Hexylene Glycol – Versatile Industrial Solvent for Coatings, Cosmetics, and Chemical Manufacturing
Introduction
Hexylene Glycol, also known as 2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD), is a colorless, low-volatility organic liquid widely used as a solvent, coupling agent, and formulation ingredient in industrial and commercial applications. It is valued for its ability to dissolve various organic substances and improve the compatibility of ingredients in suitable formulations.
With the chemical formula C₆H₁₄O₂ and CAS number 107-41-5, Hexylene Glycol belongs to the glycol family and is used in coatings, cleaning products, personal care formulations, adhesives, and specialty chemical manufacturing.
Its combination of solvent performance, water miscibility, and relatively slow evaporation makes it useful in applications requiring controlled drying and formulation stability.
Industrial Applications
- Paints and Coatings: Used as a solvent and coalescing aid in selected water-based and solvent-based coating formulations.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care: Functions as a solvent, humectant, and viscosity-adjusting ingredient in suitable skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products.
- Industrial Cleaning Products: Used as a solvent and coupling agent in selected detergents, degreasers, and cleaning formulations.
- Printing Inks: Applied in certain ink formulations to support ingredient dissolution and controlled evaporation.
- Adhesives and Sealants: Used as a formulation component in compatible adhesive and sealant systems.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Serves as a process solvent and ingredient in specialty chemical production.
- Textile Processing: Used in selected textile-treatment and processing formulations.
- Agricultural Formulations: May be used as a solvent or formulation aid in suitable agricultural chemical products, subject to applicable requirements.
Key Benefits
- Effective Solvent Performance: Helps dissolve a variety of compatible organic compounds and formulation ingredients.
- Excellent Water Miscibility: Mixes with water, supporting its use in aqueous and mixed-solvent systems.
- Low Volatility: Evaporates more slowly than many common alcohol solvents, making it useful in controlled-drying applications.
- Formulation Compatibility: Can function as a coupling agent to improve compatibility between selected formulation components.
- Moisture-Retaining Properties: Provides humectant functionality in appropriate cosmetic and personal care products.
- Versatile Industrial Applications: Suitable for coatings, cleaning products, adhesives, cosmetics, and chemical manufacturing.
- Multiple Grade Options: Available in different quality grades depending on supplier specifications and intended use.
Product Specifications
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Hexylene Glycol |
| Chemical Name | 2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol |
| Synonyms | MPD, 2-Methylpentane-2,4-diol |
| CAS Number | 107-41-5 |
| Chemical Formula | C₆H₁₄O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 118.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Odor | Mild, characteristic odor |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 197–198°C |
| Density | Approximately 0.92–0.93 g/cm³ at 20°C |
| Flash Point | Approximately 93°C, depending on test method |
| Water Solubility | Miscible with water |
| Physical Nature | Viscous, hygroscopic organic liquid |
| Chemical Family | Glycol / Diol |
| Typical Applications | Coatings, cosmetics, cleaning products, chemical manufacturing |
| Available Grades | Industrial, technical, and cosmetic grades, subject to supplier availability |
Note: The specifications above represent typical reference values. Actual purity, moisture content, density, and other parameters may vary by grade and manufacturer. Always verify the supplier's technical data sheet and certificate of analysis.
Storage and Handling
Store Hexylene Glycol in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Protect the product from excessive heat, moisture contamination, and incompatible chemicals.
Although Hexylene Glycol has a higher flash point than many commonly used volatile solvents, it is combustible under suitable conditions. Keep it away from excessive heat, open flames, and strong oxidizing agents.
Avoid prolonged skin contact and contact with the eyes. Use appropriate protective gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing according to workplace requirements.
Provide adequate ventilation during handling, especially when the product is heated or used in processes that may generate mist or vapor.
Follow the product-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safe handling, first aid, spill management, storage, and disposal procedures.
Quality and Supply
Hexylene Glycol should be selected according to the required purity, water content, appearance, and intended industrial application.
For cosmetic and personal care applications, buyers should confirm that the supplied grade meets relevant formulation, impurity, and regulatory requirements.
Industrial buyers should review the technical data sheet, certificate of analysis, and Safety Data Sheet to ensure suitability for coatings, cleaning formulations, chemical processing, or other applications.
Depending on supplier availability, Hexylene Glycol may be supplied in drums, intermediate bulk containers, or bulk quantities.
Confirm the required grade, packaging size, technical specifications, and delivery arrangements before placing an order.
Conclusion
Hexylene Glycol is a versatile organic solvent and formulation ingredient used in coatings, cosmetics, industrial cleaning products, adhesives, and specialty chemical manufacturing.
Its water miscibility, relatively low volatility, solvent properties, and coupling functionality make it valuable in a wide range of industrial and commercial formulations.
Selecting the appropriate grade and following recommended storage and handling procedures helps ensure consistent product performance and safe industrial use.
