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Hexylene Glycol

Hexylene glycol is widely used in the paint & coating industry as a component for lacquers, varnishes, printing inks and paints. It is also used in pesticide formulation, and as a component in cosmetics for fragrances, bath, hair, and soap preparations.

Synonyms
2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol I 1,1,3-Trimethyltrimethylenediol
Chemical Formula
C6H14O2
CAS Number
107-41-5

Characteristics

Molar Weight
118.176g/mol
Melting Point
-40 °C
Boiling Point
196 °C
Flash Point
93 °C
Density
0.925
Forms
Liquid (clear)

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Flame retardant
  • Agricultural
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Personal care
  • Cosmetic products

General information about Hexylene glycol

Hexylene glycol is also known as 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol. It is a chemical compound from the diol group. Hexylene glycol is produced exclusively on an industrial scale and is used primarily in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries as well as in various sectors such as the paint and coatings industry as a humectant, solvent and preservative.

Properties of hexylene glycol

Hexylene glycol is a colourless liquid with a sweetish odour. It is miscible with water as well as with ethanol, ether, fatty acids and lower aliphatic hydrocarbons. The compound occurs in two isomeric forms. The vapours of hexylene glycol can form an explosive mixture with air.
Hexylene glycol is produced industrially using multi-stage chemical synthesis processes. One common process is the hydrogenation of epoxides. The process is cost-effective and efficient, enabling production in large quantities. The starting material for the production of hexylene glycol is often 1-hexene or 1,2-epoxyhexane. Both substances are obtained from petrochemical sources such as crude oil.

Hexylene glycol in the cosmetics industry

The cosmetics industry uses hexylene glycol in a variety of products due to its moisturising, solubilising and preservative properties. As a humectant, hexylene glycol hydrates the skin in moisturising creams, lotions and serums and the hair in shampoos and conditioners. It also serves as a solvent for fragrances and colourants. Hexylene glycol improves the stability of the formulation and ensures an even distribution of the ingredients.
Hexylene glycol also influences the viscosity and texture of cosmetic formulations, making it easier to apply products such as creams, lotions, make-up and foundations.

Cans of paint

Hexylene glycol in the paint and coatings industry

Hexylene glycol is used in the paint and coatings industry as a solvent, viscosity regulator and film former. Hexylene glycol plays a particularly important role in high-end water-based systems.
As a solvent, it ensures uniform colour mixtures and a longer drying time; in water-based paints, hexylene glycol acts as a thickening agent for uniform and controlled application.
Due to ist low evaporation rate and moisture-regulating properties, hexylene glycol also promotes uniform film formation and contributes to a smooth, even surface.

Hexylene glycol in the construction industry

In the construction industry, hexylene glycol is mainly used as an additive in construction chemicals and building materials, particularly in coatings, adhesives, sealants and additives for concrete mixes and mortars. It serves as a solvent, humectant and stabilising agent and thus contributes to improving the durability, strength and weather resistance of building materials.

Furthermore, hexylene glycol in certain formulations acts as a moisture barrier, reducing the penetration of water into building materials and thus the risk of mould growth.
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Hexylene glycol in the energy industry

Hexylene glycol is used as a solvent in the energy industry. It is also used as a component of coolants in heat exchangers - its good thermal conductivity and low viscosity make hexylene glycol a suitable medium for heat transfer, for example in power stations.
Hexylene glycol is used as an antifreeze in cooling systems. It is often part of the hydraulic fluid in hydraulic systems to improve viscosity and enable operation at different temperatures. Its use in hydraulic systems is important in power generation, particularly in wind turbines.
In the oil and gas industry, hexylene glycol acts as a carrier substance for chemical additives required in the production and processing of crude oil.
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Hexylene glycol in the polymer and rubber industry

Hexylene glycol is used as a plasticiser in polymer formulations to increase the flexibility and processability of plastics.
It is also used as a solvent and wetting agent and as an additive that optimises the elasticity, toughness, thermal stability and ageing resistance of the end products.
In certain polymerisation processes, hexylene glycol is used as a carrier substance for catalysts. It also acts as a stabiliser in polymer formulations, improving the thermal and chemical stability of polymers.
Hexylene glycol is also used in the rubber and caoutchouc industry as a plasticiser, solvent and additive for polymer formulations, which increases the temperature and UV resistance as well as the durability of the end product.

Other areas of application for hexylene glycol

In the cleaning industry, hexylene glycol is used in a variety of cleaning agents for industrial and private use due to its dissolving, emulsifying and moisturising properties.
In the pharmaceutical industry, hexylene glycol is used as a solvent, penetration enhancer, stabiliser, preservative and humectant in various pharmaceutical formulations due to its versatile properties.
In agriculture, hexylene glycol is used in crop protection and pest control products. It acts as a solvent in pesticides and herbicides. Hexylene glycol also acts as a penetration enhancer and thus ensures effective absorption of the active ingredients. It also serves as an evaporation inhibitor and stabiliser.
Hexylene glycol is also used as a solvent for various chemical reagents required in water treatment. In certain processes, hexylene glycol serves as a wetting agent that reduces the surface tension of the water and thus increases the efficiency of filtration and precipitation processes. Hexylene glycol is also used as a stabiliser in water treatment products and as a defoamer.
The substance is also used as a base fluid in lubricants, which improves the viscosity and thermal stability as well as the adhesion properties of the products. It is also used as an anti-corrosion agent. Hexylene glycol can be used as a coolant in high-performance applications, such as in metalworking or in machines that generate high temperatures.