n-Hexane: Environmental effects
Description
Because of its very low solubility in water and high volatility, it will usually be rapidly transported to the atmosphere without major damage to the biota. In the atmosphere it is one of the volatile organic substances that contribute to the formation of photochemical smog, through interaction with nitrogen dioxide and ozone.
Entering the environment
Hexane is carried in the air. If released to soil, hexane will usually quickly evaporate to the atmosphere. Hexane is only slightly soluble in water, but is readily absorbed by the lipid phase (fatty parts) of aquatic organisms, which can result in transport in the environment.
Where it ends up
Due to its high volatility and low solubility in water, hexane in the environment will be mainly in the atmosphere. In the atmosphere, hexane is expected to exist almost entirely in the vapour phase due to its relatively high vapour pressure. The dominant tropospheric loss process for hexane is by reaction with the hydroxyl (OH) radical. The calculated half-life and lifetime of hexane due to reaction with the OH radical are 1.8 days and 2.6 days, respectively. The products of the OH radical-initiated reaction include 2-hexanone, 2- and 3-hexyl nitrate and 5-hydroxy-2-pentanone.
Environmental guidelines
No national guidelines.
Key
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