Understanding Isohexane Quality Grades: A Practical Guide for Industrial Buyers and Engineers

Overview

Isohexane (C₆H₁₄, CAS 107‑83‑5) is widely used across electronics, pharmaceuticals, precision cleaning, and industrial manufacturing. Purity level directly affects downstream performance, making correct grade selection essential for procurement and engineering teams.

Industrial Grade Isohexane (≥98%)

Applications

  • Ink dilution
  • General metal degreasing
  • Adhesive solvent
  • Foam processing

Key Specifications

  • Isohexane content ≥98.0%
  • n‑Hexane ≤1.5%
  • Distillation range: 57–62°C
  • Bromine index ≤100 mgBr/100g
  • Sulfur ≤1 mg/kg
  • Water ≤100 mg/kg
  • Saybolt color ≥+28
  • Evaporation residue ≤1 mg/100mL

Use Case

Best for cost‑effective, general‑purpose solvent applications.

High‑Purity Grade Isohexane (≥99%)

Applications

  • Optical lens cleaning
  • Pharmaceutical intermediate extraction
  • Plastic mold cleaning
  • Food‑grade equipment cleaning

Enhanced Specifications

  • Isohexane ≥99.0%
  • n‑Hexane ≤0.3%
  • C5 components ≤0.1%
  • Aromatics ≤1 ppm
  • Sulfur ≤0.1 ppm
  • Bromine index ≤1 mgBr/100g
  • Water ≤50 ppm
  • Saybolt color ≥+30
  • Distillation range: 59–62°C

Use Case

Ideal for sensitive environments requiring low residue and high chemical stability.

Ultra‑High‑Purity Electronic Grade (≥99.5%)

Applications

  • PCB cleaning
  • Semiconductor packaging
  • Precision electronic component ultrasonic cleaning

Critical Specifications

  • Isohexane ≥99.5%
  • 2‑Methylpentane ≥97%
  • Aromatics <0.1 ppm
  • No olefins detected
  • No metal ions detected
  • Water ≤20 ppm
  • Evaporation residue <0.1 mg/100mL

Use Case

Designed for contamination‑free, high‑precision electronic manufacturing.

Universal Physical and Safety Parameters

  • Molecular formula: C₆H₁₄
  • Density (20°C): 0.653–0.659 g/cm³
  • Boiling point: 60.3°C
  • Flash point: –23°C (Class A flammable liquid)
  • Explosion limits: 1.2%–7.0% (V/V)
  • Packaging: 137 kg drum, 25 kg drum, bulk tank truck

Choosing the Right Grade

98% Industrial Grade

General cleaning, dilution, degreasing, foam processing.

99% High‑Purity Grade

Optical, medical, food‑grade, and precision equipment cleaning.

99.5% Ultra‑High‑Purity Grade

Semiconductor, PCB, and high‑end electronics manufacturing.

Conclusion

Isohexane is no longer a simple solvent. It is a precision chemical whose purity level directly influences process stability, product quality, and compliance. Understanding grade differences ensures better sourcing decisions and optimized performance across industrial and high‑tech applications.