Hexane

Hexane is an alkane with molecular formula C₆H₁₄. Its unqualified name usually denotes n-hexane, the straight-chain isomer, though five structural isomers share the formula.

Alkane: A saturated hydrocarbon composed only of carbon and hydrogen, with carbon atoms joined by single bonds. Hexane belongs to this hydrocarbon family and follows its characteristic bonding pattern.
London dispersion force: An intermolecular attraction caused by temporary fluctuations in electron distribution. These forces dominate attractions between nonpolar hexane molecules.
Solvent: A substance that dissolves another substance to form a solution. Hexane is used as a solvent for oils, fats, and other nonpolar materials.
2-Methylpentane: A branched structural isomer of hexane with molecular formula C₆H₁₄. Its branched carbon skeleton contrasts with the straight chain implied by n-hexane.
Structural isomerism: The phenomenon in which compounds share a molecular formula but differ in how their atoms are connected. C₆H₁₄ has five distinct carbon skeletons, including n-hexane.
Boiling point: The temperature at which a liquid's vapor pressure equals the surrounding pressure. Hexane's intermolecular attractions help determine its boiling temperature.
Vegetable oil extraction: The separation of oil from plant material using mechanical or chemical methods. Industrial processes use hexane to dissolve oil from seeds before solvent removal.
3-Methylpentane: A branched structural isomer of hexane with a methyl group attached to the third carbon of pentane. It shares hexane's formula but has a distinct branching pattern.
IUPAC nomenclature: A systematic method for naming chemical compounds using rules established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. Its rules distinguish hexane's branched isomers from the straight-chain compound.
Vapor pressure: The pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid or solid phase. Hexane's volatility is expressed by its vapor pressure at a given temperature.

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