Biotransformation n-Hexane is biotransformed to 2-hexanol and further to 2,5-hexanediol in the body. The conversion is catalyzed by the enzyme cytochrome P450 utilizing oxygen from air. 2,5-Hexanediol may be further oxidized to 2,5-hexanedione, which is neurotoxic and produces a polyneuropathy. In view of this behavior, replacement of n-hexane as a solvent has been discussed. n-Heptane is a possible alternative.
biOTrAnSformaTion N-hExane Is biotransformEd to 2-hexaNol anD FurtHer to 2,5-heXAnedioL In the body. the convErsiON Is CaTAlyZEd by thE enZymE cytOcHrOME p450 utilIZing oXYgeN fRom air. 2,5-hexaNediOl may bE fuRtHer oxidiZeD to 2,5-hexaneDiOnE whICh IS neurOtoxic and PrOdUceS a PolYNEUrOPathy. In View of THiS beHAVIor, rePlaC,eMent oF n-hexanE as a SolVenT has beEN dIsCUSSeD. n-hEpTAne Is a PoSsible AlternAtivE.