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DESCRIPTION
Hexyl Glycol, also known as 1-hexanol or hexan-1-ol, is a colorless liquid with a mild, alcohol-like odor.
Hexyl Glycol is an organic compound and falls under the class of alcohols.
The chemical formula is C6H14O, and it is typically derived from natural sources like plants or synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks.
CAS NUMBER: 112-25-4
SYNONYMS
1-Hexanol,Hexan-1-ol,N-hexyl alcohol,Hexyl alcohol,Caproic alcohol
Hexyl glycol, also known by its systematic name 1-hexanol or hexan-1-ol, is a chemical compound that is widely used across various industries including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.
Hexyl Glycol, with the molecular formula C6H14O, is a versatile solvent and emollient, as well as an intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals.
Hexyl glycol is a six-carbon alcohol that belongs to the class of fatty alcohols.
Hexyl Glycol is a colorless, odorless, and slightly viscous liquid that has a broad range of applications due to its excellent solvency properties.
Hexyl glycol is often found as an ingredient in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and industrial formulations, and its derivatives are integral to various manufacturing processes.
Its chemical structure consists of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a six-carbon linear chain, making it both hydrophilic and lipophilic to some degree, allowing it to act as an emulsifier and solvent.
CHEMİCAL PROPERTİES
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND COMPOSİTİON
Hexyl glycol has the molecular formula C6H14O, which indicates that it is an alcohol with a six-carbon chain and a single hydroxyl group.
The linear structure of hexyl glycol is significant in determining its physical and chemical properties.
The structure can be represented as:
CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2OH
This shows the alkyl chain with a hydroxyl functional group (-OH) at the end of the molecule.
The compound is relatively non-polar compared to other alcohols due to the long hydrophobic alkyl chain, but the hydroxyl group imparts some hydrophilicity.
Molecular Formula: C6H14O
Boiling Point: 157–159°C
Density: 0.815 g/cm³
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
Its hydroxyl group allows hexyl glycol to act as a solvent and emulsifier, particularly in cosmetics and industrial products.
The long carbon chain contributes to its ability to dissolve oils and fats.
Molecular Formula: C6H14O
Boiling Point: 157–159°C
Density: 0.815 g/cm³
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
Its hydroxyl group allows hexyl glycol to act as a solvent and emulsifier, particularly in cosmetics and industrial products.
The long carbon chain contributes to its ability to dissolve oils and fats.
PHYSİCAL PROPERTİES
Molecular Weight: 102.18 g/mol
Boiling Point: 157–159°C
Melting Point: -45°C
Density: 0.815 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (about 10% by weight) but soluble in most organic solvents, including ethanol, acetone, and ether.
Viscosity: Hexyl glycol has a relatively high viscosity compared to other small alcohols, which affects its behavior in formulations.
FUNCTİONAL GROUP
As an alcohol, hexyl glycol has the hydroxyl (-OH) functional group, which is responsible for many of its chemical reactivity.
The alcohol group makes hexyl glycol a solvent, capable of forming hydrogen bonds with other molecules.
This property is especially important in applications like emulsification and formulation of cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.
PRODUCTİON METHODS
Hexyl glycol is mainly produced through two methods:
Hydration of Hexene: Water is added to hexene in the presence of an acid catalyst, producing hexyl glycol.
Hydrogenation of 1-Hexanal:
The aldehyde 1-hexanal is hydrogenated to form hexyl glycol under high pressure and temperature.
SYNTHESİS OF HEXYL GLYCOL
Hexyl glycol is primarily produced through one of the following methods:
direct hydration of hexene or hydrogenation of 1-hexanal.
Both methods require specific conditions to ensure high yield and purity.
HYDRATİON OF HEXENE
In the industrial synthesis of hexyl glycol, the most common method is the catalytic hydration of hexene, a process that involves adding water to hexene in the presence of an acid catalyst.
The reaction proceeds as follows:
C6H12 (hexene) + H2O → C6H14O (hexyl glycol)
This reaction can be carried out under mild conditions, typically using phosphoric acid (H3PO4) as the catalyst and maintaining a moderate temperature of about 100–200°C.
HYDROGENATİON OF 1-HEXANAL
Another common synthesis method involves the hydrogenation of 1-hexanal, an aldehyde, using hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst like palladium or nickel.
This reaction adds hydrogen to the carbonyl group of 1-hexanal, converting it to hexyl glycol.
C6H12O (1-hexanal) + H2 → C6H14O (hexyl glycol)
This method is more selective, yielding a higher purity product but may require more stringent reaction conditions and careful control of temperature and pressure.
OTHER SYNTHETİC ROUTES
While less common, other methods of producing hexyl glycol include the oxidation of hexane to 1-hexanol and subsequent reduction.
However, these methods are generally less efficient and cost-effective compared to hydration and hydrogenation routes.
APPLİCATİONS OF HEXYL GLYCOL
IN COSMETİCS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
Hexyl glycol is commonly used in the formulation of cosmetics and personal care products, where it acts as a solvent, emulsifier, and skin-conditioning agent.
Its role in formulations is to improve the solubility of ingredients, stabilize emulsions, and enhance the skin feel of products.
Specific applications include:
Emulsions: It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients, leading to more stable and aesthetically pleasing creams, lotions, and gels.
Solvent: It serves as a solvent for active ingredients and fragrances, enabling better delivery of these substances to the skin.
Humectant: By attracting moisture from the environment, hexyl glycol can help keep the skin hydrated in lotions and moisturizers.
Hexyl glycol is commonly found in products such as:
Moisturizers
Shampoos and conditioners
Sunscreens
Antiperspirants
Makeup products (foundations, concealers)
PHARMACEUTİCAL APPLİCATİONS
In the pharmaceutical industry, hexyl glycol is used both as a solvent and as an intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs.
It is used to dissolve lipophilic substances and improve their bioavailability in certain formulations.
Additionally, it serves as a stabilizer and preservative in various pharmaceutical formulations.
INDUSTRİAL USES
Hexyl glycol is also used in industrial applications as a solvent for coatings, paints, and varnishes.
It helps dissolve resins and improves the spreadability and drying times of these products.
Its low toxicity and minimal odor make it a preferred choice in the formulation of consumer-facing products like spray paints and furniture finishes.
IN CHEMİCAL SYNTHESİS
Due to its alcohol group, hexyl glycol can be utilized as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of other compounds.
Hexyl Glycol can react with acids to form esters, which are used in fragrances and plasticizers.
Hexyl Glycol can also be oxidized to form hexanoic acid or employed in the production of hexyl esters, which find application in a range of materials and coatings.
TOXİCOLOGY AND SAFETY CONSİDERATİONS
Hexyl glycol has a low toxicity profile compared to other alcohols.
It is not considered a significant irritant when applied topically and has a low potential for skin sensitization.
However, it is essential to consider the concentration in formulations and any potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
ACUTE TOXİCİTY
The oral LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of subjects) for hexyl glycol in rats is estimated to be approximately 3000–5000 mg/kg, suggesting low acute toxicity.
Inhalation of high concentrations of hexyl glycol vapor may lead to respiratory irritation, but such occurrences are rare due to its low volatility at room temperature.
CHRONİC TOXİCİTY
Chronic exposure studies in animals have not shown significant long-term health effects.
However, as with all chemicals, prolonged exposure to high concentrations should be minimized, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.
ENVİRONMENTAL IMPACT
Hexyl glycol is considered to have low environmental toxicity.
It biodegrades relatively quickly in natural environments, and its persistence in water systems is minimal.
However, large-scale industrial releases should be monitored to avoid any potential environmental impact due to the accumulation of organic solvents.
REGULATORY STATUS
Hexyl glycol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in cosmetics and personal care products, with concentrations typically limited to 1–3%. Regulatory bodies worldwide have not imposed significant restrictions on its use, though it is subject to the general safety standards applied to cosmetics and industrial chemicals.
Hexyl glycol is a versatile alcohol that plays a significant role in many industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.
Its unique combination of solvency, emulsifying properties, and low toxicity make it a valuable ingredient in a wide range of formulations.
Continued research and safety evaluations will ensure that it remains a beneficial and safe compound for both industrial and consumer use.
As its demand grows, particularly in the personal care industry, advancements in sustainable production methods may further enhance its role in the marketplace.
Hexyl glycol is a versatile and safe compound widely used in personal care, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications.
Its excellent solvency and emulsifying properties make it a key ingredient in many formulations, while its low toxicity and biodegradability make it environmentally friendly.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT HEXYL GLYCOL
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
