1, 2-Hexanediol
What is 1,2-Hexanediol?
1, 2- Hexanediol, a type of alcohol, acts as an emollient in many cosmetic and skincare products. It also acts as a humectant, preservative and solvent, keeps skin hydrated, soft, and moisturised and prevents microbial growth. It extends the shelf life of creams, lotions, cleansers and moisturisers.
CAS No.: 6920-22-5
Synonyms: 1,2-Hexanediol, DL-1,2-Hexanediol, 1,2-Dihydroxyhexane, 5,6-Dihydroxyhexane
Properties of 1, 2- Hexanediol
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H14O2 |
| IUPAC name | hexane-1,2-diol |
| Molecular weight | 118.17Â g/mol |
| Solubility | Miscible in water |
| Odor | Characteristic odor |
| Flash point | >230 °F |
| Density | 0.951 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | Colorless to light yellow |
| State | Liquid |
| Boiling point | 223-224 °C (lit.) |
| Melting point | 45 °C |
| LogP | 0.58 at 25 °C |
| Vapour pressure | 0.576Pa at 25℃ |
Application of 1,2-Hexanediol
Cosmetics and personal care
- Helps in retaining the moisture in the hair and skin, improving hydration and skin.Â
- Acts as an emollient, making skin smooth and soft.
- Protects formula from the contamination of microbial growth and increases the efficacy of preservatives.Â
Pharmaceutical industry
- Used as solvents in liquid and topical formulations.
- Supports controlled release and enhances compatibility in dermatological preparations and also helps in maintaing drug potency.
Industrial applications
- Added in industrial application to produce plasticiser, surfactant and esters as intermediates in chemical synthesis.
- Provides low volatility and good solvency in inks and coatings.
Side Effects of 1, 2- Hexanediol
- Skin irritationÂ
- Eye irritation
- Contact dermatitis
| Pictograms : |
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| Hazard Statements : | H319 Causes serious eye irritation |
| Precautionary statements : | P280 Wear protective gloves/eye protection P308 + P313 – IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. |
What is 1,2-Hexanediol?
1, 2- Hexanediol, a type of alcohol, acts as an emollient in many cosmetic and skincare products. It also acts as a humectant, preservative and solvent, keeps skin hydrated, soft, and moisturised and prevents microbial growth. It extends the shelf life of creams, lotions, cleansers and moisturisers.
CAS No.: 6920-22-5
Synonyms: 1,2-Hexanediol, DL-1,2-Hexanediol, 1,2-Dihydroxyhexane, 5,6-Dihydroxyhexane
Properties of 1, 2- Hexanediol
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H14O2 |
| IUPAC name | hexane-1,2-diol |
| Molecular weight | 118.17Â g/mol |
| Solubility | Miscible in water |
| Odor | Characteristic odor |
| Flash point | >230 °F |
| Density | 0.951 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | Colorless to light yellow |
| State | Liquid |
| Boiling point | 223-224 °C (lit.) |
| Melting point | 45 °C |
| LogP | 0.58 at 25 °C |
| Vapour pressure | 0.576Pa at 25℃ |
Application of 1,2-Hexanediol
Cosmetics and personal care
- Helps in retaining the moisture in the hair and skin, improving hydration and skin.Â
- Acts as an emollient, making skin smooth and soft.
- Protects formula from the contamination of microbial growth and increases the efficacy of preservatives.Â
Pharmaceutical industry
- Used as solvents in liquid and topical formulations.
- Supports controlled release and enhances compatibility in dermatological preparations and also helps in maintaing drug potency.
Industrial applications
- Added in industrial application to produce plasticiser, surfactant and esters as intermediates in chemical synthesis.
- Provides low volatility and good solvency in inks and coatings.
Side Effects of 1, 2- Hexanediol
- Skin irritationÂ
- Eye irritation
- Contact dermatitis
| Pictograms : |
|
| Hazard Statements : | H319 Causes serious eye irritation |
| Precautionary statements : | P280 Wear protective gloves/eye protection P308 + P313 – IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. |
FAQ's
1, 2 – Hexanediol synthesised through the catalytic reaction 1-hexene in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent.
1, 2 – Hexanediol is generally considered as safe when used in low concentration in the cosmetic products as it can cause irritation to eyes when used in higher concentration.
1, 2 – Hexanediol is a synthetic chemical which is synthesised through industrial processes. It is also used as a synthetic alternative to paraben which is used in cosmetic products.Â
1,2-Hexanediol is good for the skin and is widely used in cosmetic and personal care products as a preservative, moisturising agent, and as an emollient, helping to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, extending the shelf-life of the product, and retaining the moisture of the skin.
