Early chemists poured years into exploring long-chain diols. By the 1950s, the need for more robust, moisture-resistant polymers drove attention to the even-numbered aliphatic diols like 1,10-Decanediol. Synthetic efforts transformed basic discovery into industrial relevance. Decanediol’s story evolved from the lab bench to commercial adoption as chemical engineers and industrial researchers recognized its potential in surfactant, plasticizer, and specialty polymer production. The growth of plastic and coating industries through the late twentieth century cemented its role. Today, its production reflects advances in both petrochemical and, more recently, biotechnological manufacturing.
1,10-Decanediol stands as a versatile, long-chain aliphatic diol. It draws attention for its utility in modifying the flexibility, durability, and hydrophobicity of polymers. Its linear ten-carbon backbone, flanked by hydroxyl groups, enables chemical engineers and formulators to tweak and engineer a range of end-products. It routinely shows up in the production of polyesters, polyurethanes, lubricants, and fine chemicals. The compound appears as a white, waxy solid that’s easy to transport and store, with melting points and solubility that suit both large-scale industrial processing and small-batch specialty applications.
This molecule presents itself as a crystalline, white powder or solid at room temperature. A melting point around 61°C to 65°C and a boiling point surpassing 300°C signify remarkable thermal stability. Water solubility stays limited due to its long hydrocarbon chain, yet polar organic solvents like ethanol and acetone dissolve it easily enough for most lab and industrial purposes. Structurally, the molecule offers two terminal primary alcohol groups, opening doors for both simple and complex derivatization. Chemical stability under normal storage ensures shelf-life; only strong oxidizers or extremely high temperatures begin to challenge its resilience.
Manufacturers and suppliers provide DDO in industrial and laboratory grades, with purity often exceeding 98%. Product labeling centers around its CAS number (112-47-0), molecular formula (C10H22O2), and batch-specific quality indicators such as moisture content, acidity, and residue on ignition. Proper storage means sealed containers, away from sources of ignition. Regulations in the EU, US, and Asia set standards for workplace handling, including labeling for irritancy or environmental impact according to GHS (Globally Harmonized System). Quality control teams scrutinize every shipment, ensuring the product meets strict technical and legal benchmarks, minimizing the risk of contamination or off-grade batches.
Traditional manufacturing routes for 1,10-Decanediol involve hydrogenation of sebacic acid or its esters. Catalysts like Raney nickel or copper-chromite bridge the chemical gap between acids and alcohols. This method delivers high yields and can recycle by-products efficiently, which is vital for cost control and environmental stewardship. Recent years have seen a push towards biocatalytic and green processes, sometimes using engineered microorganisms to convert renewable feedstocks directly into diols. These innovations answer pressure from both consumers and regulators demanding more sustainable practices in the chemical industry.
With two reactive hydroxyl groups, DDO participates in an array of chemical transformations. It readily forms esters with carboxylic acids, serving as a key monomer for specialty polyesters and polyester polyols. Reaction with isocyanates yields flexible or rigid polyurethanes, depending on the formulation and co-monomers. The primary alcohol groups also invite selective oxidation, etherification, and even end-capping techniques to tailor volatility, flexibility, or compatibility. Its versatility gives chemists the tools to build molecules suited for coatings that last in extreme weather or plastics that remain pliant at sub-zero conditions.
DDO circulates in the chemical trade under regular synonyms like Decamethylene glycol, 1,10-Dihydroxydecane, or Decylene glycol. Marketing teams sometimes develop proprietary names for specialty grades, but most technicians and researchers recognize and specify it using its IUPAC name, trade name, or CAS number. This reduces confusion in global supply chains and technical documentation.
Handling 1,10-Decanediol rarely presents acute hazards, but protocol dictates gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to prevent skin or eye contact. In case of dust, proper ventilation lowers respiratory risk. Industry standards such as OSHA, REACH, and the GHS framework provide guidelines for exposure limits, safe disposal, and spill management. Emergency response planning must include resources for minor skin irritation or inhalation. Large warehouses use regular inspections and clear labeling to eliminate mix-ups with more dangerous chemicals.
Polyester and polyurethane production account for the bulk of DDO consumption. In polyesters, this diol can elongate chains, reduce crystallinity, and enhance flexibility, making foams softer and plastics less brittle. Urethane chemistry benefits from its length, which imparts resilience into elastomers for automotive, electronics, and sporting goods applications. Lubricant designers choose DDO for its natural lubricity and environmental stability. Cosmetic chemists sometimes incorporate it for its mildness and viscosity-modifying effects, especially in specialty creams or lotions. DDO even finds its way into plasticizers tailored for food contact or medical-grade films, because regulators set strict migration limits and DDO’s long chain structure resists leaching.
Research teams remain active in modifying DDO’s properties for next-generation materials. Work continues on copolymers that resist bacterial growth, utilize recycled plastics, or meet new performance marks in environmentally exposed settings. Sustainable feedstocks attract R&D investment as “green chemistry” brings customer attention and regulatory approval. Emerging science looks at surface modification, functionalization, and hybrid polymers that merge flexible mechanical behavior with chemical inertness. Collaboration between academia and industry focuses on life-cycle analysis and material recovery to support a circular economy.
Toxicologists list DDO as generally low-hazard. Oral and dermal toxicity tests with rodents show high LD50 values, indicating low acute toxicity. At the same time, responsible manufacturers and regulatory agencies update guidelines as new data emerges. Long-term exposure studies cover factors like skin sensitization and cumulative environmental effects. Fresh water organisms and soil microbes present concern in large accidental spills. But studies across the US, EU, and Japan rate DDO as a low-to-moderate hazard ingredient under most use scenarios. Gaps remain in data for unusual chronic exposures or high-temperature degradation products, and these gaps drive the need for ongoing vigilance.
Prospective demand for 1,10-Decanediol rests on its dual role in both legacy plastics and emerging green materials. As biorefineries scale up, renewable DDO could replace fossil-derived analogs without losing performance, giving manufacturers both marketing and cost advantages. With trends pointing toward specialty polyurethanes and biodegradable polyesters, DDO’s molecular characteristics serve evolving consumer taste. Its use as an ingredient in medical device coatings, electronic encapsulants, and high-performance composites pushes research to tweak its structure and application range. Regulatory tightening on chemical residues in consumer goods leaves DDO poised to shine where low toxicity and low migration mean safer products.
Walk through any place that leans on chemistry—cosmetics labs, plastics shops, or even some food tech facilities—and you'll probably see people reaching for 1,10-decanediol. The name sounds like something out of a chemistry textbook, but the reality behind it is a white, waxy powder that punches well above its weight.
If you check the ingredients on fancy creams, you’ll notice some unpronounceable stuff mixed in, and sometimes, 1,10-decanediol shows up. The big thing going for it in cosmetics is its moisture-boosting and skin-smoothing qualities. DDO offers a stable texture in lotions and serums. It’s also known to help products fend off microbial growth, so you don’t end up with a science experiment lurking in your moisturizer jar after a month of use.
Dermatologists sometimes mention ingredients like DDO as a gentle, less irritating option for people who wrestle with breakouts. Unlike alcohols that strip away oils and leave your skin feeling tight, this little diol molecule keeps ingredients blended, but doesn’t set off a dryness spiral. Several published studies back up DDO as a mild ingredient that helps formulas by fighting bad bacteria, especially the kind that cause acne. So, this small molecular tweak—adding long chains between the alcohol groups—can make a real-world difference for sensitive skin.
People making high-tech plastics or strong coatings consider DDO nearly indispensable. The molecule plays a key part in polyurethane manufacturing. Polyurethanes appear everywhere—think athletic shoes, foam furniture, insulation panels, and car parts. DDO slots in as a chain extender. This makes the final product tough but flexible, especially if you want something sturdy that won’t crack in the cold. Tests show adding the right chain extenders in the right balance leads to better mechanical strength and longer life for the product.
Companies that pour research money into next-generation bioplastics tend to look at diols like DDO because the hydroxyl groups help control the backbone structure of eco-friendlier plastics. These polymers can be custom-built for improved shelf life and recyclability, which matters a lot since single-use plastics fill up landfills far faster than anyone guessed fifty years ago.
Shampoos and conditioners have a tricky job—they need to mix oil-like ingredients with water, stay blob-free on the shelf, and rinse evenly. DDO steps in here, acting as both an emollient and a mild preservative. Chemists working in oral care or topical medications sometimes use it to stabilize active ingredients that tend to separate or degrade.
A lot of antibacterial wipes, gels, and even some wound care products list ingredients from the same chemical family. The reason? Research points to 1,10-decanediol showing a knack for fighting certain fungi and bacteria. Plus, it does this without causing irritation that harsher compounds might.
Industrial-grade lubricants need to work across a wide temperature range. If something gums up or evaporates too quickly, machines break down. DDO’s high boiling point and stable structure help it shine as a base for specialty lubricants, especially in automotive and high-performance machinery.
We still see DDO playing new roles in labs and factories. As industries adapt to stricter safety and environmental rules, this diol sticks around, quietly making products work better, feel better, and—when used properly—last longer. That’s something I can appreciate, having spent enough time trying to fix products that fell apart too soon.
1,10-Decanediol stands out as a straight-chained diol with two hydroxyl groups on both ends of a ten-carbon backbone. That layout gives it some flexibility and makes it act as a bridge in chemical reactions. In a lab, those terminal alcohol groups — the –OH at both tips — seem almost magnetic, drawing attention from anyone interested in polymer development, lubricants, or surfactants.
With a molecular formula of C10H22O2, 1,10-Decanediol doesn’t just sit in a bottle waiting for use. It brings smooth, waxy crystals to the table, melting around 63 to 67°C. Most folks who’ve worked with it notice the faint odor, which isn't unpleasant. The moderate melting point signals a substance that works well without complicated thermal management.
1,10-Decanediol shows a modest affinity for water. Most of its friends tend to be organic solvents, like ethanol and chloroform. It doesn’t dissolve in water the way shorter-chain diols do, which makes sense. As the carbon chain extends, water leaves the conversation, but oils and other organics lean in. For anyone mixing formulations for cosmetics, creams, or lubricants, this turns 1,10-Decanediol into an ingredient that integrates easily alongside emollients and oils.
The diol gives stability to emulsions and adds a soft, almost silky touch to topical products. In my experience with development projects, this chemical provides lasting moisture since it doesn’t evaporate quickly. That’s something formulators value when searching for alternatives to mineral oil or silicones.
You won’t find 1,10-Decanediol decomposing under normal conditions. It stays stable at room temperature and fends off mild acids and bases. This makes it useful in a wide range of industries, from personal care to plastics. Over the years, I’ve seen how its resistance to oxidation extends shelf life in end products. Oxidation can ruin a formula, especially in skincare — but this diol doesn’t give up easily.
People often spot the name 1,10-Decanediol in ingredient lists for creams, ointments, and shampoos. Its use shows up in corrosion inhibitors, due to the chemical’s long chain acting as a barrier against moisture. In polymer chemistry, it helps build flexible, resilient plastics. Factories making polyesters or polyurethanes rely on this diol to get the performance they need for coatings and adhesive layers. Even as a lubricant, its twin alcohol groups bring better viscosity and film strength, keeping machinery moving without damage.
Safety profiles show low toxicity and minimal irritation. For workers and consumers, that matters. Companies focus more on health and environmental factors these days. In line with regulatory standards, 1,10-Decanediol manages to fit the bill, especially for products that make regular skin contact.
Sourcing raw materials raises questions — sustainability, renewables, and waste all come into play. More chemical manufacturers have started exploring bio-based raw materials, aiming for a greener footprint. This is important in an industry facing increased scrutiny about environmental health. For customers looking for responsible supply chains, these shifts can build trust and open access to global markets. Regulations demand transparency, so producers and formulators need to show their work, track origins, and prevent contamination throughout the process.
Improvements in production processes and better recycling methods could cut down the environmental impact. Investments in these areas matter — not just for compliance but for those who use end products every day. Transforming how 1,10-Decanediol is made can leave a positive mark beyond chemistry labs and factories.
Anyone who's tried to make sense of long chemical names on a tube of lotion or a bottle of pills has seen something like 1,10-decanediol and wondered if it’s actually okay to put on their skin or swallow in a tablet. This compound keeps popping up in product ingredient lists, especially in creams, cleansing solutions, and even some capsules. The industry uses 1,10-decanediol for its moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. As someone who’s worked with formulators, I see why it’s so appealing: small amounts offer protection against unwanted microbes, and the ingredient sits well with sensitive skin types.
First thing to do before feeling comfortable with any ingredient is look at the science and how regulators weigh its risk and benefit. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) lists 1,10-decanediol as safe up to concentrations commonly used in cosmetics. In many of these products, the percentage sits well below 1%. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) does not flag major concerns for 1,10-decanediol. In studies aimed at skin irritation, allergy, or toxicity, the ingredient shows little chance of causing problems for most people. Most importantly, no links to cancer or hormone disruption show up in repeat studies.
Drawing from my own experience, I remember when we tried switching to a different, less-tested antimicrobial ingredient, and complaints about irritation and rashes jumped. Returning to tested, trustworthy 1,10-decanediol, especially for projects meant for people with eczema or frequent washing, calmed things down. For pharmaceutical uses, the ingredient typically plays a supporting role—helping pills hold together, or keeping unwanted bacteria from thriving.
Nothing’s completely risk-free, of course. People with highly reactive skin sometimes get a bit of redness when starting a new product, and a patch test always helps. It is rare to find 1,10-decanediol on allergen warning lists or in reported reaction databases. Product makers usually follow strict guidelines to avoid heavy-handed use and avoid harmful impurities.
One thing often lost in discussions about ingredient safety: many people experience adverse reactions due to contamination, improper storage or combining products. Ensuring reliable sourcing, tight quality checks, and honest labeling matter more than any single test result. From my own work, times when ingredients were swapped for cheaper substitutes or untested supply batches, customers felt the fallout first. Sticking with suppliers who track every lot and provide recent safety data pays off in the long run.
No one likes reading ingredient names that don’t make sense. Companies can do better by offering clear information on their labels and online, translating chemical jargon into plain language. Providing QR codes that link straight to safety testing results and clear guidance for people with allergies or sensitivities strengthens trust.
For anyone making or using products with 1,10-decanediol, transparency and continued research stay key. Regular review of new studies, staying updated with global regulations, and welcoming customer feedback—those steps set a solid foundation for safer, better products. That’s what protects everyone, including those of us with the most sensitive skin in the crowd.
1,10-Decanediol finds a place in everything from cosmetics to plastics. People trust its ability to add stability and safety to familiar products. Its low toxicity reassures users, but taking the right steps with storage and handling keeps both people and materials secure. Neglect brings risk — a lesson that never goes out of style.
Keep 1,10-Decanediol dry. Moisture causes clumping or even a partial breakdown of the material. Any water getting into the drum or bag shortens shelf life and can spoil batches. A cool storage area, with temperatures below 30°C (86°F), slows down unwanted chemical changes. Direct sunlight kicks off reactions that don’t belong in any formulation room — steady darkness or shade works far better. I’ve stored chemicals in old, sunlit sheds before; yellowing and strong smells taught me to avoid that mistake again.
Cleanliness has always paid off. Dust, debris or leftover product from past projects contaminate fresh stock, even in modest quantities. Dedicated containers with clear labels, tightly closed after every use, stop unexpected blends. Metal, high-density polyethylene or glass containers work best. I always avoid thin plastic; it lets in air and moisture, and sometimes breaks down in ways that aren’t obvious at first.
Stock management matters. Rotate containers — use older supplies before tapping into the new barrels. If the container shows any swelling or leaks, move it outside the workspace and plan for proper disposal. In life and in chemical storage, damaged goods become trouble magnets.
Getting hands-on with 1,10-Decanediol doesn’t call for discomfort, just attention. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and goggles. Even with a low hazard profile, splashes can irritate skin and eyes. I’ve seen team members ignore gloves, only to complain of mild burning later on. Washing up promptly with soap and water prevents lingering effects.
Work in an area with decent ventilation. Heating the chemical during a process may give off faint vapors — no one wants to breathe that for long. Fume hoods or exhaust fans prove their worth on busy batching days. My own mistake, once, involved pouring near an open flame. Lesson learned: 1,10-Decanediol has a flash point around 204°C (399°F), so high heat from sparks or open flames brings hazards.
Spills happen. Wipe them up with absorbent material and toss the waste in a suitable disposal drum marked for chemicals. Regular household bins or drains create headaches for the local water supply and break municipal codes. Good records on spills and disposal keep everyone on the right side of safety audits.
People feel invested in safety when leadership puts learning upfront. Train staff on clean-up, labeling and personal protection. Regular audits reveal gaps long before a problem grows. Share updates about 1,10-Decanediol’s handling within any team that opens a drum or stirs a batch. Technology changes, as do best practices. Sometimes, even a better pair of gloves or an improved seal on storage drums helps everyone sleep easier.
Safety with chemicals grows from real-world habits backed by research. Trust builds among staff when steps make sense and show real care for people’s well-being. Following these points for 1,10-Decanediol, risks shrink and everybody gains — on the factory floor and in the products that reach consumers’ homes.
In the world of specialty chemicals, a compound like 1,10-Decanediol doesn’t get much attention unless you’re deep in polymers, cosmetics, or specific surfactant formulations. It’s a white waxy solid, valued in fields where stability and performance depend heavily on the starting ingredients. From my lab days, nothing derails a formulation faster than off-spec material. That’s why buyers keep a tight eye on purity grades and always check the small print in the Certificate of Analysis before signing off.
For 1,10-Decanediol, most reputable suppliers offer a minimum purity of 98%. Anything less tends to invite trouble—whether it’s unpredictable side reactions in polymer synthesis or product recalls in skincare because of unwanted by-products. In technical grade, you see a slightly wider margin, but for cosmetic or pharmaceutical applications, the “≥99%” grade is the only one taken seriously. Lower purity could bring in color, odor, or instability to the finished product, which hurts trust and brand quality—something small businesses especially can’t afford.
The question of packaging looks minor, yet it shapes how you handle, store, and ship every bag or drum. Most suppliers follow a pattern. For lab work, small 25-gram to 100-gram samples often come in glass jars or HDPE bottles. You hardly see mistakes here; these are for trial batches and easy measurement, nothing more.
The scale jumps quickly once commercial buyers step in. Poly-lined fiber drums and heavy-duty plastic pails are standard for bulk users. Typical sizes land at 25 kg and 50 kg, and the price per kilogram drops with higher volumes. Having handled these drums, I know how much this reduces waste—a torn bag spills easily, but a sealed drum offers better control. If you’re really pushing the volumes, 200 kg steel drums show up, especially for export. Most production managers would agree: mishandling a 200 kg drum in a tight warehouse isn't fun—forklift-tested packaging isn't just a checkbox item, it’s a stress reliever for crews moving material every day.
Improper packaging means moisture ingress or unintended contamination. In humid regions, 1,10-Decanediol can clump. I remember one incident where a loose-sealed drum resulted in a slow-moving lump of unusable product. It cost more in downtime than the price of the diol itself. Reliable packaging with thick liners, clear batch labels, and tamper-evident seals reduces these setbacks. Batch recalls become easier too, since every drum carries clear identification.
Larger buyers often work out custom packaging solutions—1000 kg totes for big users, though this only works with steady, high-volume consumption. Smaller labs often appreciate drop shipment of pre-weighed sample jars, which saves time and minimizes risk during experimental phases.
Supply integrity depends on both testing standards and a robust delivery chain. Verified purity—tested by GC or HPLC—reduces downstream risk, especially with sensitive processes like polyester fiber synthesis or medical creams. Documentation matters; a missing safety data sheet or uncertainty over transport labeling can halt a shipment at customs. Major suppliers in the US and Europe keep up with REACH, FDA, and local regulatory paperwork. This kind of diligence protects both the buyer and end user.
Relying on suppliers with experience in your specific application helps. They’re more likely to provide exactly what you need, in the size you want, backed by test results. Sticking to brands with reliable customer support may cost a little more up front but prevents a lot of headaches down the road. For those buying at scale, routine third-party analysis and negotiating packaging upgrades can pay off, especially where humidity or transport is a concern.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | decan-1,10-diol |
| Other names |
1,10-Dihydroxydecane
Decamethylene glycol Decylene glycol |
| Pronunciation | /ˈwʌnˌtɛnˌdɛˈkeɪ.nəˌdaɪ.ɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 112-47-0 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3719240 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:35563 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL428576 |
| ChemSpider | 11717 |
| DrugBank | DB14095 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b7a6a4-71a8-44c4-9b93-497b4a669903 |
| EC Number | 212-199-9 |
| Gmelin Reference | 60458 |
| KEGG | C06547 |
| MeSH | D003371 |
| PubChem CID | 82141 |
| RTECS number | JR2975000 |
| UNII | U9NY7J1W82 |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C10H22O2 |
| Molar mass | 174.30 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.879 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble in water |
| log P | 2.79 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.000122 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 14.33 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 13.39 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -69.4·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.454 |
| Viscosity | 60.50 cP (25℃) |
| Dipole moment | 2.52 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | “360.7 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹” |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -294.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6095.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D01AE23 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, Warning, H315, H319, H335 |
| Pictograms | GHS07,GHS08 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P270, P271, P273, P301+P312, P304+P340, P312, P403+P233, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1,1,0,0 |
| Flash point | > 163°C |
| Autoignition temperature | > 320 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD₅₀ (oral, rat): > 5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): > 2000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | GY5950000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for 1,10-Decanediol (DDO) is not established. |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
1,8-Octanediol
1,12-Dodecanediol 1,6-Hexanediol 1,4-Butanediol 1,10-Decanedione |
