removal this the unusual toxicity of n hexane compared with other alkanes has resulted in the chemical industry switching away from n hexane in favour of n heptane where possible see the acgih concluded that heptane was more acutely toxic than hexane the acgih therefore recommended limits for heptane that are somewhat lower than the limits for the hexane isomers also because niosh believes that it would be incorrect to conclude that the neurotoxic properties ascribed to n hexane are unique to this compound n hexane other alkanes or related chemicals such as heptane that are ultimately metabolized to gamma diketone may have similar toxicity unless there is evidence for a switch the above statement seems unlikely or simply wrong especially considering the above report