noun

hexane

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Hexane (noun) means Hexane is a colourless, volatile hydrocarbon liquid with the chemical formula C6H14, of which five different isomers exist. Example: “Hexane is used as a solvent in laboratories.”

noun

technical Hexane is a colourless, volatile hydrocarbon liquid with the chemical formula C6H14, of which five different isomers exist.

"Hexane is used as a solvent in laboratories."

"The oil was extracted from the seeds using hexane."

"Hexane evaporates quickly at room temperature."

How to use hexane

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHexane is a clear, easily evaporating liquid chemical used mainly as a solvent.

When to use it

Hexane is a technical chemistry term, mostly met in scientific or industrial contexts.

Memory tip

The hex- part signals six carbon atoms, which helps distinguish it from related hydrocarbons like pentane or heptane.

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Common pairings

hexane solvent extracted with hexane hexane vapour trace of hexane

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “hexane” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ is used as a solvent in laboratories.

Etymology

Hexane was built from the prefix hex-, referring to its six carbon atoms, joined to the chemical suffix -ane used for this family of hydrocarbons.

Origin: English

Rhymes for hexane

cane lane Dane mane vane pane bane sane wane Jane fane Zane

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Frequently asked questions

What is hexane used for?

It is commonly used as a solvent, for example in laboratories and in extracting oils from seeds.

Is hexane the same as one single compound?

No, hexane refers to any of five isomeric hydrocarbons that share the formula C6H14 but differ in structure.

Is hexane a liquid or a gas at room temperature?

It is a colourless liquid that evaporates readily, meaning it is volatile.

What is the meaning of hexane?

"hexane" (noun) means hexane is a colourless, volatile hydrocarbon liquid with the chemical formula C6H14, of which five different isomers exist.