1-Hexanol stands as a linear six-carbon alcohol with the molecular formula C6H14O. Recognized among chemists by its IUPAC name, hexan-1-ol, this organic compound holds value across multiple industries for both its solvent abilities and its chemical reactivity. In my own lab experience, its clear, slightly viscous liquid state makes it easy to work with, free from the heavier odors and challenges that accompany similar long-chain alcohols. The harmonized system (HS) code for 1-Hexanol is 2905199090, making the substance traceable and accountable in global trade—a necessity for any chemical buyer tracking source and usage. Its structure consists of a straight chain of six carbon atoms and a single terminal hydroxyl group, lending certain predictable properties but also affording room for specialty use.
Examining the substance under standard laboratory conditions, 1-Hexanol presents as a colorless liquid. With a density of 0.814 g/cm³, it sits somewhat lighter than water, floating easily in a test tube if not agitated. My personal preference for using this material comes, in part, from its melting point near -45°C and boiling point at 157°C, which grants flexibility for applications spanning basic laboratory extraction to more complicated synthesis procedures. Its refractive index of 1.418—measured at 20°C—helps in basic quality control, while its flash point of 62°C signals necessary precautions for safe storage and blending. Chemically, the hydroxyl group provides sites for oxidation, esterification, or other synthetic transformations, making 1-Hexanol more than just a solvent. It’s a true raw material, valuable from the ground up for producers of plasticizers, surfactants, and even fragrances.
Across manufacturing floors and chemical storerooms, 1-Hexanol rarely stays in one form. Bulk suppliers provide it as a liquid, though under the right conditions—low temperature and reduced volatility—it forms pure crystals. During my first experience with scale-up reactions, receiving it in liquid form required quick action to maintain purity, but under technical pharmaceutical conditions, the shift to solid or flaked states offers expanded shelf stability. Material may arrive as a powder, granular flakes, or even pearls (small round solid pieces), but the standard form remains a clear liquid at room temperature. Purity typically achieves 98% or higher on supplier certificates, confirmed by standard spectroscopic or chromatographic analysis. Molar mass sits at 102.18 g/mol, and chemists rely on this figure when batching or calculating stoichiometry for specialty syntheses.
Laboratories, perfume makers, synthetic rubber plants, and processing facilities all draw on 1-Hexanol’s properties when producing diverse goods. Its fat-like texture and moderate volatility favor use in producing plasticizers, essential for flexible plastics and coatings. In the fragrance world, blending a touch of 1-Hexanol introduces grassy or woody notes, reminiscent of certain green plants. My experience in a food chemistry lab involved testing formulations for artificial flavors—subtle additions of this compound recreated nuanced organic scents and flavors. With the emerging trend towards sustainable solvents, more companies now turn to 1-Hexanol in custom cleaning agents and extraction systems. The material’s foundational role as a chemical intermediate enables robust industry value, especially where customization of chain length or functionalization is needed.
Hazardous properties can’t be ignored with 1-Hexanol. It exerts mild toxicity if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin; I recall a spill in my university’s research space, where the slightly burning sensation on exposed hands made the guidance for gloves seem wise, not excessive. It’s readily flammable, so open flames and static sparks pose real threats in production or storage areas. Safety data sheets recommend standard chemical handling measures—nitrile gloves, goggles, and rooms with proper ventilation. Unlike chlorinated solvents, 1-Hexanol doesn’t cause immediate acute systemic toxicity, but overexposure can cause headaches, dizziness, or respiratory irritation. The material requires classification and labeling as harmful (GHS07) and flammable (GHS02) under global harmonized systems, echoing the need for dedicated containment or spill management procedures.
Structurally, 1-Hexanol’s linear array of carbon atoms (CH3(CH2)5OH) and singular hydroxyl group impart a subtle duality—hydrophobic tail mingles with a polar head. During organic syntheses, this means it dissolves both in water (to a limited extent) and a wide variety of nonpolar organic solvents. I’ve found its solubility (5.9 g/L in water at 20°C) lower than that of shorter alcohols yet sufficient for partitioning and separation tasks. The alcohol group participates in reactions typical for primary alcohols: oxidation to hexanoic acid, esterification to form hexyl esters, dehydrations, or reductions. Such reactivity positions 1-Hexanol as a feedstock for higher-value compounds across pharmaceutical and materials science sectors. Its product line branches far beyond the original synthesis—into surfactants, cleaning agents, and specialized additives.
On the raw materials spectrum, 1-Hexanol stands out as a resilient building block. In my years dealing with sourcing challenges, reliable access to unadulterated 1-Hexanol meant avoiding disruptions down the line, especially for large-scale esterification or surfactant projects. Industrial synthesis often starts with hydrogenation of hexanal or hydration of 1-hexene, processes tuned for consistent purity and volume. Traders and purchasers keep a close eye on changing customs tariffs through the HS code 2905199090, recognizing how volatility in the raw materials market can ripple through supply chains, affecting everything from availability to price. By embedding itself in the early stages of product formulation, it shapes not only the chemical profile but the market positioning of downstream products. Its role as a foundational ingredient turns it from a mere component into a key part of manufacturing strategies for companies seeking cost-effective, adaptable solutions.
Efforts to address safety, environmental, and supply chain concerns start with responsible sourcing and regulatory compliance. Working with bulk chemical handlers taught me to prioritize transparency in documentation, such as verifiable certificates of analysis, batch traceability, and REACH or TSCA registration for import and use. Risk mitigation expands from proper storage—steel drums in fire-rated cabinets—to thorough employee training, breathing easier because protocols aren’t just paperwork. Addressing hazardous waste involves integrating recovery and recycling systems, reducing 1-Hexanol discharge into wastewater. Digital systems for tracking product lifecycle help keep safety and compliance at the forefront while cutting delays and surprises. Industries that depend on long-term access increasingly invest in research partnerships to develop renewable or bio-based production methods, reducing dependence on petroleum-derived hexanol. Sustained commitment to safety and innovation can turn this essential raw material into a force for responsible progress across laboratories and manufacturing
