Chemical Name: 1,2-Hexanediol
Chemical Formula: C6H14O2
CAS Number: 6920-22-5
Synonyms: Hexane-1,2-diol, 1,2-Dihydroxyhexane
Molecular Weight: 118.18 g/mol
Recommended Use: Used as a solvent, preservative, and emollient in cosmetics and personal care products. Also used in industrial applications as an intermediate for chemical synthesis and as a humectant.
Manufacturer Contact Information: Refer to supplier’s website or packaging for up-to-date emergency contact details and address.
GHS Classification: Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Skin Irritation (Category 3)
Pictogram: Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation. May cause mild skin irritation.
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
Physical Hazards: No significant fire or explosion hazard identified in normal use.
Health Hazards: Prolonged or repeated contact may cause dryness and discomfort.
Environmental Hazards: Not expected to pose significant hazard under normal conditions.
Chemical Identity: 1,2-Hexanediol
Concentration: Typically >99%
Impurities: Trace amounts of related diols and water
Other Components: No significant hazardous non-active components present.
General Advice: Seek medical attention if symptoms develop or persist.
If Inhaled: Move to fresh air. Rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Contact emergency services if signs of respiratory irritation or distress occur.
If on Skin: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and water. Rinse thoroughly. Seek medical advice if irritation appears.
If in Eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, removing contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing until discomfort subsides.
If Ingested: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. Seek medical attention if large quantities were swallowed or if discomfort follows.
Symptoms and Effects: Redness, tearing, blurred vision, skin dryness, gastrointestinal discomfort possible with ingestion.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide.
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet can spread burning liquid.
Hazards from Combustion: May emit toxic fumes, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus. Use full protective gear.
Firefighting Instructions: Cool exposed containers with water. Move containers from fire area if safe.
Decomposition Products: Combustion releases oxides of carbon, potential low-level organics.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Wear gloves, goggles, and suitable protective clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, surface water, and soil.
Methods for Containment: Stop leak if safe to do so. Dike spillage using inert material (sand, earth).
Cleaning Procedure: Absorb with non-combustible material and place in suitable container. Flush area with water after cleanup.
Disposal: Refer to local regulations for chemical waste.
Handling: Use adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing vapors and contact with skin or eyes. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed in a dry, well-ventilated place. Store at ambient temperature, away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers.
Packaging Materials: Use original packaging or compatible chemical-resistant containers.
Incompatible Substances: Oxidizing agents, strong acids.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH limits for 1,2-Hexanediol.
Engineering Controls: Use with adequate general or local exhaust ventilation to minimize vapors or mist.
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene). Use safety goggles or shield for eye protection. Consider chemical apron for splash risk.
Respiratory Protection: Not typically needed under normal use. Use approved mask in case of insufficient ventilation.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and affected skin with water after handling. Remove contaminated clothing.
Appearance: Clear, colorless, viscous liquid
Odor: Mild, faintly sweet
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Approximately 6.0 – 8.0 (10% aqueous solution)
Melting Point: 23 – 26°C
Boiling Point: 224 – 227°C
Flash Point: 126°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Negligible
Vapor Pressure: < 0.01 hPa at 20°C
Vapor Density: Not available
Relative Density: 0.95 g/cm³ at 25°C
Solubility: Miscible with water and many organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.58
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 370°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: 47.7 mPa·s at 25°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.
Reactivity: Low under normal conditions.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: No known hazardous polymerization.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, reactive metals.
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, sources of ignition, uncontrolled mixing with incompatible materials.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, low-level organics upon thermal decomposition.
Acute Toxicity: Low acute oral toxicity. LD50 (oral, rat): >5000 mg/kg.
Skin Irritation: May cause mild irritation after prolonged or repeated contact.
Eye Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation.
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation of vapors or mists may cause irritation to respiratory tract.
Sensitization: Not classified as a skin sensitizer based on available data.
Chronic Toxicity: Not classified as carcinogen, mutagen, or reproductive toxin by major agencies.
Other Effects: No evidence for neurotoxicity or reproductive toxicity observed in standard animal studies.
Ecotoxicity: Not expected to have significant acute or chronic toxicity to aquatic life. EC50 (algae, 72hr): >100 mg/L.
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation, log Kow <1.
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to water solubility.
Other Adverse Effects: No known significant effects or critical hazards on ozone layer or other environmental compartments.
Product Waste: Dispose of unused material in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Do not release to surface water or drains.
Container Waste: Empty containers may retain product residue. Triple rinse and dispose according to hazardous waste statutes.
Recommended Methods: Incineration in approved facility or chemical degradation under controlled conditions.
RCRA Status: Not listed as a hazardous waste under RCRA.
UN Number: Not regulated for transport.
Proper Shipping Name: 1,2-Hexanediol or Hexanediol
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous goods under ADR, IATA, IMDG regulations.
Packing Group: Not applicable.
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant.
Special Precautions: No known transport warnings required for standard containers.
US Regulations: TSCA listed. Not regulated as a hazardous substance under CERCLA, SARA 313 or SARA 302.
EU Regulations: Listed on EINECS/ELINCS. Not classified as hazardous under EU CLP Regulation.
Canada: Not listed as a controlled product under WHMIS.
Japan/China/Australia: Listed on appropriate chemical inventories.
Restrictions: No known restrictions for consumer or professional use.
Other Information: Product safety and environmental impact data periodically reviewed by regulatory authorities. Manufacturers and users should stay informed on changing local requirements.
