1,2-Hexanediol CAS 6920-22-5: Properties, Specifications and Applications

You often see 1,2-hexanediol listed with cas 6920-22-5 in technical documents. This clear, colorless liquid plays a vital role in many industries. You find 1,2-hexanediol in chemical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. Its unique properties make it special. You can rely on its high solubility in water and oils. 1,2-hexanediol offers excellent stability at various temperatures. You will notice its safety profile stands out, making it a preferred choice. Each year, 1,2-hexanediol production reaches 12,500 tons, with a projected increase to 18,000 tons soon. You can see its impact in these sectors:

• 1,2-hexanediol supports more than 47.4% of the chemical and petrochemical market.

• Cosmetics use 1,2-hexanediol for over 41.2% of their needs.

• Pharmaceutical applications for 1,2-hexanediol continue to grow.

You should always consider 1,2-hexanediol when you need a stable, safe, and versatile ingredient.

Key Takeaways

• 1,2-Hexanediol is a versatile ingredient used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications due to its high solubility and stability.

• This compound has low toxicity, making it safe for use in personal care products, but always perform patch tests to ensure no irritation occurs.

• 1,2-Hexanediol enhances product performance by acting as a solvent, humectant, and preservative booster, improving stability and effectiveness.

• When using 1,2-hexanediol, always check the CAS number and specifications to ensure quality and compliance with industry standards.

• Explore alternatives like glyceryl caprylate or pentylene glycol if you face restrictions on using 1,2-hexanediol in certain applications.

What is 1,2-Hexanediol?

Chemical Structure & Identification

You may wonder what makes 1,2-hexanediol unique among chemical ingredients. This compound belongs to the diol family, which means it contains two hydroxyl (–OH) groups. You can identify 1,2-hexanediol by its specific chemical formula and registration number. The following table gives you a quick overview:

You will often see the cas number 6920-22-5 on product labels and technical sheets. This number helps you confirm the identity and purity of the compound in your formulations. The structure of 1,2-hexanediol features a six-carbon chain with two hydroxyl groups attached to the first and second carbon atoms. This arrangement gives the compound its special properties.

Key Features & Importance

When you choose 1,2-hexanediol for your products, you benefit from several outstanding features:

• High solubility lets you mix it easily with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents.

• Low toxicity means you can use it safely in personal care and pharmaceutical products.

• Mild antimicrobial activity helps boost the effectiveness of preservatives without harsh additives.

• Broad solubility allows you to blend it with water, alcohols, and oils, so you do not need strong solubilizers.

• Stability beyond limits keeps your formulations effective across pH 4–10 and temperatures up to 80°C. It resists oxidation and degradation.

• Ultra-low irritation ensures your products remain gentle. Clinical tests show 1,2-hexanediol does not cause sensitization, even compared to synthetic preservatives.

You will find that this compound stands out for its versatility and safety. Many industries rely on 1,2-hexanediol to improve product performance and stability. You can trust it to deliver consistent results in a wide range of applications.

Properties of 1,2-Hexanediol

Physical & Chemical Properties

You will notice several important properties when you work with 1,2-hexanediol. This compound has the following characteristics:

• Molecular Formula: C6H14O2

• Molecular Weight: 118.17 g/mol

• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid

• Odor: Mild, almost odorless

You can rely on these properties for consistent results in your formulations. The excellent solvency of 1,2-hexanediol allows you to dissolve many ingredients with ease. You will find that its properties make it a preferred choice in both industrial and cosmetic products.

Solubility & Stability

You need to understand the solubility and stability of 1,2-hexanediol to use it effectively. The following table shows how well it dissolves in water and oils at room temperature:

You can see that 1,2-hexanediol mixes easily with water and also blends with oils. This property helps you create stable emulsions and solutions. You will find that it remains stable across a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. You can store it at room temperature without worrying about rapid degradation. These properties ensure your products stay effective and safe for longer periods.

Safety & Storage

You should always consider safety when handling 1,2-hexanediol. This compound has low toxicity levels, which supports safety for human use. However, you may experience irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Some users have reported eye irritation. You should perform patch testing before using it in cosmetic products. For storage, you need to keep 1,2-hexanediol in a tightly closed container, away from direct sunlight and moisture. These properties help you maintain product quality and safety in your workplace.

Tip: Always use gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals, even those with a strong safety profile.

Specifications & Quality Standards

Technical Data Table

You need to check the technical data before you use 1,2-hexanediol in your project. The specification sheet gives you important information for your analysis. You can see the main properties in the table below. This table helps you compare the quality of different batches. You will notice that the cas number appears on every report. You should always match the cas number to make sure you have the right material for your analysis.

You can use liquid chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography to confirm the purity. These methods give you accurate results for your analysis. You will find that liquid chromatography is a standard tool for quality control. You can trust the results from liquid chromatography when you need to check the quality of your 1,2-hexanediol.

Note: Always review the technical data before you start your analysis. This step helps you avoid mistakes and ensures the quality of your final product.

Purity & Grades

You will find several grades of 1,2-hexanediol on the market. Each grade fits a different application. You should choose the right grade for your analysis and production needs. The main grades include:

• Cosmetic grade

• Industrial grade

• Pharmaceutical grade

You can use liquid chromatography to check the purity of each grade. This method supports your analysis and helps you meet quality standards. You should always request a certificate of analysis from your supplier. This document lists the cas number, purity, and other key data. You can use the certificate to confirm the quality of your batch. You will see that liquid chromatography appears in almost every analysis report. This tool helps you maintain high quality in your work.

If you want to achieve the best results, you should follow strict analysis procedures. You can rely on liquid chromatography for accurate and repeatable results. This approach supports your quality goals and helps you meet industry standards.

1,2-Hexanediol Applications

Industrial Uses

You encounter 1,2-hexanediol in a wide range of industrial applications. Its versatility and high-performance characteristics make it a valuable ingredient in many manufacturing processes. You see its impact in key industrial applications such as ink production, coatings and paints, adhesives and sealants. Here is how you benefit from its properties:

1. Ink production relies on 1,2-hexanediol for improved flow and print quality. You use it to control drying times and enhance performance on different substrates. Its solvent and moisturizing abilities help you achieve consistent results.

2. In coatings and paints, you depend on 1,2-hexanediol as a coalescing agent. It helps you form a continuous film during drying, which boosts durability and appearance. You notice better adhesion and performance in your finished products.

3. Adhesives and sealants benefit from the flexibility and wetting properties of 1,2-hexanediol. You achieve stronger bonds and improved performance across various surfaces. Its presence ensures your industrial products meet demanding standards.

You often select concentrations of 1,2-hexanediol based on the desired performance and compatibility with other ingredients. You find that high-performance formulations use precise concentrations of 1,2-hexanediol to optimize results. You can trust its stability and reliability in industrial settings.

Tip: When you formulate industrial products, always test different concentrations of 1,2-hexanediol to maximize performance and ensure compatibility.

Cosmetic & Personal Care Uses

You see 1,2-hexanediol in many cosmetic and personal care applications. Its multifunctional nature allows you to use it as an emollient, humectant, and wetting agent. You add it to lotions, creams, serums, and moisturizers for hydration and delivery of active ingredients. You also use it in makeup products like foundations, concealers, and lipsticks for preservation and moisture retention.

You benefit from its antimicrobial properties, which help you protect your formulations. The amphiphilic structure of 1,2-hexanediol lets you integrate it into microbial cell membranes, boosting preservative efficacy. You find that its effectiveness increases with longer alkyl chains, but 1,2-hexanediol offers a balance of performance and safety. You use it in haircare products such as shampoos, conditioners, and masks for conditioning and stability. You also incorporate it into body care products like washes, gels, and lotions for moisturizing and preservation.

You select concentrations of 1,2-hexanediol based on the desired effect. You often combine it with other ingredients like Neopentyl Glycol and Dipropylene Glycol to create high-performance cosmetic formulations. You notice that 1,2-hexanediol alters the colloidal structure of creams, improving stability without causing phase separation. You trust its safety profile, as it does not lead to sensitization or irritation in most users.

Note: When you develop cosmetic products, you should monitor concentrations of 1,2-hexanediol to balance performance, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Usage Restrictions

You must understand the restrictions before you use 1,2-hexanediol in your applications. You cannot use it in food, drug, pesticide, or biocidal products unless you meet strict regulatory standards. You recognize it as an excipient in topical pharmaceutical formulations in the U.S. and Europe, but you must comply with pharmacopoeial standards. For oral or parenteral dosage forms, you need specific toxicological data and regulatory review.

You often look for alternatives when you face restrictions. You can choose glyceryl caprylate, caprylhydroxamic acid, or leuconostoc ferment filtrate for natural-origin applications. You also consider pentylene glycol, butylene glycol, and propanediol 1,3 as humectant options. You compare their performance and safety to concentrations of 1,2-hexanediol to find the best fit for your application.

You always check regulatory guidelines and test concentrations of 1,2-hexanediol to ensure compliance and optimal performance in your industrial applications.

Alert: Never use 1,2-hexanediol in food, drug, pesticide, or biocidal products unless you have regulatory approval and supporting safety data.

You gain multiple benefits when you choose 1,2-hexanediol for your formulations. This ingredient acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative potentiator. You use it in creams, gels, and industrial products to boost solubility and stability. For best results, source from reputable manufacturers who offer high-purity grades and technical support. Always match product specifications to your application and consult suppliers for formulation guidance, troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance.

For reliable 1,2-hexanediol raw materials, contact SINOBIO Chemistry or learn more about us.

FAQ

What is the main use of 1,2-hexanediol?

You use 1,2-hexanediol mainly as a solvent, humectant, and preservative booster in cosmetics and industrial products. You find it in creams, lotions, inks, paints, and adhesives.

Is 1,2-hexanediol safe for skin?

You can use 1,2-hexanediol safely in most cosmetic products. It rarely causes irritation or sensitization. You should always patch test new formulations to check for reactions.

How do you store 1,2-hexanediol?

You store 1,2-hexanediol in a tightly sealed container. Keep it away from sunlight and moisture. Room temperature storage works best for maintaining quality.

Can you use 1,2-hexanediol in food or drugs?

You cannot use 1,2-hexanediol in food or drugs unless you have regulatory approval. You must follow strict guidelines for pharmaceutical or edible applications.

What alternatives exist for 1,2-hexanediol?

You can choose alternatives like glyceryl caprylate, caprylhydroxamic acid, or pentylene glycol. These options offer similar benefits in cosmetics and personal care products.