexane and n-Heptane

In analytical chemistry, your results are only as reliable as your solvents. Whether you are performing HPLC, GC-MS, or pesticide residue analysis, impurities can lead to baseline noise, ghost peaks, and equipment downtime.1

Our premium n-Hexane and n-Heptane are refined to exceed industry standards, ensuring the optical clarity and chemical stability your lab requires.

Technical Excellence: Superior UV Transmittance

Solvent transparency in the UV range is critical for detection sensitivity.2 Our high-purity n-Hexane undergoes rigorous spectrophotometric testing to ensure minimal interference.

Our UV Absorbance (AU) Specifications (Measured at 10mm Path Length):

  • At 220 nm: ≤0.10
  • At 230 nm: ≤ 0.05
  • At 254 nm: ≤ 0.01

Why Choose Our High-Purity Solvents?

Using high-grade n-Hexane and n-Heptane isn’t just about chemistry; it’s about protecting your workflow.

  • Low Evaporation Residue: Extends the life of your columns and prevents detector fouling.
  • Strict Moisture Control: Low water content ensures compatibility with moisture-sensitive reactions.
  • Consistent Lot-to-Lot Quality: Achieve reproducible results across different batches without recalibrating your methods.

Applications and Industries

Our solvents are trusted by professionals across multiple sectors:

  1. Pharmaceuticals: For critical drug testing and organic synthesis.
  2. Environmental Testing: Detecting trace contaminants in soil and water.
  3. Food Safety: Ideal for extracting oils and testing for pesticide residues.
  4. Electronics: Precision cleaning of sensitive optical and electronic components.

Request a Quote or Technical Data Sheet

Ensure your laboratory operates at peak performance with solvents that set the standard for purity. We offer various packaging sizes, from 4L bottles to bulk drums, to fit your scale.

Contact our technical team today for a COA (Certificate of Analysis) or a competitive quote.

Key Takeaways

  • High-Purity n-Hexane and n-Heptane are essential for analytical chemistry, improving results by minimizing impurities.
  • The solvents meet strict UV transmittance specifications, ensuring excellent detection sensitivity.
  • Their low evaporation residue and moisture control enhance workflow efficiency and prolong equipment life.
  • These solvents are ideal for various applications, including pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, food safety, and electronics.
  • Request a quote or technical data sheet to optimize your lab’s performance with our high-purity solvents.

High-angle panoramic view of a modern petrochemical refinery at twilight with illuminated distillation columns and steel piping.

Optimizing Petrochemical Operations with Dimethyl Disulfide (DMDS)

DMDS Applications in the Saudi Arabian Energy and Petrochemical Sectors

The petrochemical and refining landscape in Saudi Arabia represents one of the most demanding industrial environments globally. For operators seeking to optimize catalyst performance and extend the lifespan of high-temperature equipment, Dimethyl Disulfide (DMDS) has emerged as the industry-standard chemical agent.

This article explores the primary industrial applications of DMDS within the region and the logistical frameworks that support its distribution.


Catalyst Presulfiding in Hydroprocessing

In the refining sector, the efficiency of hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and hydrocracking units depends heavily on the activation of catalysts. These catalysts are typically delivered in a metal-oxide state and must be converted to an active metal-sulfide state through a process known as presulfiding.

DMDS is the preferred agent for this process due to its high sulfur content (approximately 68%) and its controlled decomposition temperature. When injected into the reactor, it decomposes into hydrogen sulfide ($H_2S$), ensuring a uniform and deep sulfidation of the catalyst bed. This precise activation results in higher activity levels, longer cycle lengths, and improved product quality for ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and gasoline.

Coking Inhibition in Ethylene Cracking

Ethylene production is a cornerstone of regional industrial output. One of the primary operational challenges in steam cracking is the accumulation of coke on the internal surfaces of radiant furnace tubes.

The application of DMDS serves as a critical anti-coking strategy. When introduced into the hydrocarbon feed, DMDS facilitates the formation of a protective metal-sulfide layer on the furnace tube walls. This passivation layer offers two distinct advantages:

  1. Extension of Run Length: By reducing the rate of carbon deposition, plants can operate for longer periods between decoking cycles.
  2. CO Reduction: It minimizes the catalytic formation of carbon monoxide, thereby improving the purity of the effluent stream.

Emerging Agricultural and Soil Treatment Uses

Beyond the oil and gas value chain, there is a growing focus on sustainable agricultural practices in the region. DMDS is increasingly utilized as a high-performance soil fumigant. As a viable alternative to phased-out chemicals like methyl bromide, DMDS effectively controls nematodes and soil-borne pathogens. Its rapid degradation in soil makes it a preferred choice for modern greenhouse operations and high-value crop production.


The Role of Local Distribution and Specialized Logistics

The effective utilization of DMDS in the Kingdom relies on a sophisticated supply chain managed by specialized industrial distributors. These local partners act as the essential bridge between global chemical manufacturers and domestic end-users.

Supply Chain Integration

Major holding groups and their dedicated petrochemical subsidiaries provide the necessary infrastructure for the safe handling of DMDS. Given the chemical’s distinct odor and hazardous nature, local distributors maintain specialized storage facilities and transport fleets that comply with stringent safety regulations.

Technical Support and Injection Services

The application of DMDS is often accompanied by specialized onsite services. Local providers often coordinate with technical experts to monitor injection rates and ensure optimal sulfiding during refinery turnarounds. This localized expertise reduces downtime and ensures that large-scale industrial projects remain on schedule.

Conclusion

As the regional energy sector continues to evolve toward higher efficiency and environmental compliance, the role of specialized chemicals like DMDS becomes even more vital. From ensuring the potency of refining catalysts to protecting ethylene furnaces and modernizing agriculture, DMDS remains a versatile tool in the Kingdom’s industrial arsenal.

For operators and plant managers, partnering with established local distributors remains the most effective way to secure a reliable supply of high-purity DMDS while benefiting from localized logistical support.

Technical Data Sheet: Dimethyl Disulfide (DMDS)

Dimethyl Disulfide is a high-purity organosulfur compound used primarily as a sulfiding agent in the petrochemical industry and a passivation agent in ethylene production.

Physical and Chemical Properties

  • Chemical Formula: $CH_3SSCH_3$
  • Sulfur Content: 68.1% by weight
  • Appearance: Clear, pale yellow liquid
  • Boiling Point: 109.7°C
  • Flash Point: 15°C (Closed Cup)
  • Density at 20°C: 1.062 g/cm³
  • Solubility: Insoluble in water; highly soluble in lipids and organic solvents.

Key Advantages

  • Highest Sulfur Density: Provides more sulfur per unit volume compared to Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) or Di-tert-butyl Polysulfide (TBPS), reducing logistics and storage costs.
  • Two-Step Decomposition: Decomposes in a controlled manner to H2S, allowing for stable temperature management during the exothermic sulfiding process.
  • Low Coking Potential: Minimal carbon byproduct during decomposition, preserving catalyst pore structure.

Key Takeaways

  • Dimethyl Disulfide (DMDS) is essential in Saudi Arabia’s energy and petrochemical sectors for optimizing catalyst performance and protecting equipment.
  • In hydroprocessing, DMDS activates catalysts through presulfiding, which enhances product quality for ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and gasoline.
  • DMDS also combats coking in ethylene cracking by forming a protective layer, extending run lengths and reducing CO emissions.
  • Additionally, DMDS serves as a sustainable soil fumigant in agriculture, effectively controlling pests and pathogens.
  • Local distribution and specialized logistics are crucial for the safe handling and application of DMDS in various industries.

A large-scale industrial solvent extraction facility featuring stainless steel distillation towers and piping used for processing edible oil with n-Hexane.

The Role of n-Hexane in Edible Oil Production

High-Efficiency Solvent Extraction: The Role of n-Hexane in Edible Oil Production

In the global edible oil industry, efficiency and purity are the two most critical benchmarks for success. While several extraction methods exist, solvent extraction using n-Hexane remains the primary choice for large-scale operations involving soybeans, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds.

Why n-Hexane is the Industry Standard

The dominance of n-Hexane in oilseed processing is driven by its specific chemical properties and its performance in a high-volume industrial environment:

  • Superior Oil Recovery: n-Hexane is highly effective at dissolving triglycerides. It typically allows processors to extract more than 99% of the oil available in the seed, far surpassing the capabilities of mechanical pressing alone.
  • Optimal Boiling Point: With a boiling point of approximately 69°C (156°F), n-Hexane is volatile enough to be easily evaporated from the oil and meal. This allows for nearly 100% solvent recovery and reuse, significantly lowering production costs.
  • Preservation of Quality: The relatively low temperature required for solvent recovery prevents the thermal degradation of the oil, ensuring that the flavor, color, and nutritional antioxidants remain intact.
  • Selective Extraction: It acts as a selective solvent, focusing on the oil fractions while leaving behind essential proteins and fibers in the meal, which can then be used for high-quality animal feed.

Safety and Environmental Standards

Modern extraction plants utilize closed-loop systems designed to capture and recirculate the solvent. By using high-purity, food-grade n-Hexane and implementing advanced Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs, manufacturers can ensure both consumer safety and environmental compliance.

The continued use of n-Hexane represents a balance of proven chemistry and economic viability, supporting the global supply chain for essential fats and oils.

Keywords: Edible Oil Extraction, n-Hexane, Solvent Extraction, Food Processing Technology, Oilseed Crushing, Industrial Chemistry.

Comparison of Extraction Methods: n-Hexane vs. Mechanical Pressing

Featuren-Hexane Solvent ExtractionMechanical Pressing (Expeller)
Oil YieldVery High (up to 99.5%)Moderate (approx. 85-90%)
Residual Oil in MealLess than 1%5% to 10%
Processing TemperatureLow to Moderate (approx. 69°C)High (Heat generated by friction)
Scale of OperationLarge-scale IndustrialSmall to Medium-scale
Operating CostLower (due to solvent recycling)Higher per ton of oil produced
Primary ApplicationSoybeans, Rice Bran, SunflowerCold-pressed oils, Coconut, Olive

Technical Breakdown

The efficiency of n-Hexane is largely due to its low latent heat of vaporization ($335.3 \text{ kJ/kg}$ at boiling point). This allows for rapid separation of the solvent from the oil (miscella) and the meal (desolventizing) using minimal energy compared to other chemical solvents.

While mechanical pressing is often preferred for “virgin” or “cold-pressed” specialty oils to avoid chemical contact, n-Hexane is the undisputed standard for the high-volume commodity market where maximizing yield and minimizing waste is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions about n-Hexane Extraction

What is n-Hexane used for in oil extraction? n-Hexane is a chemical solvent used to dissolve and separate oil from oilseeds such as soybeans, sunflowers, and rapeseeds. It is preferred in industrial settings because of its high efficiency in removing nearly all available oil from the plant material.

Is n-Hexane safe for edible oil production? Yes. While n-Hexane is used during the extraction phase, it is entirely removed during the desolventizing and refining processes. Modern food-grade processing ensures that any residual traces are well below established safety limits set by global health authorities.

Why is n-Hexane preferred over other solvents like Ethanol? n-Hexane has a lower boiling point and a lower latent heat of vaporization than ethanol. This makes it easier and cheaper to recover and reuse within a closed-loop system. Additionally, n-Hexane does not dissolve non-oil components like sugars, resulting in a cleaner crude oil.

What happens to the seed material after extraction? Once the oil is removed, the remaining material is known as “oil meal.” Because n-Hexane is highly selective, it leaves the proteins and fibers intact, making the meal a high-value, protein-rich ingredient for animal feed.

Is solvent extraction environmentally friendly? Modern extraction plants operate as closed-loop systems. This means that nearly all the n-Hexane used is captured, condensed, and recycled back into the process, minimizing emissions and reducing chemical waste.

Key Takeaways

  • n-Hexane oil extraction is the industry standard for extracting oil from oilseeds due to its high efficiency and purity.
  • It allows for superior oil recovery, with over 99% extraction, and preserves the quality of the oil.
  • Modern extraction facilities use closed-loop systems to ensure safety and environmental compliance, capturing and recycling n-Hexane.
  • Compared to mechanical pressing, n-Hexane extraction offers higher oil yields and lower operating costs.
  • The remaining meal after extraction is rich in proteins and suitable for high-quality animal feed.