Hexane, which has the chemical formula C₆H₁₄, is obtained through the controlled distillation of crude oil and various oil refining processes. It is commonly employed in the extraction of edible oils from seeds, including soybeans, flax seeds, canola, safflower, mustard, peanuts, and corn. The utilization of hexane has gained popularity since the early 20th century, largely due to its effectiveness.

One of the advantages of using hexane for extraction is its ability to preserve the stability of plant pigments. In addition to its extraction applications, hexane serves as a solvent for specialized purposes and functions as a degreaser in industries such as textiles, footwear, and leather.