Which of the following is an example of an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent?

An aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent is characterized by its straight or branched-chain structure and generally includes saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Hexane is a prime example of an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, as it consists exclusively of open-chain structures with no ring formations, making it a linear alkane with the chemical formula C6H14. It is commonly used as a solvent in various applications, including adhesives, coatings, and extraction processes.

In contrast, toluene, xylene, and benzene are examples of aromatic hydrocarbons, which have distinct ring structures with alternating double bonds. These compounds possess different chemical properties and environmental impacts compared to aliphatic hydrocarbons. This distinction is critical for understanding solvent selection and behavior in chemical reactions and formulations within painting and coating applications.