Hexane-2,5-dione
Hexane-2,5-dione is an aliphatic diketone. It is a toxic metabolite of hexane and of 2-hexanone.
Symptoms
The initial symptoms of chronic hexane toxicity, attributable to hexane-2,5-dione, are tingling and cramps in the arms and legs, followed by general muscular weakness. In severe cases, atrophy of the skeletal muscles is observed, along with a loss of coordination and problems of vision.
Similar symptoms are observed in animal models. They are associated with a degeneration of the peripheral nervous system (and eventually the central nervous system), starting with the distal portions of the longer and wider nerve axons.
Mechanism of action
It appears that the neurotoxicity of 2,5-hexanedione resides in its γ-diketone structure since 2,3-, 2,4-hexanedione and 2,6-heptanedione are not neurotoxic, while 2,5-heptanedione and 3,6-octanedione and other γ-diketones are neurotoxic. In fact, higher α-diketones, like 2,3-pentanedione and 2,3-hexanedione, are found in small amounts in various foods. They are used as aroma components in alcohol-free beverages and in baked goods.
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