In solvent extraction of vegetable oilseeds (e.g., soybean), the most universally used commercial solvent is:
Options:
(A) Technical grade normal hexane ($n$-hexane)
(B) Methanol
(C) Acetone
(D) Carbon tetrachloride
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
Commercial hexane has a narrow boiling point ($68-69^\circ\text{C}$), high non-polar solubility for triglycerides, low latent heat of vaporization, and is easily recovered.