Global Supply of n-Hexane for Industrial and Polymer Applications
Meta Description:
Reliable high-purity n-Hexane (CAS 110-54-3) for LLDPE and HDPE polymerization, offering consistent quality, low impurities, and global supply support for industrial and chemical applications.
Overview
n-Hexane is a straight-chain hydrocarbon solvent widely used in industrial and polymer processes. Its low polarity, high volatility, and excellent solvency make it ideal for applications requiring high purity and consistent performance.
Key Properties:
- CAS Number: 110-54-3
- Chemical Formula: C6H14
- Boiling Point: ~68.7°C
- Density: ~0.659 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Flash Point: -22°C
- Purity Grades Available: 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%
High-purity n-Hexane is especially important in polyethylene polymerization, where the presence of aromatics or branched hydrocarbons can negatively affect catalyst activity and polymer quality.
Industrial Applications
1. Polyethylene Polymerization (LLDPE & HDPE)
n-Hexane serves as a process solvent in solution and slurry polymerization:
- Acts as a carrier for catalysts and co-catalysts.
- Provides efficient heat transfer during exothermic reactions.
- Dissolves additives without interfering with polymerization.
- Boiling point (~69°C) allows easy recovery and recycling.
Purity Considerations:
- Recommended grades for polymerization: 95–99% purity.
- Low aromatics, sulfur, and water content are critical to avoid catalyst poisoning and ensure consistent polymer properties.
2. Other Industrial Uses
- Cleaning and degreasing of polymer equipment.
- Intermediate solvent in chemical synthesis.
- Extraction and other low-boiling, non-polar solvent applications.
Product Grades and Suitability
| Grade | Purity | Iso-/Branched Hexane | Aromatics | Sulfur (ppm) | Water (ppm) | Boiling Range (°C) | Suitability for LLDPE/HDPE |
|---|
| n-Hexane 60% | 60% | Moderate | ≤1% | ≤5 | ≤200 | 65–70 | Not suitable – too low purity |
| n-Hexane 70% | 70% | Moderate | ≤1% | ≤5 | ≤150 | 65–70 | Marginal – may affect polymerization |
| n-Hexane 80% | 80% | Low | ≤0.5% | ≤2 | ≤100 | 66–70 | Limited use; may require pre-treatment |
| n-Hexane 90% | 90% | Low | ≤0.1% | ≤1 | ≤50 | 67–70 | Suitable for some industrial applications |
| n-Hexane 95% | 95% | Very low | <0.1% | <1 | <50 | 68–70 | Suitable for LLDPE/HDPE polymerization |
| n-Hexane 99% | 99% | Minimal | <0.05% | <0.5 | <20 | 68–70 | Ideal – polymer-grade high purity |
Note: Hydrotreated heavy naphtha (CAS 64742-49-0) is not suitable for precision polymerization due to impurities and aromatics.
Why Choose Our n-Hexane?
- Catalyst-Friendly: Ultra-low sulfur and aromatic content prevents catalyst poisoning.
- Consistent Quality: Stable boiling range ensures predictable polymer properties.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for industrial, laboratory, and polymer-grade uses.
- Global Supply: Flexible packaging and shipping options support uninterrupted production.
Key Takeaways
- n-Hexane is crucial in polyethylene polymerization, noted for its low polarity and high purity, which are vital for catalyst performance.
- Purity grades range from 60% to 99%, with 95-99% recommended for LLDPE and HDPE to avoid catalyst poisoning.
- It also serves in other industrial applications like cleaning, chemical synthesis, and extraction processes.
- Choosing high-purity n-Hexane ensures consistent quality and versatile applications across various industries.
- Global supply options are available, providing stable support for uninterrupted production and flexible packaging.