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CAS Number: 107-41-5
Synonyms: 1,2-Hexanediol; Hexylene glycol (note: this term is often used for 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, which is a different isomer; careful distinction is required); 1,2-Dihydroxyhexane; Hexane-1,2-diol; Hexan-1,2-diol; α-Hexanediol
Chemical Identity and Properties:
n-Hexylglycol is a diol (a compound containing two hydroxyl groups) with the molecular formula C₆H₁₄O₂ and a molecular weight of 118.18 g/mol. The compound features hydroxyl groups on the first and second carbon atoms (1,2-diol). It is a colorless, clear liquid with a mild, characteristic odor. Key physical properties include:
Boiling Point: 223–224°C at 760 mmHg
Melting Point: Approximately 45°C (it can solidify at lower temperatures)
Density: 0.951 g/cm³ at 20°C
Flash Point: 135°C (closed cup)
Viscosity: Approximately 60–70 mPa·s at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, glycols, and many organic solvents; partially soluble in non-polar hydrocarbons
Chemical Reactivity:
As a 1,2-diol, n-hexylglycol exhibits the characteristic reactions of glycols:
Esterification: Reacts with carboxylic acids to form esters
Etherification: Undergoes reactions to form ethers
Oxidation: Can be oxidized to form diketones or cleaved to form aldehydes
Acetal Formation: Reacts with aldehydes and ketones to form cyclic acetals
Applications:
Cosmetics and Personal Care: n-Hexylglycol functions as a humectant (moisture-retaining agent), skin conditioning agent, and solvent. It is valued for its ability to enhance the sensory properties of formulations, providing a smooth, non-greasy feel. It also acts as a coupling agent, helping to solubilize oils and other hydrophobic ingredients in water-based systems. In preservative systems, it contributes to antimicrobial efficacy, often used in combination with other preservatives or preservative boosters.
Industrial Cleaning: Used as a solvent and coupling agent in heavy-duty cleaners, degreasers, and industrial detergents. Its low volatility and high boiling point make it suitable for applications requiring sustained cleaning action without rapid evaporation.
Paints and Coatings: Functions as a coalescing agent in water-based paint formulations, aiding film formation by temporarily plasticizing latex particles. It also serves as a solvent in printing inks and as a reactive diluent in certain coating systems.
Hydraulic Fluids: Used in specialty hydraulic fluids and brake fluids where high boiling points and low-temperature fluidity are required.
Chemical Intermediate: Serves as a building block in the synthesis of specialty chemicals, including plasticizers, surfactants, and lubricant additives.
Safety and Toxicology:
n-Hexylglycol is considered to have low acute toxicity:
Oral LD₅₀ (rat): Approximately 2,500–4,000 mg/kg
Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit): >2,000 mg/kg
Eye Irritation: May cause mild to moderate eye irritation
Skin Irritation: Generally non-irritating to skin at low concentrations
Sensitization: Not considered a significant skin sensitizer
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT n-HEXYLGLYCOL
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
