1,10-Decanediol, a chemical often shortened to DDO, finds its name on lists of reliable raw materials in chemical manufacturing, cosmetics, and plastics. With the molecular formula C10H22O2 and a molecular weight around 174.28 g/mol, this substance falls among the medium-length diols, offering two hydroxyl groups on a 10-carbon straight chain. People encounter DDO in a range of forms—small white flakes, a fine crystalline powder, waxy solids, and less commonly, as pearls or a clear viscous liquid depending on temperature and purity. It melts near 74–78°C, showing stability as a solid at room temperature but softening fast when warmed. Density hovers at 0.96–0.97 g/cm3, slightly lighter than water. You may spot DDO’s customs label as HS code 2905399090 when reviewing import-export paperwork for alcohol derivatives.
DDO has a waxy texture in solid state, slipping easily between fingers but breaking cleanly when cut. It practically refuses to dissolve in cold water, echoing typical behavior for longer aliphatic diols; some folks have tried dissolving it in the lab with only moderate success. It shows better compatibility in alcohols, ether, acetone, and certain glycols, forming clear solutions or melting into liquids. I’ve worked with DDO in batch reactors: once melted, it flows smoothly and pours with only light viscosity. DDO resists oxidation in neutral conditions—making storage less of a headache for warehouse managers—but, as always, airtight containers keep out dust and atmospheric moisture, which can lead to slow degradation over months or years.
The structure sits as HO–(CH2)10–OH, a linear molecule lined by two terminal hydroxyl groups. Chemically, those hydroxyl groups act as attachment points in synthesis, ideal for forming esters, polyurethanes, or acting as chain extenders in polymer technology. Industry chemists recognize DDO as a diol that introduces flexibility and mild hydrophobicity into polymers, compared to the stiffer, shorter ethylene or butylene glycols. It fares well as a stabilizer in fragrant blends, lending slow-release properties for some perfumes and creams. Some researchers have borrowed insights from DDO’s mild nature, finding that its molecular structure shields against harsh chemical reactions, letting it serve as a gentle ingredient in certain skin-care applications.
Quality matters, especially for industrial-scale customers. Producers set technical standards on DDO purity (often >98%), moisture content (<0.2%), acid value (very low, under 0.1 mg KOH/g), and physical consistency—whether in flakes, powder, or pearls. Color should run clear to white with no yellow tinge, a detail that shows clean processing. Typical packaging falls between 25 kg plastic-lined bags for solids and 200-liter drums for melted forms. Makers include specification sheets to support quality control, since impurities and off-odors signal trouble ahead in end products. For safety and traceability, each lot arrives with a batch code, and the HS code stays visible on shipping papers to keep customs officials satisfied.
All raw materials require care and respect—DDO sits low on the hazard scale, but no chemical gets a free pass. Workers handling DDO in solid form use gloves, goggles, and adequate ventilation; melted DDO can burn if mishandled, and pinches of solid flakes in the eyes cause strong irritation. Inhalation almost never happens thanks to its low vapor pressure. Safety data sheets (SDS) warn about possible skin and eye irritation, pushing manufacturers to make PPE standard. Though oral toxicity proves low, regular hygiene—washing hands and careful container labelling—keeps people and processes safe. DDO avoids classification as a hazardous material for transport, but bulk users know: don’t mix with strong oxidizers or acids, as these speed up breakdown, risking nasty byproducts. Emergency guidance covers basic cleanup, calling for collection by shovel or vacuum, never with water sprays that can spread the material or make floors slick.
No raw material slips through the cracks of today’s regulations. DDO’s gentle eco-profile comes from its relatively low toxicity in aquatic life and slow biodegradability, especially compared to aromatic diols or halogenated compounds. European REACH and US TSCA lists categorize it as low risk under ordinary conditions, yet waste disposal still follows chemical standards—never down the drain, always to permitted processing centers. I’ve helped small manufacturers navigate registrations and compliance documents; tracing the chemical’s journey from source to factory floor to disposal is a must. The HS code 2905399090 groups DDO with other aliphatic alcohol derivatives, streamlining global record keeping and import taxes for big shipments.
Industry values DDO for reliable performance, not big headlines. Paint, adhesive, and plastics shops blend it with other resins, letting DDO improve flexibility, reduce brittleness, and provide gentle moisture resistance. In the personal care sector, it softens skin creams and balms, supporting stable lotions with a low comedogenic rating that appeals to sensitive customers. Lab researchers prize its consistent quality and dual hydroxyl structure for precise chemical reactions. DDO rarely stars as the main ingredient; it sits in the background, contributing without fuss. Because quality swings influence final product behavior, chemical companies lean on DDO’s steady purity and known pedigree, making life easier for industrial users, QC labs, and end customers.
