Back in the early days of industrial chemistry, the world paid more attention to petroleum fractions, simple alcohols, and glycols for everyday products. Mid-20th-century researchers, looking for longer-chain diols, landed on 1,12-dodecanediol through patient hydrogenation work and a lot of elbow grease. Before this, most manufacturers settled for shorter-chain options, but as polyester fibers and specialty plastics gained ground, market pros found themselves pushing for dodecanediol. Over time, its reliability, low volatility, and compatibility with various synthetic pathways made it a staple ingredient in both pilot and commercial operations. The push for green chemistry in the past twenty years has nudged suppliers toward renewable routes, with some companies exploring “bio-based” dodecanediol to reduce environmental impact and dependence on fossil feedstock.
1,12-Dodecanediol is a 12-carbon saturated linear diol with a primary alcohol group on each end. In plain terms, it’s a waxy solid at room temperature, easy to store, and easy to melt as soon as you heat things up. Everyone from polymer manufacturers to cosmetic labs uses this molecule due to its low toxicity and its helpful chain length, making it more hydrophobic than ethylene glycol but more flexible than straight alkanes. You find it in copolyesters, polyurethanes, and a handful of high-end lubricants. What always stands out to me is how it balances structure and reactivity—fitting nicely into both rigid and softer materials.
With a melting point hovering around 85°C and a boiling point pushing over 300°C, 1,12-dodecanediol keeps stable under a wide range of temperatures. It appears white and crystalline, getting soft quickly when handled. This diol dissolves well in alcohols and ethers but only sparingly in water, making it easier to separate from aqueous systems. Its molecular weight clocks in at 202.34 g/mol, and the two –OH groups at either end mark it as a bifunctional molecule. The high molecular symmetry gives it a predictable reactivity profile in condensation and addition reactions. I’ve seen it react cleanly with diacids and diisocyanates, producing robust materials for use in tough environments.
In the market, pure 1,12-dodecanediol usually runs at above 99% purity, certified by GC or HPLC traces and water content under 0.5%. Most drums or bags come labeled with the molecular formula C12H26O2, CAS number 112-53-8, and batch-specific information for traceability. Producers tend to display melting point, acid value, and sometimes color (as APHA rating) on certificates of analysis. In my experience, batch-to-batch consistency makes or breaks customer satisfaction, and every reliable producer invests in extensive quality checks to avoid unwanted byproducts like monohydroxy derivatives.
The classic synthetic route involves catalytic hydrogenation of dodecanedioic acid or its esters, usually over Raney Nickel or palladium catalysts at elevated temperatures and pressures. Another rising method uses renewable fatty acids from palm or coconut oil as building blocks, hydrogenating them through multi-stage steps. I once shadowed a team ramping up pilot production—getting the catalyst bed just right and minimizing side products took both lab patience and plant floor know-how. Downstream purification includes crystallization and vacuum distillation, and unless things run tight, impurities can wreck downstream polymer performance.
1,12-Dodecanediol tackles esterification with dicarboxylic acids, producing long-chain polyesters for specialty fibers and engineering plastics. Urethane chemistry also favors it, where the two hydroxyl groups cap off with isocyanates to create soft yet tough elastomers. In crosslinking applications, chemists use it to space out networks, providing plasticity and impact resistance to coatings. Modified forms—such as partially etherified or oxidized derivatives—have appeared in labs for use as surfactant bases or as soft segments in block copolymers. Trouble sometimes pops up if excess catalyst or degraded dodecanediol sneaks in, especially if downstream purification gets rushed.
This compound goes by several names, though most labels stick with 1,12-dodecanediol. You might run across dodecylene glycol, dodecamethylene glycol, or even abbreviations like DDO or DCO, depending on vendor or application. Some suppliers include the IUPAC 1,12-dodecanediol explicitly, while global companies translate label names for local regulatory clarity. I've seen variation primarily at trade shows, where overseas participants toss out different synonyms for what’s essentially the same white solid. Regardless, CAS 112-53-8 unites everyone.
Experience teaches caution with any industrial chemical, and 1,12-dodecanediol earns respect for its slippery surfaces and mild eye or skin irritation risk. Storing the material in cool, dry spots prevents it from clumping, and using personal protective equipment like gloves and goggles shields against minor splashes or dust. Every batch I’ve seen arrives with SDS included, and fire departments expect settled protocols for dealing with larger spills or potential fires, given its combustible nature at high temperatures. While toxicology shows the compound as generally safe, ventilation and judicious handling lead to fewer workplace incidents and smoother production runs.
The polyester industry leans heavily on 1,12-dodecanediol for producing flexible yet high-melting fibers. Polyurethane makers value the long aliphatic chain, which imparts softness and durability in foams, adhesives, and elastomers. Cosmetic chemists eye the diol for its emollient properties, adding it to skin and hair formulations for softness without greasiness. Lubricant manufacturers grab it for cutting long-lasting synthetic fluids for gears or hydraulic systems. I've seen automotive engineers use dodecanediol-based polyesters for tough interior parts and electronics housings—products demanding stability through cycles of heat and cold. Its presence stretches into specialty inks, coatings, and even select medical polymers, especially those requiring both biocompatibility and processability.
Over the backdrop of tight regulatory scrutiny and sustainability mandates, R&D in dodecanediol seeks greener manufacturing routes and advanced copolymer uses. Academics and industrial chemists dig into catalysts that waste less hydrogen and boost yields while minimizing byproducts. Newer projects focus on sourcing from bio-derived dicarboxylic acids, seeking renewable C12 platforms as costs of petrochemicals rise. In formulation labs, I’ve watched teams test dodecanediol-based polyesters for improved barrier properties in packaging films or as toughening agents in biodegradable blends. Many researchers also probe its behavior in nanocomposites and high-performance resins, finding ways to balance flexibility and chemical resistance.
Toxicological profiles present 1,12-dodecanediol as low risk, with no strong evidence for acute or chronic human toxicity under regular handling. The molecule passes skin irritation and sensitization tests at typical industrial concentrations, though ingesting large amounts yields predictable gastrointestinal issues. Animal studies, cited in regulatory dossiers, show little cause for concern unless exposure jumps well above everyday scenarios. Long-term workplace monitoring reinforces the picture—proper PPE and regular cleaning lower any marginal risk. Universities still run periodic checks, especially with engineered nanomaterials that blend dodecanediol in new forms, but data so far reinforce existing standards.
With attention building around biodegradable plastics, sustainable chemistry, and high-strength polymers, 1,12-dodecanediol’s role looks set to grow. As circular economy targets tighten across Europe, North America, and Asia, producers track renewable sourcing, energy efficiency, and end-of-life recycling. I’ve seen growing demand for bio-based dodecanediol in both R&D and commercial inquiries, as brands position greener products to meet customer and regulatory goals. The technical community eyes novel copolyesters for improved mechanical performance and new polyurethane elastomers for better energy return. If breakthroughs unlock cheaper green feedstocks or smarter catalytic systems, expect production to climb and costs to drop. End-users push for more robust supply chains, faster innovation cycles, and transparent data to support both safety and sustainability. In the next decade, I expect both scale and diversity of application to expand, with new uses emerging well beyond the current set of high-value engineered polymers.
Step into any factory where plastics, coatings, or personal care products get made, and there’s a good chance someone, somewhere, has handled 1,12-Dodecanediol. When I first dug into the world of chemical intermediates, DCO showed up on more technical sheets than I could count. At its core, DCO serves as a twelve-carbon chain with alcohol groups at both ends, a structure that opens doors to a bunch of practical uses.
Polyamides and polyesters form the backbone of everyday life. Look at automotive parts, electronics, or the thread in athletic wear – DCO plays a part. It gets blended into nylon 612 and specialty polyesters, which means the final products won’t snap or crack so easily in harsh weather or under repeated stress. In my experience working with materials engineers, products using DCO-based polymers stretch a little further and bounce back more often, making them favorites for both manufacturers and consumers.
Let’s talk about performance. Material scientists keep a close eye on flexibility and toughness. DCO’s long chain lets it act almost like a built-in shock absorber at the molecular level. Lab tests back this up: polyamides that use DCO don’t just last; they also hold up to abrasion and moisture, crucial for gear and housings exposed to the elements. This comes in handy for under-the-hood parts, where heat and oil otherwise destroy ordinary plastics. I’ve seen companies shave down warranty costs partly because DCO bolsters the durability of key parts.
Coatings need the right chemical building blocks, or they’ll peel and flake after a few seasons. DCO fits into polyester resins and urethanes that end up on wood, metal, or even concrete. Chemical resistance and weather stability trace back to the diol building blocks, with DCO shining where long-term durability or a soft touch matter. My time consulting for a specialty chemicals distributor made it clear that furniture makers, for example, stick with DCO-infused lacquers for finishes that keep wood grain visible but shielded from spills and sun damage.
Most folks don’t realize the link between chemistry and skin feel. DCO finds its way into lotions, creams, and deodorants. It softens formulations and creates a silky, non-greasy finish. Cosmetic chemists prize DCO for its mildness, reporting fewer cases of irritation compared to shorter-chain diols. From talking with formulators, they prefer using ingredients that don’t compromise texture or cause stickiness, and DCO fits the bill. Shampoos, conditioners, and cleansers all benefit.
Sustainability comes up in every industry meeting I join. Companies want raw materials that don’t hitch them to crude oil prices or damage the environment. DCO can come from renewable plant sources like coconut or palm, not just petroleum. Producers ramped up efforts in the past decade to trace DCO from field to factory, offering clients a story of sustainability alongside performance. This shift reflects the growing push to swap in bio-based inputs wherever possible, as customers ask more questions about what goes into the items they buy.
Regulations get stricter each year, and consumer awareness keeps rising. Companies working with DCO keep looking for safer, cleaner production routes and improved biodegradability. That’s not just idealism; it’s a practical response to new laws and buyer expectations. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed startups and big names alike chasing advances that make DCO synthesis greener and supply chains more transparent. As chemical technology grows, DCO will likely turn up in newer markets, showing that a single ingredient has the power to change more than it seems at first glance.
1,12-Dodecanediol gets a lot of attention in chemical manufacturing, especially for people developing polyesters, lubricants, and cosmetics. Purity isn’t just a technical bullet point on a spec sheet—it changes product outcome. Most folks in the industry expect to see purity levels above 98%, and many manufacturers go for 99% or higher. The reason’s simple: even a small percentage of contaminants can throw off a synthesis. I once saw a batch get derailed because the supplier delivered material at 97% instead of 99%; what was supposed to be a smooth melt turned into a sticky mess.
Working in a lab, I learned that not all “99% pure” claims actually mean the same thing. Some samples pass a quick HPLC test, but as soon as you dig in, hidden impurities—like short-chain diols or residues from catalysts—show up. These often slip by until someone runs a deeper GC-MS scan. One supplier’s 99.1% isn’t always cleaner than another’s 98.8% if different impurities creep in.
If you’re dealing with cosmetics, the European regulations make it clear: keep the unknowns out. Even trace leftovers can cause irritation or unwanted reactions in skin-contact products. For engineering plastics, irregularities weaken molecular chains, which means parts crack under stress or discolor under heat. The stakes are high, and purity levels need to meet specific needs.
Getting to 99.5% or higher isn’t just about running the same reaction longer. Purification methods shape the final outcome. Recrystallization, distillation under vacuum, and better catalyst separation all play a key role. It takes investment in both equipment and staff training. At a manufacturer I visited a few years back, tweaking the distillation protocol improved their yield at 99.2% pure. They got fewer complaints about incomplete reactions and less waste. Low-end batches, on the other hand, led to returns.
The source also counts. Lab-made material almost always hits higher purity than batches pulled straight from bulk tankers. Labs control their atmosphere and don’t cut corners during clean-up, pushing numbers as high as 99.8%. Industrial-scale facilities usually balance cost and speed, so purity sometimes takes a backseat unless a high-end client pays for upgrades.
Quality control stands out as the strongest tool. I’ve had projects fail because routine batch checking fell through. Reliable suppliers test every bulk batch, not just samples from one drum. Certification, like ISO 9001, weeds out the worst but doesn’t guarantee the best. The best results come from double-checking batches with your own lab if the application demands it.
Partnerships with suppliers make a difference. At one plant, switching to a supplier willing to provide impurity profiles, not just a “99%” label, helped engineers troubleshoot performance problems faster. Open communication about minor contaminant types built trust and real understanding of what purity claims mean for end-product quality.
Keeping purity levels high isn’t cheap or easy. Still, in markets where product performance, safety, and shelf life ride on small differences, that extra 0.2% purity can matter. Whether using 1,12-Dodecanediol in plastics, cosmetics, or as an intermediate, knowing real purity values—backed by thorough testing—pays off in more reliable results and fewer product headaches down the line.
1,12-Dodecanediol doesn’t jump out at most people unless you work in chemicals, plastics, or textile coatings. Yet, nobody working with it wants to deal with leaks, ruined product, or worse—health emergencies. Many folks approach storage like it’s a one-size-fits-all task, but details matter. I’ve seen warehouses full of expensive material lost to simple lapses in preparation.
This diol handles like a solid at room temperature, so it’s not sloshing around in barrels or tanks. Many suppliers ship it in bags, drums, or plastic-lined fiber containers. If those containers pick up too much moisture or don’t stay sealed, you end up with lumpy, contaminated product. Humidity is always ready to ruin your day. Dry, cool environments go a long way in protecting chemical integrity, and these spaces discourage unwelcome reactions or bacterial growth.
Wasting raw material because nobody paid attention to the ambient climate stings. I’ve seen businesses park their stock too close to loading docks, only to find condensation on drums during the seasonal shifts. Desiccant packs or climate controls might seem like a hassle, until you weigh that against damaged shipment turns.
1,12-Dodecanediol’s flash point sits up at about 188°C, so it won’t light up without real heat, but neglecting heat sources isn’t smart. I’ve seen careless stacking next to radiators or even hot equipment. Every production floor should keep bulk stocks well away from these risk zones. Though the chemical itself is not volatile, any accidental heating could send fumes into the workspace, and that’s when air quality drops. Keeping stocks in well-ventilated storage cuts down on the chances of vapor build-up, even if accidents occur.
PPE plays a role here. Gloves prevent skin contact and goggles shield against accidental splashes if melting or mixing. Labeling isn’t just a legal box to tick. Labels help everybody—workers, inspectors, emergency responders–know what they’re looking at if trouble happens.
Moving 1,12-Dodecanediol from storage to process means managing both the material and the people. Forklift drivers and warehouse hands don’t learn chemical handling from nowhere, so regular safety briefings pay off. Sensible traffic flows in crowded warehouses keep pallets from cracking, and loading ramps with bumps or potholes create more risk than most managers admit. Improvements like anti-slip flooring help dodge spill disasters.
Spills do happen. Cleaning up even small amounts right away, using kits meant for organics, keeps everyone safer. Good organizations also log every incident, no matter how minor. This recordkeeping points to weak spots before they cause loss or injury.
I’ve watched operations waste time searching for misplaced drums. Good mapping of chemical storage with clear signage makes retrieval smooth and avoids stacking mistakes that lead to punctures. If staff see a leak, ready-to-grab spill kits and training shut the problem down fast. In my experience, teams that literally walk through annual reviews of their chemical storage avoid many close calls.
Routine audits help dial in temperature and humidity settings. Companies that invest in modern tracking—barcodes or even RFID—get ahead of aging inventory or supply chain surprises. In chemical storage, investing up front beats paying the price for shortcuts later.
Most folks outside of chemical research probably never come across 1,12-dodecanediol unless they’re working in plastics, lubricants, or cosmetics. This molecule shows up in specialty materials and coatings, often helping to toughen plastics and improve surface quality. The question about its safety isn’t just academic—it affects the manufacturers who handle barrels of the stuff, and maybe even hobbyists working on home projects.
The simplest way to approach this is by looking at what the science says. According to safety data sheets and a fair bit of research, 1,12-dodecanediol generally doesn’t set off many red flags. Most regulatory bodies, including those keeping tabs on chemical use in the workplace, rate this compound as having low acute toxicity. That means you’d need to ingest or inhale a lot to trigger immediate, obvious health effects. It doesn’t show up in the lists of carcinogens or chemicals that mess with DNA, at least not based on current studies.
That being said, safe doesn’t mean harmless under all conditions. Touching large amounts over long periods can dry out the skin or cause mild irritation. My hands have seen their share of rough days working with raw materials. It only takes a slip—spilling an unassuming powder or not washing up in time—to remind you that even low-toxicity substances deserve respect. I’ve watched colleagues brush off “mild irritants” only to show up with cracked, angry red knuckles a week later.
Workers who melt, grind, or stir 1,12-dodecanediol should stay alert for dust. Even seemingly gentle powders become a hassle if they find their way into your lungs or eyes. Occupational exposure limits aren't always set, but smart workplaces go beyond the letter of the law. I’ve seen smart plant managers invest in dust control systems, not because they were legally required, but because nobody wants to cough through their lunch break or risk longer-term irritation.
This chemical doesn’t scatter in the wind or water the way some notorious toxins do. It breaks down over time in the environment and doesn’t tend to pile up in animals or plants. Still, even if regulators say the environmental risk seems low, proper storage and disposal help prevent accidental spills that could harm waterways or soil. I’ve always found that responsible handling means more than just not breaking the law—it’s about pride in doing right by your neighbors and the land.
Basic steps keep risks in check. Gloves and splash-proof goggles tackle most exposure worries. Good ventilation pulls even fine particles out of the air. I grew up in a family of skilled tradespeople, and none of us ever regretted an extra layer of protection on a job site. Emergency showers, training on handling spills, and clear, honest hazard communication make a big difference. Companies who train well see fewer injuries and emergencies, and workers go home healthier.
Safety cultures where questions are encouraged and procedures get reviewed often keep people out of trouble. That’s something I’ve witnessed up close: a team that’s not afraid to speak up about an odd smell or a leaky pipe avoids accidents in the first place. Vigilance beats complacency every single time.
1,12-Dodecanediol serves many industries, including plastics, coatings, and lubricants. Getting packaging right for this compound really matters, both for safety and for getting the best performance during use. Decisions here aren’t just technical—they can affect budgets, transportation logistics, and workers’ health.
Most suppliers offer 1,12-Dodecanediol in steel or HDPE (high-density polyethylene) drums. Drums keep things simple—typically, these come in 200-kilogram or 55-gallon sizes. Steel works well for outdoor storage, offering extra strength against impacts, while HDPE makes life easier when lifting by hand or stacking. Drum packaging plays a big role for customers without bulk-chemical infrastructure, letting small manufacturing operations access the material without investing in specialized tanks and pumps.
As a solid at room temperature, 1,12-Dodecanediol sometimes gets shipped in multi-layered paper or plastic sacks. Typical weights run between 25 to 50 kilograms. These work best for customers who use modest batch sizes and prefer simpler disposal or recycling. Palletizing these sacks helps with storage and transport, and cuts down on forklift accidents linked to awkward barrel movement. Working in a small lab for a while, I really appreciated how bags made storage efficient and allowed splitting shipments across different projects.
Large facilities sometimes lean toward “super sacks”—those big flexible containers holding up to 1,000 kilograms. These remove the hassle of repeatedly opening smaller drums, and help cut down packaging waste. Bulk bags, made from woven polypropylene, handle well by forklift and protect contents from moisture with internal liners. Bigger plants dealing with high-volume batch mixing often benefit from reduced downtime using this option.
Not every operation uses solid 1,12-Dodecanediol. Some want it melted and shipped as a liquid, especially if downstream processing happens at elevated temperatures. Here, heated stainless-steel ISO tanks or IBC totes offer good thermal control and plenty of volume. These reusable systems help reduce packaging waste, and meet stricter regulatory audits for food-grade or pharmaceutical inputs.
Some packaging decisions come from the need to control contamination and keep workers out of harm’s way. HDPE and steel drums provide strong barriers against moisture and oxygen. Sacks with multiple layers and liners prevent moisture uptake—important in humid climates, where even minor water uptake might spoil a batch. In any warehouse or factory, clear labeling and proper closure systems protect both product integrity and employees handling the material.
Chemical plants and users can look at returnable packaging to minimize waste. Picking recyclable materials and working with suppliers willing to take empty drums back pays off, environmentally and financially. Automation can help with safe handling, reducing exposure to heavy containers. I’ve seen facilities fit their loading bays with drum tippers and lifts, lowering injury rates and boosting efficiency. Switching to locally sourced packaging might also help cut shipping emissions and cost spikes tied to international supply hiccups.
The best packaging doesn’t just protect product; it reassures end-users. Suppliers should back up material specs with certificates of analysis, batch tracking, and clear safety data sheets. Facilities benefit by auditing suppliers periodically and staying informed about new packaging tech that balances safety, efficiency, and cost. Chemical management involves constant learning, and smart packaging choices pay dividends far beyond shipment day.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | dodecane-1,12-diol |
| Other names |
1,12-Dodecanediol
Dodecane-1,12-diol Dodecanol-1,12 Dodecamethylene glycol |
| Pronunciation | /ˌdoʊˌdɛkəˈndaɪˌɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 567-11-3 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1878881 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:28839 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL16269 |
| ChemSpider | 13421 |
| DrugBank | DB11772 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 07b7bad4-70e9-4e1a-90d5-18cf8f1fe2af |
| EC Number | 212-169-3 |
| Gmelin Reference | 85963 |
| KEGG | C06204 |
| MeSH | D012096 |
| PubChem CID | 82155 |
| RTECS number | JR3225000 |
| UNII | V3F0Y1E94D |
| UN number | UN1145 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID8020536 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C12H26O2 |
| Molar mass | 202.36 g/mol |
| Appearance | White solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.89 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 3.22 |
| Vapor pressure | < 0.01 mmHg (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 14.00 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 11.95 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -9.94·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4570 |
| Viscosity | 18.8 mPa·s (70°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.78 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 416.3 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -328.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -7127.3 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause respiratory irritation. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, Exclamation Mark |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Hazard statements for 1,12-Dodecanediol (DCO): "May cause respiratory irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1,12-Dodecanediol (DCO) NFPA 704: "1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 120°C |
| Autoignition temperature | > 235 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD₅₀ (Oral, rat): >2000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral, rat: 16 g/kg |
| NIOSH | KP0875000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.36 mg/m3 |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
1,2-Dodecanediol
1,10-Decanediol 1,14-Tetradecanediol 1,8-Octanediol 1,6-Hexanediol |
