HEXYL CARBITOL

Hexyl carbitol is a transparent, colorless glycol ether widely used as a solvent and co-solvent due to its excellent solvency, low volatility, and high chemical stability.
Hexyl carbitol's molecular structure combines a hydrophilic diethylene glycol backbone with a hydrophobic hexyl group, providing strong compatibility with water, alcohols, oils, and many organic solvents while enhancing wetting, spreading, and miscibility.
Because it is a slow-evaporating solvent that improves flow, leveling, coalescence, and minimum film-forming temperature, hexyl carbitol is extensively used in waterborne coatings, inks, cleaners, agrochemical formulations, and specialty industrial applications.

CAS Number: 112-59-4
EC Number: 203-988-3
Chemical Formula: C6H13(OCH2CH2)2OH
Molecular Weight: 190.28

Synonyms: Hexyl Carbitol, Diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, Diethylene glycol hexyl ether, Hexyl diglycol, DEG monohexyl ether, DEG hexyl ether, 2-(2-Hexyloxyethoxy)ethanol, 2-(2-Hexoxyethoxy)ethanol, Hexyl diethylene glycol ether, Diethylene glycol monohxyl ether (alt. spelling), Hexyl ether of diethylene glycol, Diethylene glycol, monohexyl ether, Hexyl-O-diethylene glycol, Diethylene glycol n-hexyl ether, n-Hexyl diethylene glycol ether, Diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, 112-59-4, Hexyl carbitol, 2-(2-(hexyloxy)ethoxy)ethanol, Hexol carbitol, n-Hexyl carbitol, n-Hexoxyethoxyethanol, 3,6-Dioxadodecanol-1, Diethylene glycol n-hexyl ether, Hexylkarbitol, DIETHYLENE GLYCOL HEXYL ETHER, Ethanol, 2-[2-(hexyloxy)ethoxy]-, Diethylene glycol mono(n-hexyl) ether, 2-[2-(hexyloxy)ethoxy]ethanol, Ethanol, 2-((2-hexyloxy)ethoxy)-, 2-((2-Hexyloxy)ethoxy)ethanol, 3,6-Dioxa-1-dodecanol, Ethanol, 2-(2-(hexyloxy)ethoxy)-, Z6X09N6YJL, DTXSID4026921, NSC-403666, DTXCID406921, Ethanol, 2-[(2-hexyloxy)ethoxy]-, DGHE, RefChem:587376, 203-988-3, 2-(2-Hexyloxyethoxy)ethanol, 2-(2-hexoxyethoxy)ethanol, NSC 403666, Diethylene glycol-monohexyl ether, Diethylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, MFCD00010703, Hexylkarbitol [Czech], 2-(2-hexyloxyethoxy)ethan-1-ol, CAS-112-59-4, C6E2, Di(ethylene glycol) hexyl ether, HSDB 5571, EINECS 203-988-3, UNII-Z6X09N6YJL, Ethanol, 2-(2-(2-hexyloxy)ethoxy)-, BRN 1743959, AI3-00301, CCRIS 8863, Ucar Filmer EHC, EC 203-988-3, SCHEMBL24452, 4-01-00-02396 (Beilstein Handbook Reference), WLN: Q2O2O6, diethyleneglycol monohexyl ether, orb2942331, SCHEMBL1998654, 2-(2-hexyloxy-ethoxy)-ethanol, CHEMBL2131110, GZMAAYIALGURDQ-UHFFFAOYSA-, Tox21_202146, Tox21_303108, MSK161873, NSC403666, SBB060179, AKOS015903580, Di(ethylene glycol) hexyl ether, 95%, Di(ethylene glycol) hexyl ether, 97%, HY-W133950, SB83835, Diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, 96%, MSK161873-1000M, NCGC00164133-01, NCGC00164133-02, NCGC00257046-01, NCGC00259695-01, BS-42440, DB-041101, 2-propanol,1-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]-, D0501, NS00008688, ST51046411, 2-((2-HEXYLOXY)ETHOXY)ETHANOL [HSDB], F71191, F099210, Q27295083, Diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, purum, >=95.0% (GC), Diethylene glycol monohexyl ether Solution in Methanol, 1000ug/mL, InChI=1/C10H22O3/c1-2-3-4-5-7-12-9-10-13-8-6-11/h11H,2-10H2,1H3

Hexyl carbitol is a transparent and colorless glycol ether widely employed as a solvent and co-solvent in a variety of industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic systems.
Hexyl carbitol's molecular structure contains both a water-affinitive diethylene glycol portion and a nonpolar hexyl group, which allows it to dissolve and stabilize a broad range of polar and non-polar components.

This dual affinity provides excellent miscibility with water, alcohols, oils, and numerous organic compounds.
Hexyl carbitol is particularly appreciated for its low evaporation rate, elevated boiling point, and ability to enhance formulation homogeneity, control viscosity, and prevent phase separation.
Hexyl carbitol is frequently used in coatings, inks, cleaning formulations, agrochemicals, fragrances, personal care products, and as a processing solvent in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Hexyl carbitol is a versatile chemical compound categorized under the glycol ethers group, known for its effective solvency and surfactant properties due to its unique molecular structure, which features two ethylene glycol units linked by a hexyl ether.
This configuration lends Hexyl carbitol exceptional capabilities in reducing surface tension and enhancing the miscibility of diverse chemical substances.

Hexyl carbitol is particularly valued in industrial applications for its role in formulating paints, inks, and coatings where it improves flow properties and uniformity.
Additionally, in research, Hexyl carbitol is extensively used as a solvent and reaction medium in the synthesis of organic compounds, aiding in the stabilization of reactive intermediates and the control of polymerization processes.

Hexyl carbitol's ability to adjust the viscosity of solutions and stabilize various components makes it indispensable in producing polymers with specific characteristics.
This ether also serves a critical function in enhancing the performance of hydraulic fluids and coolants by modifying their rheological properties, which is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of mechanical systems.
Through these applications, Hexyl carbitol significantly contributes to advancements in chemical processing and materials science.

Hexyl carbitol is a slow evaporating solvent that partitions primarily into the polymer phase of a water borne coatings and reduces minimum filming temperature.
Hexyl carbitol has excellent solvency, great chemical stability and compatible with water and many organic solvents.

A slow evaporating solvent that partitions primarily into the polymer phase of a waterborne coating and reduces minimum filming temperature.
Hexyl carbitol can be used with associative thickeners to enhance application properties such as brushability or roll application in high performance coatings.

Hexyl carbitol functions as a coalescing aid in waterborne emulsion or dispersion coatings and is used in cleaners to remove greasy soils.
Hexyl carbitol is also used in metal deco inks.

Hexyl carbitol, with the CAS number 112-59-4, is an organic compound that belongs to the class of glycol ethers.
Hexyl carbitol is characterized by its clear, colorless liquid form and is known for its moderate viscosity and low volatility.

This ether exhibits good solubility in water and a variety of organic solvents, making it useful in various applications, including as a solvent in paints, coatings, and cleaning products.
Hexyl carbitol's chemical structure features a diethylene glycol backbone with a hexyl group, which contributes to its surfactant properties.

Hexyl carbitol is also recognized for its ability to enhance the wetting and spreading of formulations, improving the performance of products in which it is incorporated.
Additionally, Hexyl carbitol has a relatively low toxicity profile, although safety precautions should still be observed during handling.
Overall, Hexyl carbitol is valued in industrial and commercial applications for its functional properties and versatility.

Hexyl carbitol displays a strong hydrocarbon-type solvency.
The increased ether functionality of Hexyl carbitol provides greater solubility with water than Hexyl cellosolve.

Hexyl carbitol acts as a GMO- and BSE-free slow evaporating solvent.
Hexyl carbitol can be used with associative thickeners to enhance application properties such as brushability or roll application in high performance coatings.

Hexyl carbitol functions as a coalescing aid in waterborne emulsion or dispersion coatings and is used in cleaners to remove greasy soils.
Hexyl carbitol has great chemical stability, excellent solvency, low vapor pressure, provides good flow and levelling.

Hexyl carbitol is used in waterborne coatings, printing inks and metal deco inks.
Hexyl carbitol is compliant with REACH and RoHS.

Applications of Hexyl Carbitol:
Hexyl carbitol is applied across multiple industries as a high-performance solvent and coupling agent due to its balanced hydrophilic–lipophilic properties.

Coatings and paints:
Hexyl carbitol is used to improve solubility of resins, pigments, and additives, enhance flow and leveling, and support uniform film formation in architectural and industrial coatings.

Inks and printing:
Hexyl carbitol is applied as a solvent in printing inks to control viscosity, drying behavior, and pigment dispersion.

Cleaning formulations:
Hexyl carbitol is incorporated into industrial, institutional, and specialty cleaners as a coupling solvent to effectively remove oily and greasy soils while remaining water-compatible.

Agrochemical formulations:
Hexyl carbitol is used as a solvent and formulation aid in herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides to improve active ingredient solubility and stability.

Personal care and fragrances:
Hexyl carbitol is applied as a solvent and fragrance carrier in perfumes, deodorants, and cosmetic products to ensure uniform distribution and controlled evaporation.

Pharmaceutical and laboratory applications:
Hexyl carbitol is used as a processing solvent and formulation aid in pharmaceutical manufacturing and analytical laboratories.

Specialty industrial uses:
Utilized in metalworking fluids, textile processing chemicals, adhesives, and specialty formulations requiring controlled solvency and low volatility.

Other Applications:
Cleaners
Textiles
Waterborne coatings
Cleaning
Printing inks
Silk-screen process
Metal-deco inks

Industry Applications:
Cleaning agent
Solvent

Consumer Applications:
Cleaning agent
Solvent
Flow promoter

Benefits of Hexyl Carbitol:
Excellent solvency
Great chemical stability
Compatible with water and a number of organic solvents
Low vapor pressure addressing VOC concerns
Listed on CleanGredients® (max use 1.67%); pre-approved to meet the U.S. EPA Safer Choice Standard
Excellent coalescing aid in waterborne emulsion or dispersion coatings
Limited water-solubility and slow evaporation
Provides good flow and levelling
Removes both water-soluble and greasy (water-insoluble) soils

Synthesis of Hexyl Carbitol:
Hexyl carbitol is synthesized via a controlled etherification reaction between diethylene glycol and hexyl alcohol.
In the typical industrial process, diethylene glycol reacts with n-hexanol in the presence of an acid catalyst or an appropriate etherification catalyst.
Reaction conditions such as temperature, catalyst concentration, and reactant molar ratio are carefully controlled to favor formation of the monohexyl ether and to suppress formation of di-substituted ethers.

During the reaction, one hydroxyl group of diethylene glycol is etherified with the hexyl group, while the second hydroxyl group remains free, giving the characteristic amphiphilic structure of Hexyl carbitol.
After completion of the etherification, the reaction mixture is neutralized to remove residual catalyst and then subjected to fractional distillation.
This purification step removes unreacted alcohols, excess diethylene glycol, water, and higher-boiling by-products.

The final product is obtained as a clear, colorless liquid with controlled purity and moisture content.
Quality control typically includes analysis of boiling range, density, refractive index, and water content to ensure consistency with specification requirements for use in coatings, cleaners, agrochemical formulations, personal care products, and specialty solvent applications.

Stability and Reactivity of Hexyl Carbitol:

Chemical stability:
Hexyl carbitol is chemically stable under normal ambient temperatures and recommended storage conditions and does not undergo hazardous decomposition during routine handling.

Reactivity:
The material is generally non-reactive under normal conditions but may react with strong oxidizing agents.

Conditions to avoid:
Excessive heat, open flames, sparks, and prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures, which may increase vapor formation or degradation.

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Thermal decomposition may produce carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and irritating organic vapors.

Handling and Storage of Hexyl Carbitol:

Safe handling:
Handle Hexyl carbitol in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of vapors or mists.
Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact.
Use closed systems or controlled transfer where possible to reduce exposure.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in handling areas.
Remove contaminated clothing before reuse.

Storage requirements:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment away from sources of ignition.

Packaging integrity:
Keep containers sealed when not in use.
Use containers made of compatible materials such as stainless steel or approved plastics.

Shelf stability:
Product maintains stability for extended periods when stored under recommended conditions; prolonged exposure to heat or air may affect quality.

First Aid Measures of Hexyl Carbitol:

Inhalation:
Move the exposed person to fresh air immediately.
If dizziness, headache, or respiratory irritation occurs, seek medical attention.

Skin contact:
Wash affected skin with soap and water.
Prolonged contact may cause mild irritation or dryness.
Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Eye contact:
Rinse eyes cautiously with clean water for several minutes while holding eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Seek medical attention if irritation continues.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical evaluation if large quantities are ingested or discomfort occurs.

Notes for physician:
Treatment is supportive and based on symptoms; no specific antidote exists.

Firefighting Measures of Hexyl Carbitol:

Flammability:
Hexyl carbitol is a combustible liquid but does not ignite easily under normal conditions.

Suitable extinguishing media:
Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide (CO₂), or water spray for surrounding fires.

Hazardous combustion products:
Combustion may generate carbon oxides and irritating organic fumes.

Special protective equipment for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.

Specific hazards:
Vapors may form flammable mixtures with air at elevated temperatures; cool exposed containers with water spray.

Accidental Release Measures of Hexyl Carbitol:

Personal precautions:
Avoid breathing vapors or mists.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent large releases from entering drains, waterways, or soil.

Cleanup methods:
Absorb spilled material with inert absorbents such as sand, vermiculite, or universal absorbent pads.
Collect into suitable containers for disposal.

Additional advice:
Clean contaminated surfaces after removal of spilled material and dispose of waste according to local regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Hexyl Carbitol:

Engineering controls:
Provide local exhaust ventilation at points of vapor generation and ensure adequate general ventilation.

Respiratory protection:
Not normally required under adequate ventilation; use organic vapor respirators if exposure limits are exceeded.

Hand protection:
Use chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile, neoprene, or PVC.

Eye protection:
Wear safety glasses or chemical splash goggles.

Skin and body protection:
Use appropriate protective clothing to prevent repeated skin contact.

Environmental exposure controls:
No special environmental controls required; implement containment and ventilation systems for large-scale operations.

Identifiers of Hexyl Carbitol:
ECHA EINECS - REACH Pre-Reg: 203-988-3
FDA UNII: Z6X09N6YJL
Nikkaji Web: J36.821K
Beilstein Number: 1743959
MDL: MFCD00010703
XlogP3: 1.70 (est)
Molecular Weight: 190.28294000
Formula: C10 H22 O3

Linear Formula: CH3(CH2)5OCH2CH2OCH2CH2OH
CAS Number: 112-59-4
Molecular Weight: 190.28
UNSPSC Code: 12162002
NACRES: NA.23
PubChem Substance ID: 24868475
EC Number: 203-988-3
Beilstein/REAXYS Number: 1743959
MDL number: MFCD00010703

Chemical Formula: C6H13(OCH2CH2)2OH
CAS Number: 112-59-4

Product Number: D0501
Purity / Analysis Method : >98.0%(GC)
Molecular Formula / Molecular Weight: C10H22O3 = 190.28 
Physical State (20 deg.C): Liquid
Storage Temperature : Room Temperature (Recommended in a cool and dark place, <15°C)
CAS RN: 112-59-4
Reaxys Registry Number: 1743959
PubChem Substance ID: 87567167
SDBS (AIST Spectral DB): 6857
MDL Number: 
MFCD00010703

Properties of Hexyl Carbitol:
Appearance: colorless to pale yellow clear liquid (est)
Assay: 95.00 to 100.00
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: No
Specific Gravity: 0.93400 to 0.93700 @ 20.00 °C.
Pounds per Gallon - (est).: 7.781 to 7.806
Refractive Index: 1.43600 to 1.43800 @ 20.00 °C.
Melting Point: -28.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg (est)
Boiling Point: 260.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Vapor Pressure: 5.030000 mmHg @ 25.00 °C. (est)
Flash Point: 284.00 °F. TCC ( 140.00 °C. )
logP (o/w): 1.700

Molar Weight: 190.3 g/mol
Boiling Point: 259.1°C
Flash Point: 126°C
Forms: Liquid, White

InChI key: GZMAAYIALGURDQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI: 1S/C10H22O3/c1-2-3-4-5-7-12-9-10-13-8-6-11/h11H,2-10H2,1H3
SMILES string: CCCCCCOCCOCCO
assay: 95%
refractive index: n20/D 1.4381 (lit.)
bp: 260 °C (lit.)
mp: −40 °C (lit.)
density: 0.935 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Quality Level: 200

Molecular Weight: 190.28 g/mol
XLogP3: 1.7
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 3
Rotatable Bond Count: 10
Exact Mass: 190.15689456 Da
Monoisotopic Mass: 190.15689456 Da
Topological Polar Surface Area: 38.7 Ų
Heavy Atom Count: 13
Complexity: 86.2
Isotope Atom Count: 0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes

Boiling Point: 258 °C
Flash point: 141 °C
Specific Gravity (20/20): 0.94
Refractive Index: 1.44
Solubility in water: Slightly soluble
Degree of solubility in water: 17 g/l   20 °C

Specifications of Hexyl Carbitol:
Appearance: Colorless to Light yellow clear liquid
Purity(GC): min. 98.0 %