Since its introduction to the synthetic toolkit, 1,9-Nonanediol has taken on roles beyond what early chemists imagined. Decades ago, research groups in Europe and Japan dove into straight-chain diols, seeking to improve nylon and polyester production. Their work on catalytic hydrogenation and Kolbe electrolysis paved the way to produce 1,9-Nonanediol in practical amounts. Industrial demand came later, as new uses emerged for materials with long alkyl chains and multiple hydroxyl groups. As supply chains grew smarter and green chemistry entered the picture, production methods moved from lab scale to pilot plants and then to commercial facilities. I remember a 1990s research article comparing older oxidative cleavage routes with selective hydrogenation techniques. That shift lowered costs and raised yields, pushing 1,9-Nonanediol out of the lab journals and into patent applications from companies wanting better adhesives, coatings, and specialty polymers.
1,9-Nonanediol is a colorless, crystalline solid with a mild, almost chameleon-like sweet odor. The molecule’s nine-carbon backbone carries a primary alcohol group at each end, opening up a range of possibilities for reaction and modification. By offering flexibility in chain length and placement of functional groups, this diol bridges gaps between short and very long diols. That earns it a spot as a useful intermediate where flexibility and durability matter. In real markets, it’s never just about the molecule; purity, price, and supply reliability always impact who uses it, and how.
1,9-Nonanediol melts at about 54–56°C and boils at 305–307°C under atmospheric pressure, with a density just under 1 g/cm³ at room temperature. Its solubility leans toward alcohols and acetone, rather than water. The two terminal hydroxyl groups are primary, so they show higher reactivity compared to their secondary cousins. On the bench, chemists notice how this diol handles moisture and resists decomposition under standard storage conditions. Hydrogen bonding shows up strongly, impacting its melting point and viscosity. Its carbon backbone, nine atoms long, often strikes a friendly balance between flexibility and rigidity, a feature technical teams discuss when picking ingredients for demanding polymer mixes.
Producers tend to specify 1,9-Nonanediol with at least 98% purity, sometimes driving up to 99.5% for pharma or high-end electronic polymers. Key specs include water content, ash value, and content of related diols or residual solvents. Labeling must meet hazard communication laws from the EU, US, and Asia. SDS documentation covers handling, toxicity, and fire-fighting measures, reflecting regulations for diols and dangerous substances. A lot number and batch-specific certificate of analysis track every kilogram shipped. These details matter more than most outsiders guess—one off-spec drum can shut down a batch or cause warranty chaos months later.
Most commercial producers rely on hydrogenation of dicarboxylic acids or dialdehydes. For 1,9-Nonanediol, azelaic acid (nonanedioic acid) stands out as the key feedstock. Applying high-pressure hydrogen in the presence of nickel or copper chromite catalysts, processors convert carboxyls to alcohols. Some labs use alternative routes like hydroformylation of 1-octene, followed by reduction. I’ve worked with both methods; scale-up always adds wrinkles, especially when catalyst separation or by-product control comes into play. Sustainability-minded groups eye bio-based azelaic acid as the future, turning to plant oils for renewable sourcing.
Those two terminal alcohol groups make 1,9-Nonanediol a springboard for chemical creativity. Esterification pops up in nearly every lab notebook—making polyesters or plasticizers, tuning softness and flexibility. Etherification leads to ethers with novel properties, usable in lubricants and surfactants. Oxidation transforms the molecule into nonanedioic acid, a reaction handy in polymer and specialty surfactant synthesis. Polymer chemists leverage the long chain for polyurethanes, adapting chain length and end-group functionality as needed. Cross-linking and surface modification also benefit from this diol, especially in advanced materials needing durability and weather resistance.
Trade shows and catalogs throw around names like Nonane-1,9-diol and 1,9-Dihydroxynonane. Chemical suppliers in Europe often label the jars “Nonanediol 1,9” or “NDO.” US distributors use “1,9-Nonanediol.” Patents and R&D projects sometimes use temporary codes or blend names, which can lead to confusion until specs and CAS numbers clear things up. Regardless of label, producers race to lock down quality and traceability, since one name can cover a dozen minor grades, each suiting a different application or industry.
Long-chain diols like 1,9-Nonanediol carry lower health risks compared to volatile or aromatic solvents, but safety teams never skip over hazard assessments. The chemical itself causes mild skin and eye irritation, so standard PPE—gloves, goggles, lab coats—comes into play for both lab techs and plant operators. Ventilation requirements are light, though dust or vapor generation remains a concern during bulk handling. Fire risks are low, but emergency procedures treat leaks and spills seriously, as with any organic chemical. Waste handling follows regional hazardous waste rules, and producers train workers on safe disposal and emergency response.
Specialty polyesters and polyurethanes lead the way for 1,9-Nonanediol demand, especially in adhesives, coatings, and elastomer blends. In automotive and flooring, the resulting polymers push durability, toughness, and flexibility. Cosmetic formulators sometimes use the diol for its emollient properties, though these uses make up a smaller slice of the market. Some biomed research circles dabble with nonanediol as an intermediate for prodrugs or polymeric carriers, banking on its biocompatibility and manageable toxicity. Emerging uses show up every couple of years; high-performance lubrication oils and surface modifiers draw special attention as environmental rules get tighter.
Academic labs and industrial R&D centers keep tinkering with both the molecule and the production process. Recent years brought push for greener synthesis, with biocatalytic routes and renewable feedstocks taking center stage. Researchers map out new polymer architectures based on 1,9-Nonanediol, aiming for materials that outperform existing options in heat resistance or biodegradability. I watched one group integrate NDO-derived polyesters into flexible OLED substrates, bumping up device lifetime. In surface science, the long chain gets attention for tuning hydrophobicity and abrasion resistance, and clever teams link it to other functional molecules for stimuli-responsive surfaces. These experiments often turn up surprises, and the lessons spill across fields from electronics to medical device coatings.
Compared to shorter glycols or volatile diols, 1,9-Nonanediol ranks as low toxicity in acute and chronic studies. Animal models tested high oral and dermal doses, looking for organ damage and systemic effects, and results came back showing only minimal irritation. A few long-term inhalation studies noted mild respiratory impacts, mainly from dust rather than vapor. Regulatory watchdogs continue monitoring for subtle chronic or reproductive effects, though no significant red flags have emerged. This lower toxicity profile gives formulators breathing room, but responsible handling stays non-negotiable, especially when coating toys, food-contact plastics, or personal-care goods. Strong toxicity data also helps open doors for R&D; regulatory confidence feeds product launches downstream.
Advances in renewable chemistry and biorefineries will likely shape the 1,9-Nonanediol market over the next decade. Companies look for feedstocks beyond crude oil, searching for plant-derived azelaic acid and greener hydrogen sources. Process engineers hunt for new catalysts that boost yield and reduce waste, cutting both costs and environmental impact. Downstream, NDO’s flexibility suits sustainable polymers, advanced textiles, and medtech devices, letting formulators dial in properties for both high-performance and eco-friendly products. Though it isn’t a household name, 1,9-Nonanediol stays woven into the search for better, cleaner materials—showing that sometimes, a simple molecule can have broad and lasting impact.
Some ingredients live quietly in the background, out of public view but central to how things work. 1,9-Nonanediol, or NDO, is one of those. Used by chemists and industrial manufacturers, it shapes products people use every day, but you’ll rarely see it called out on a label. NDO carries two alcohol groups on a nine-carbon backbone, and that structure means it behaves as a sort of bridge in chemical reactions, making it useful in a range of settings.
I’ve observed how engineers and product developers count on consistent building blocks to engineer plastics and fibers that avoid cracking, bending, or breaking. In this sphere, NDO acts as an essential monomer for various polyesters and polyurethanes. Companies use it to give flexibility and toughness to specialty materials. When looking for alternatives to fossil-fuel-based compounds, chemists sometimes prefer NDO, especially since its molecular layout creates certain strengths you just can’t fake with substitutes.
One standout application: specialty coatings and adhesives. Because NDO forms reliable linkages, products get improved chemical resistance and weather durability. Imagine a waterproof jacket that lasts years longer or a floor finish that shrugs off stains and scrapes. Behind that performance, NDO quietly does its job as part of the recipe.
It’s easy to overlook what holds together lotion, creams, or deodorants. Those products demand stabilizers and emollients that work for skin and shelf life, and NDO steps in here, too. Its dual alcohol structure makes it a mild, skin-friendly option as part of the chemistry that keeps personal care products feeling smooth and stable over time. Some major cosmetic producers, always working to stay ahead of regulation or consumer preference shifts, look at NDO because it raises fewer problems about irritation or long-term buildup compared to some alternatives.
NDO finds its way into scents as well. Certain high-end fragrance houses use it to adjust how a scent unfolds or lingers, tweaking evaporation rates so you get the desired perfume experience all day long.
Electronics, construction, and automotive materials are always pushing for lighter, stronger, and more temperature-resistant parts. I’ve seen a push to use NDO as a component in high-performance resins. Its reliable structure ensures electronic components resist cracking during heats and cools, banking on that durability to protect delicate hardware.
Manufacturers creating specialty inks, dyes, or even plasticizers use NDO for control over flexibility and resilience without relying only on traditional petrochemicals. Working in labs making prototypes or scaling up new formulas, chemists count on the purity and proven performance that NDO brings.
As environmental rules tighten, demand grows for safer, more sustainable building blocks in every chemical process, whether for packaging, medical devices, or consumer goods. Producers searching for “cleaner” supply chains often look to diols like NDO that don’t trigger the same concerns as phthalates or some glycols. Investments in bio-based production of 1,9-Nonanediol keep rising. I’ve noticed companies racing to scale up fermentation or plant-based synthesis routes, showing that greener chemistry can still deliver results demanded by industry.
NDO may not get name recognition with the public, but its impact shows up in products that last longer, work better, and create fewer worries for safety experts and end-users alike.
Chemistry is full of complicated names, but some, like 1,9-Nonanediol, sound more intimidating than they really are. Strip the name down, and you’ll see a straightforward carbon chain with a couple of alcohol groups stationed at the ends. The formula is C9H20O2. If you picture the structure, imagine nine carbons in a row, with an -OH (hydroxyl) group perched on each end. Each carbon in the middle is flanked by hydrogens, keeping it neutral and giving the compound its stable character.
Back in my university days, the moment someone pointed out how the structure of a molecule determines its behavior, something clicked. 1,9-Nonanediol’s set-up is no exception. The spread of the nine carbons gives it a flexible chain, and the alcohol groups at both tips open up a lot of chemistry for manufacturers. Unlike diols with their groups closer together, the length here makes it less sticky and more likely to behave a bit like an oil.
Those long chains mean a lot in practice. Polymers and specialty plastics benefit from diols like this because their lengths can affect things like flexibility, melting point, and even moisture absorption. Polyesters and polyurethanes count on diols to act as connectors or “spacers” between other monomers. The longer the chain, the softer the resulting plastic can turn out. This isn’t just theory — big-name companies in automotive and electronics use these properties to craft materials that won’t crack in the cold or warp in summer heat.
I saw first-hand during a visit to a chemical plant how diols are made. Controlled hydrogenation plays a role, with careful stepwise reactions turning other organic acids or esters into diols. 1,9-Nonanediol rarely comes from fatty acids directly, unlike some shorter chain cousins, but similar logic applies. Once produced, it’s colorless and waxy, melting just above room temperature — a noticeably slippery texture that hints at its use in lubricants and specialty cosmetic products.
Take cosmetics for instance. Products make use of long-chain diols for their smoothing properties. The two hydroxyl groups lend some mild antimicrobial properties too, giving personal care items a little extra shelf life. And that same flexibility and oil-like feel let it blend seamlessly in skin creams or ointments.
Not every use is perfect. Its relatively low water solubility can frustrate chemists looking to dissolve it into aqueous products. Solvents like alcohol or gentle heating do the trick, but finding greener production pathways looms as a bigger challenge. Petrochemical-based routes are common, but there’s a push toward sourcing from renewable feedstocks such as bio-based alkanes or plant oils. Success here means better sustainability and less reliance on fossil fuels.
Recycling is another issue. 1,9-Nonanediol-based plastics can be trickier to break down than more basic materials. Encouraging development of new catalysts or smarter recycling systems will ease the environmental load as chemical engineers tinker with alternatives.
Any ingredient or building block in chemistry carries both promise and pitfalls, and knowing the structure of 1,9-Nonanediol shines a light on its strengths and the challenges that come with moving toward a more sustainable future.
Many manufacturers know 1,9-Nonanediol as a versatile chemical used in the production of resins, coatings, and plastics. It appears as a white solid, often sold in flake or powder form. Most folks in labs or industrial settings have handled something similar before, so those used to basic chemicals usually spot its no-frills, waxy look right away. Still, the way it looks or feels doesn’t always tell the whole story about safe handling.
Working in labs and with chemicals didn’t go perfectly rosy for everyone, including me. Early days in the industrial coatings sector taught me that complacency causes more accidents than “dangerous” chemicals ever do. Inexperienced team members often underestimate substances that don’t give off strong smells or fumes. 1,9-Nonanediol fits that bill. It’s not volatile and doesn’t have the notoriety of some highly toxic compounds, but that lack of drama often leads to shortcuts and missing PPE.
Studies point out some risks that aren’t always obvious. Prolonged skin exposure can cause irritation. Getting it in your eyes feels uncomfortable at best, damaging at worst. Inhaling dust can trigger respiratory discomfort. The European Chemicals Agency lists the compound under irritants, which means authorities see patterns in workplace incidents that trace back to neglecting basics like gloves and goggles.
Lots of safety manuals give a one-size-fits-all approach, but what stands out in practice is the value of real routines. Make sure gloves cover the wrists—thin nitrile pairs work well and give enough dexterity to handle solid chunks or flakes. For those in larger-scale operations, dust quickly becomes the larger concern. Open containers slowly. Pouring or mixing in enclosed spaces without a dust mask invites problems, especially in rooms without good airflow.
I’ve watched colleagues shrug off accidental spills, only to see red skin blotches show up by the break before lunch. Immediate washing with water keeps things from getting worse. Keeping a safety shower or eye-wash station nearby helps remove chemicals fast if they splash onto skin or into eyes. It’s tempting to ignore these steps since 1,9-Nonanediol doesn’t cause much fuss at first, but the only regret you ever have around safety is not doing enough, early enough.
Thorough labeling prevents the old “grab the wrong jar” mistake, especially in group settings. Workers storing the chemical in dry, sealed containers keep it stable and safe. Moist places or open air increase the odds of clumping or contamination; nobody enjoys cleaning up an unexpected gooey mess half a shift later.
Routine health checks make sense for anyone dealing with chemicals day in and day out. Even low-toxicity substances like 1,9-Nonanediol can pile up effects over months. Workplaces that set up regular skin and respiratory checks pick up early signs of irritation or allergies, keeping problems in check.
Safety depends less on memorized labels and more on good habits. Mats for trapping dust near work areas, lockable storage whenever not in use, and easy access to personal protective equipment keep workplaces running smoothly. Supervisors should lead by example, putting on gloves and masks rather than only telling others. Over the years I learned that a shop environment full of “small” good habits has fewer accidents, healthier staff, and no lost batches from careless handling.
Every routine task with 1,9-Nonanediol deserves care and attention. Experience shows that small slips add up, but small improvements protect everyone and keep business running as planned.
Working with chemicals at the lab bench taught me fast that even simple molecules can cause huge headaches if you get storage wrong. Take 1,9-nonanediol, for example. This compound appears straightforward—a waxy, almost white solid with a faint odor—but it’s always the quiet ones that surprise you. I’ve seen pricey shipments ruined after a few months just because someone stored them next to a sunny window. Heat, light, and open air turn a solid investment into a sticky mess.
For anyone dealing with 1,9-nonanediol, temperature matters most. This solid melts low—right around typical indoor temps. Storage in a cool, dark spot gives the longest shelf life, usually up to two years if the original drum or bottle remains sealed and untouched by humidity. Temperature swings speed up degradation, leading the compound to oxidize or absorb water from the air. Once moisture seeps in, purity drops fast, and that’s especially painful in research or batch manufacturing.
Every bottle of 1,9-nonanediol should come with a tightly closed cap. In practice, I’ve watched lab techs grab a scoop, leave the lid off, and walk away. This is how moisture turns a powdery solid into a clump. For anyone in a busy work setting, discipline around closing containers might sound boring, but it pays off in the long run.
Desiccators—those simple, silica-filled boxes—are worth every dollar for storing solids like this. They suck up stray humidity, and it’s what several manufacturers recommend. At scale or in manufacturing, nitrogen or another dry inert gas can help fill the headspace in storage drums, keeping oxidation at bay.
Manufacturers put a one-to-two-year limit on 1,9-nonanediol for a reason. After two years, some molecules oxidize or break down, especially if storage conditions slip below ideal. The stuff may still work in rough processes, but for anything sensitive—from pharmaceutical synthesis to fragrances—quality checks start failing. Companies often run quality control tests on older stock, like melting point checks or simple GC analysis, and I’ve watched plenty get flagged for off-spec results. It’s not just wasted money—it’s hours of troubleshooting process issues.
Keeping chemicals safe and stable sounds easy, but lots of businesses lose product to poor storage every year. Chemistry isn’t forgiving. If a supplier cuts corners and lets 1,9-nonanediol melt or pull in too much water, the next person in line deals with ruined batches, failed syntheses, or even safety hazards. The cost of proper containers and basic environmental controls pays for itself every time.
Regulations exist for a reason, but personal experience shows that building storage routines and training staff gets better results than rules alone. Years of working with sensitive reagents taught me that vigilance and respect for the material keep both people and budgets safe. For anyone handling 1,9-nonanediol, treat it like the valuable commodity it is: dry and cool, protected from light, lids screwed on tight, and don’t trust a shelf life printed on a drum unless you know the story of that container.
1,9-Nonanediol probably doesn’t end up on dinner tables, but it plays a quiet, behind-the-scenes role in many everyday materials. This chemical pops up in places like cosmetics, coatings, and even special polymers. As someone interested in the way materials shape our world, I always notice how details like a compound’s feel or the way it behaves with water change how industries work.
Open up a jar of 1,9-Nonanediol and you see a fluffy white solid. Its waxy, crystalline texture and lack of strong odor mean it’s easy on the senses. No need to worry about dusty clouds or strange fumes. In my experience, these kinds of tactile features matter. You know how tough it is to handle sticky, smelly, or oddly colored starting materials in a lab or a plant setup. A clean, waxy pellet slides into a beaker with less mess, which reduces cleanup and means fewer headaches later on.
Tests show 1,9-Nonanediol starts to melt right around 54 to 58°C. This range is not too hot and not too cold. In practical terms, you can heat it with a water bath or a simple hot plate, making the switch from solid to liquid easy. I’ve seen plants waste hours and money trying to melt goods with higher melting points—setting up oil baths, worrying about burned product, and more. Some companies pick 1,9-Nonanediol for its convenience as much as for its chemistry.
That moderate melting point brings another benefit. In personal care and pharma applications, gentle processing protects delicate active ingredients. This chemical goes from solid to liquid smoothly, without breaking down or giving off odd smells. Blending it into creams or specialty plastics doesn’t require extreme measures.
Testing has proven that 1,9-Nonanediol hardly dissolves in cold water. Stirring a spoonful into a glass does little. In my lab, even overnight stirring left behind a gritty residue. This low solubility in water has two sides. On the one hand, it works well for adding long-lasting texture to cosmetic sticks or fine-tuning slow-release in pharmaceuticals. On the other, if you need easy cleanup or quick mixing, you bump into limits.
This chemical opens up once you reach for warm alcohols, glycols, or certain organic solvents. So, in many formulations, engineers dissolve it first in something like ethanol or propylene glycol, then blend it in. Those who’ve tried to push nonanediol directly into cold-water-based gels quickly learn why process tweaks matter. This hands-on trial and error shapes better recipes—something you only pick up after splashing around in the lab a while.
Working with 1,9-Nonanediol shows how small details—the way a material melts or how it feels in the hand—leave ripples across production floors and finished products. For a company looking for reliable, easily handled building blocks, solid white nonanediol lets technicians dose precise amounts and avoid messy spills. Its manageable melting point saves energy and time in blending operations.
Chemistry always comes back to handling and results, not just theory. Picking the right compound based on sensible, practical properties can turn a headache into a win, from cosmetics to advanced materials. Product designers and formulators lean on these insights every day, even if consumers never see them at work.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | nonane-1,9-diol |
| Other names |
Nona-1,9-diol
1,9-Dihydroxynonane Nonamethylene glycol |
| Pronunciation | /ˈnoʊ.næn.daɪ.ɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 3937-56-2 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1721208 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:16652 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL41511 |
| ChemSpider | 16070 |
| DrugBank | DB08755 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03e3a1ab-70ef-4f16-adb9-111f8d1be5ca |
| EC Number | 203-911-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 77990 |
| KEGG | C06168 |
| MeSH | D000312 |
| PubChem CID | 80779 |
| RTECS number | RN1590000 |
| UNII | Q39AXK33MG |
| UN number | NA8614 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | `DTXSID2060794` |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C9H20O2 |
| Molar mass | 160.27 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.921 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 2.38 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.000065 hPa (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 14.52 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 14.83 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -78.3·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.451 |
| Viscosity | 110.6 cP (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 4.08 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 234.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -430.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -5696.8 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319 |
| Precautionary statements | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1,2,0 |
| Flash point | 144°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 225 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (Oral, Rat): > 16,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of 1,9-Nonanediol (NDO): "LD50 (oral, rat) > 2000 mg/kg |
| PEL (Permissible) | No PEL established. |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
1,6-Hexanediol
1,8-Octanediol 1,10-Decanediol 1,5-Pentanediol 1,4-Butanediol |
