At a glance
| Chemical family | Alkane — industrial solvent (constituent of commercial hexane) |
| CAS number | 110-54-3 |
| Classification | Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC. Primary toxicological concern: peripheral neuropathy from chronic high exposure (metabolite 2,5-hexanedione) |
| Where you encounter it | Industrial adhesives, rubber cements, leather and shoe manufacturing, food-grade extraction (vegetable oils), gasoline component. May be residual in furniture adhesives |
| Sleep micro-environment relevance | Minor — may be residual from furniture adhesives and leather goods but dissipates quickly (highly volatile). Not a carcinogen. Neurotoxic only at sustained occupational exposures well above consumer levels |
Regulatory & certification status
| European Union | REACH registered. CLP Repr. 2 (H361f — suspected reproductive toxicity), STOT RE 1 (H372 — nerve damage). Occupational exposure limit: 20 ppm (8-hr TWA). Regulatory |
| United States | OSHA PEL: 500 ppm (TWA). NIOSH REL: 50 ppm (TWA). California Proposition 65 not listed for cancer (not a carcinogen). Regulatory |
| Canada | OEL: 50 ppm (TWA) in most provinces. Not listed under CEPA Schedule 1. Regulatory |
| International | Not IARC classified. WHO does not set indoor air quality guideline for n-hexane. ACGIH TLV: 50 ppm. Regulatory |
What it is
n-Hexane is the unbranched six-carbon alkane (C6H14). It is a major component of commercial hexane solvent, which is widely used in the adhesive, rubber, and extraction industries. IARC has not classified n-hexane as a carcinogen — there is no evidence of cancer risk. The toxicological concern with n-hexane is peripheral neuropathy: the liver metabolises n-hexane to 2,5-hexanedione, a gamma-diketone that cross-links neurofilament proteins and causes distal axonal neuropathy. This has been documented in occupational settings where workers were exposed to high concentrations over extended periods. At consumer-level exposures, n-hexane poses no significant risk.
Where it shows up in bedding
n-Hexane is not an ingredient in bedding. It may be present as a residual solvent from adhesives used in furniture assembly (particleboard headboards, nightstands), leather-upholstered bed frames, and some footwear stored in bedrooms. However, n-hexane is extremely volatile (boiling point 69°C) and dissipates rapidly from finished products. Any residual n-hexane from manufacturing would largely evaporate before reaching the consumer. New furniture or leather goods may release trace amounts initially, but levels decline to negligible within days.
Citations
- ATSDR (1999). Toxicological Profile for n-Hexane. Source Regulatory
- EPA. n-Hexane — Hazard Summary. Source Regulatory
- WHO (2003). n-Hexane. Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 45. Source Regulatory
Frequently asked questions
Can n-hexane cause nerve damage from furniture off-gassing?
At the trace levels released by finished furniture, no. The peripheral neuropathy caused by n-hexane requires sustained high exposure (typically occupational concentrations of hundreds of ppm over weeks or months). Residual n-hexane from furniture adhesives dissipates rapidly and consumer exposure levels are orders of magnitude below the threshold for nerve damage.
Is n-hexane a carcinogen?
No. IARC has not classified n-hexane as a carcinogen, and there is no evidence of cancer risk from n-hexane exposure. Its primary health concern is peripheral neuropathy from chronic high occupational exposure, not cancer.
Related compounds
Embr is a sleep environment company researching and addressing the chemistry of the bedroom. Research and product development in progress.
Last reviewed 2026-07-07. If you find a factual error, contact us.