UN/NA Number Reference
DOT Class 3 Flammable Liquid placard

UN 1208: Hexanes

49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table·ERG 2024

DOT Classification and Shipping

UN 1208 is assigned the proper shipping name Hexanes in the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101). It is classified as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid material, Packing Group II. Required label(s): 3.

Packing group indicates the degree of danger within a hazard class: PG I is high danger, PG II medium, PG III low. The proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, and packing group together form the basic shipping description that must appear on shipping papers and, where required, on the package and placard.

Emergency Response (ERG Guide 128)

Hazards: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors heavier than air. Runoff may pollute waterways.

Fire: Small: dry chemical, CO2, water spray, regular foam. Large: water spray, fog, regular foam. Do not use straight streams.

Spill: Eliminate ignition sources. Stop leak if safe. Use foam to suppress vapors. Absorb with earth, sand, or other absorbent. Prevent runoff to waterways.

Chemical and Physical Properties

N-hexane is a clear colorless liquids with a petroleum-like odor. Flash points -9 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. Used as a solvent, paint thinner, and chemical reaction medium.

CAS Number: 110-54-3
Molecular Formula: C6H14
Molecular Weight: 86.18 g/mol
Color / Form: Liquid
Odor: Gasoline-like odor
Boiling Point: 156 F
Melting Point: -139 °F (NTP, 1992)
Flash Point: -9.4 F
Autoignition: 437 °F (USCG, 1999)
Specific Gravity: 0.659 (floats on water)
Vapor Pressure: 120 mmHg at 68 F
Vapor Density: 2.97 (heavier than air)
Water Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 61.7 F
Log P: log Kow = 3.90

Regulatory Data

CERCLA RQ (40 CFR 302.4)
5000 lb
OSHA PEL
TWA 500 ppm (1800 mg/m 3 )
NIOSH REL
TWA 50 ppm (180 mg/m 3 )
IDLH
1100 ppm [10%LEL]

A release of this material at or above its CERCLA reportable quantity (5000 lb) requires immediate notification to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802.

Special Provisions

49 CFR 172.102 special provision codes for this entry: IB2, T4, TP2. These codes modify the general requirements (packaging, quantity limits, exceptions) for this specific material. Look up each code in 49 CFR 172.102 for the full text.

Need the full interactive record? Open UN 1208 in the SpillNerd lookup tool for the live database entry with placard graphics, GHS pictograms, full segregation tables, and synonym search. For another material, use the UN number and chemical lookup.

Reference data compiled from the DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101), the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook, and public chemical databases (PubChem, NIOSH, EPA). Always verify the correct shipping description against the current regulation and the manufacturer's SDS Section 14 before shipping.