1-Hexanol’s journey into industrial and scientific circles traces back to the mid-19th century, during the boom of organic chemistry when researchers started poking around fatty alcohols. Early chemists, curious about the makeup of natural oils, broke down plant waxes and seed oils to uncover straight-chain alcohols, among them 1-Hexanol. Friedrich Wöhler and Hermann Kolbe, major players of their era, helped map out the structure of alcohols and landed the basic pathway to make primary alcohols from alkenes and aldehydes. Around 1900, factories figured out how to make 1-Hexanol in larger amounts, feeding both the paint and plasticizer industries. The switch from plant-based methods to synthetic chemistry using compounds like ethylene marked a real leap, putting large-scale, reliable 1-Hexanol production within reach.
1-Hexanol, sometimes called n-hexanol, belongs to the family of fatty alcohols. This clear, oily liquid pops up with a faint, grassy odor that might remind some of fresh-cut plants. Most of the 1-Hexanol out in the world finds work beyond the lab bench, making appearances in plasticizer prep, specialty solvents, and as a building block for fragrances. Markets for 1-Hexanol don’t just care about how cheap or pure it is—stability, solubility, and compatibility with other chemicals weigh just as much. For chemists and manufacturers, 1-Hexanol’s straight chain means strong reactions, handy versatility, and easy handling when scaling up recipes for industrial production. Over time, demand for high-purity, low-residue 1-Hexanol has crept up, especially in uses like food flavorings and pharmaceutical processing, where trace impurities set off alarms well before reaching the end customer.
With a boiling point around 158°C and a melting point hugging -45°C, 1-Hexanol stays liquid across most climate ranges. Its density floats at roughly 0.82 g/cm³, lighter than water, and it doesn’t mix well with water. Instead, it prefers to buddy up with ethanol, ether, and other organic solvents—making it a reliable middleman in blending operations. 1-Hexanol features a straight six-carbon chain capped with a hydroxyl group, placing it among higher alcohols in both reactivity and solubility quirks. The molecule holds CH3(CH2)5OH as its formula, leaving room for predictable reactions downstream. In open air, it stays stable, but a slow oxidation creeps in, slowly turning to hexanoic acid if somebody leaves it out too long.
Buyers and suppliers depend on clear labeling and technical specs to avoid cross-use or safety mishaps. Labels flag purity—usually sitting above 98% for industrial runs, touching 99.5% in food and pharmaceutical use. Impurity levels, moisture content, appearance, and odor get listed, letting users double-check every batch they get. Each container of 1-Hexanol also shows the CAS number (111-27-3), molecular formula, and recommended storage conditions. Regulatory paperwork trails every shipment, with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) going hand in hand. Storage needs standard labeling for flammable liquids since 1-Hexanol’s flashpoint sits around 58°C, keeping it squarely in the mid-risk range for handling.
Early producers leaned on fermentation or plant extraction methods, but the modern world moved to more scalable chemical syntheses. The OXO process—hydroformylation of 1-pentene followed by hydrogenation—leads the pack today. This route begins by reacting 1-pentene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen, yielding an aldehyde intermediate. Further hydrogenation transforms this aldehyde into 1-Hexanol in efficient, cost-effective reactors. Some smaller-scale outfits or specialty shops still rely on reducing esters or carboxylic acids or cracking natural waxes, but the hydroformylation route reels in steady supplies at lower cost. Still, old schoolers sometimes argue for the plant-based pathway for “green chemistry” credentials, though turnover rates and yields rarely compete with the synthetic processes.
1-Hexanol jumps into classic primary alcohol chemistry. Oxidation with common agents, like potassium dichromate, transforms it into hexanoic acid, a handy flavoring agent and precursor in a lot of organic syntheses. Reacting 1-Hexanol with haloalkanes or acids produces esters, which bring fruity, fatty aromas to perfumes and processed foods. Strong dehydrating agents drive 1-Hexanol to form hexene, while sodium can free up its hydrogen, forming sodium hexanolate—useful for some aggressive reductions. Derivatization and structural tweaking let researchers and manufacturers build new surfactants, synthesize pharmaceutical intermediates, or whip up specialty plasticizers. Only a few higher alcohols rival the balance between reactivity and chain length, so 1-Hexanol often pops up in new surfactant or flavor compound research.
The name list runs longer than most would expect for such a simple chain. Besides 1-Hexanol and n-hexanol, shipments might read hexan-1-ol, caprolyl alcohol, or even hexyl alcohol. Regulatory bodies sometimes tag it as alcohol C-6. In the flavor and fragrance business, some catalogs list it by old trade names, often tied to its origin, such as "Amylcarbinol" or "Hexanolin". Spotting the right product in paperwork depends on knowing these aliases, especially when technical documentation or customs paperwork trails behind naming standards.
1-Hexanol smells pretty mild, but health and fire regulators don’t take it lightly. Vapors can dizzify careless handlers, irritate eyes and skin, and even choke up respiratory tracts for those without proper protection. Storage falls under flammable liquids—fire suppression systems, spark-proof devices, and careful spill management stay on everyone’s checklist. Safety guidelines recommend eye protection, chemical-resistant gloves, splashproof aprons, and—if you’re moving drums or mixing on the fly—ventilation hoods with explosion ratings. Occupational exposure limits stick close: the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists suggests a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm. Spills draw emergency responses, with sand or absorbent agents on standby, and tanks need grounding to avoid static sparks. Workers rely on MSDS sheets for fast pointers, and most labs keep calcium gluconate gel handy for unexpected skin contact. Fire marshals and safety inspectors check all containers for correct labeling, tight seals, and no leaky joints, keeping insurance companies and city regulators happy.
A single molecule, so many gigs. 1-Hexanol builds a quiet backbone in plasticizer production, lending flexibility to products from raincoats to floor tiles. Paint and resin makers depend on its solvency and slow evaporation, boosting flow and leveling in thick coatings. In the fragrance world, it steps in for its faintly floral, mildly fatty scent, helping to round off artificial flavors and boost certain floral notes in perfumes. Food companies, while tightly regulated, use 1-Hexanol to lift green, herbal flavors—though always at trace, tightly monitored amounts. Laboratories also tinker with 1-Hexanol as a phase-transfer agent or reactant for custom syntheses, especially in pharmaceutical research and custom additive design. Its chain length means it often slips into detergent formulation discussions, where it influences foam, rinse, and grease-busting characteristics. Water treatment techs, paint formulators, synthetic rubber makers, and fermentation researchers all find themselves scribbling 1-Hexanol in their notebooks during brainstorming sessions.
In-house R&D labs and university groups keep circling back to 1-Hexanol’s mix of length, branching, and reactivity. Synthetic chemists use it as a model compound to study oxidation, reduction, and chain transfer reactions, revealing broader patterns that help tune bulk chemical routes. Recent pushes in “green” chemistry put natural production methods back in focus. Bioprocess engineers develop yeast and bacteria strains that turn plant sugars directly to 1-Hexanol in fermenters, aiming for eco-friendlier, lower-carbon processes with byproducts that slot right back into agriculture. Flavor scientists, always searching for new aroma compounds, run structure-scent mapping studies, discovering where 1-Hexanol and its cousins land on the human palate. Some teams look at longer-chain alcohols for bio-lubricant production, and 1-Hexanol provides a reference point for how modifications shift properties like viscosity, texture, or skin feel. As analytical instruments grow sharper, researchers use them to find minute 1-Hexanol traces in natural extracts, guiding food and aroma authentication projects for regulatory and consumer confidence.
Toxicologists fixate on dose, exposure path, and long-term residue. Animal tests at high doses show central nervous system depression, similar to effects from ethanol or other alcohols. Workers exposed to heavy, vapor-heavy air risk sleepiness, dizziness, and in some rare incidents, loss of coordination or respiratory trouble. Direct skin contact leads to irritation and—after long enough—dermatitis. Mice and rats subjected to repeated exposure sometimes show liver and kidney changes, but safe handling protocols and tight workplace monitoring keep almost all negative outcomes strictly on paper. Regulatory review rolls ever forward, and as data piles up, researchers recheck safe residue thresholds for food flavorings, perfumes, and even household cleaners. Wastewater and environmental impact studies point to moderate degradation rates in soil and surface water, easing long-term ground contamination worries compared to more persistent pollutants.
Future demand for 1-Hexanol likely tracks the fortunes of several downstream industries. Biobased production grows more attractive every year as manufacturers weigh cost, carbon, and consumer appetite for “green” labels. Biotechnologists chase more efficient enzyme pathways, aiming for higher yields and cleaner byproducts, which could reshape both supply chains and pricing. As global regulations close in on solvent emissions, paint and resin companies might dial back hexanol-based blends, but perfume, flavor, and specialty surfactant sectors keep expanding. Materials scientists chase chain-tailored alcohols for biodegradable plastics, so demand for intermediates like 1-Hexanol moves in surprising directions—not just up or down, but sideways into new fields. If consumer interest in sustainable ingredients keeps growing, plant-based or fermentation-derived 1-Hexanol might become the first pick for brands looking to stand apart. Whether sourced from oilfields, sugar beets, or custom microbes, 1-Hexanol looks set to stay as a core building block for chemists, manufacturers, and inventors who need a reliable six-carbon partner in the lab or factory.
1-Hexanol sits behind the scenes in a surprising number of products that reach our households, job sites, and even gardens. This clear, oily liquid finds work as a building block, nudging industries like perfumes, solvents, and chemical manufacturing forward. In my college chemistry lab, I splashed some on my gloves by accident, and the odor was sharp but not entirely unpleasant. That’s because it shares a chemical lineage with the scents of cut grass, making it valuable for blending fragrances that feel fresh and green.
The world of fragrances leans heavily on molecules like 1-Hexanol. Perfume makers tap it to mimic the smell of leaves or craft those notes that remind folks of outdoor strolls after a summer rain. Its role here goes further than simple mimicry—1-Hexanol helps round out scent blends, providing body and depth far beyond its simple odor profile.
Its natural origin story helps its case with brands aiming for “green” or nature-inspired lines. Companies draw it from plant sources or create it synthetically, depending on the price and availability of ingredients. Either way, a sniff of a new cologne or cosmetic could include an encounter with 1-Hexanol working quietly in the base notes.
Recall the last time you painted or cleaned around the house. 1-Hexanol is part of the solvent mix for some paints, varnishes, and glues. Manufacturers value its ability to dissolve and carry chemicals, helping products apply smoothly and dry evenly. In labs and production plants, skilled workers add 1-Hexanol into reactions to help make plasticizers, which give plastics flexibility and durability. My uncle works at a plastics molding company, and he often describes the endless quest to find chemical ingredients that perform their jobs without breaking the bank or raising safety alarms—1-Hexanol delivers on both counts if handled with care and proper gear.
Out in the fields and gardens, 1-Hexanol joins the ranks of plant-protection agents. It acts as an intermediate for some pesticides and herbicides, helping farmers keep crops healthy and productive. Its use goes beyond killing pests. In certain cases, it supports the production of plant hormones that help fruits ripen. The reason backyard gardeners and big farms care so much? It brings efficiency and lower costs, allowing more sustainable farming without the need for some of the harsher legacy chemicals.
Like many useful chemicals, 1-Hexanol has safety tradeoffs. Direct exposure causes irritation, and breathing in concentrated fumes risks headaches or worse. Lab workers, plant operators, and janitors use gloves and ventilated spaces, leaning on years of occupational safety research. Recent guidance points toward closed systems and careful labeling to prevent accidental contact. Environmental impact ranks as a hot topic, with regulators tracking emissions and recommending steps to cut waste. Companies moving toward greener manufacturing look for methods that minimize byproducts and encourage recycling.
With industries shifting toward sustainability, 1-Hexanol continues to evolve. Green chemistry players hunt for ways to produce it from renewable resources. Advances in biotechnology may soon give us batches brewed by engineered yeast, cutting down on petrochemical reliance. As consumers ask more about what’s in their deodorant, paint, or even fruit basket, companies respond with transparency and safer processes. Staying informed about 1-Hexanol means standing just a bit closer to the changing face of everyday chemistry and how it impacts the world we walk through.
People use 1-Hexanol mostly in labs and industry. This six-carbon alcohol smells a bit like freshly cut grass. Companies add it to flavors and fragrances, or as a solvent in chemical production. It rarely pops up in daily routines unless someone works in these fields. The clean-up crew at my old lab wore gloves and masks whenever they handled it, because even something that smells harmless can cause issues.
The health effects of 1-Hexanol aren’t just numbers in papers—they’re experiences for those who handle the substance day after day. Anyone who gets 1-Hexanol on their skin might notice redness and irritation. A coworker once spilled a small amount on her wrist, and she felt stinging and had blotches for hours. Breathing in its vapors can trigger headaches or nausea. If someone were to inhale too much, dizziness or drowsiness could follow.
Many chemicals irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, but 1-Hexanol can also mess with your nerves if you take in a lot or over a long stretch. Animal studies back this up—exposure sometimes led to muscle weakness and trouble with coordination. That doesn’t mean someone will collapse after a brief smudge, but the risk grows for anyone lacking proper protection on a regular shift.
No one can control what they breathe in every minute at a busy factory or bustling lab. Good ventilation helps, but even then, it pays to keep a close eye on the substance. Protective gloves and goggles matter more than comfortable shortcuts. I learned this lesson after smelling strange odors in an old storage room—the headaches that hit me right after were a clear sign the air held something it shouldn’t.
Direct contact isn’t the only path to trouble. If you add 1-Hexanol to wastewater or dump it carelessly, it can end up in streams or soil. This puts both workers and wildlife on the hook for harm. Proper labeling, spill plans, and safety training make a difference—I’ve seen how quick emergency drills prevent a scare from becoming a disaster.
Big industries already follow strict rules, but smaller shops sometimes skip steps. Workers need more than gloves—they deserve training that sticks. Respecting signs, following storage instructions, and reporting leaks protects more than just productivity. Companies owe it to their crew to give honest info about symptoms and safety, not just a warning sign posted by the sink. At my last job, the staff only paused to read those after a close call.
Brands and managers can step up by swapping out 1-Hexanol for a less hazardous option when possible. Even glassware labeled “safe for organics” should get a double-check. Regular health monitoring of workers goes a long way. If someone feels off at the end of the shift, there’s no shame in getting checked out—the earlier someone flags a problem, the easier it is to fix.
Staying safe with chemicals like 1-Hexanol means moving beyond the checklist. That involves regular air quality tests, detailed safety sheets that don't hide behind jargon, and a company culture that values every life over sticking to routine. Workplace stories and reported incidents show people stay healthier when leaders act before problems mushroom. Prevention and training cost less pain than any clean-up ever will.
1-Hexanol hits a strange spot in chemistry—it looks simple enough, but there’s more to this alcohol than the formula C6H14O lets on. You won’t find it splashed all over headlines. Still, folks who’ve spent any time in a chemistry lab or watched the ingredients in cleaning products might recognize it by its full name or a distinctive, grassy scent. The formula itself shows a backbone of six carbons stretched out in a chain, capped by an -OH group at the end. That lone oxygen and the saturated carbon line define its place in everything from fragrance factories to classrooms.
I remember my college organic chemistry class, where we’d draw carbon chains until our fingers cramped. 1-Hexanol’s formula is a gentle reminder: Chemistry, at its root, sticks to patterns. Six carbon atoms (hex-) link up in a row, surrounded by fourteen hydrogens and one oxygen. Chemists call this a “primary alcohol,” which just means the -OH group is stuck to the end of the chain. The simplicity of this structure helps labs synthesize it with less fuss, and that plays a big part in keeping production costs down for businesses relying on large quantities—think solvents, plasticizers, and even flavors for food science.
People outside the lab probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about 1-hexanol. Still, its chemical makeup puts it to work in all sorts of everyday ways. Those six carbons help make it a good middle-of-the-road solvent—strong enough to dissolve things like resins and waxes, but not so aggressive it’ll wreck more fragile materials. That blend of properties comes directly from its structure. In food processing, it helps bring out fruity flavors in artificial flavoring. Anyone who’s walked through an industrial plant can picture the safety posters: knowing exactly what you’re handling makes all the difference when you’re working with chemicals. One wrong number in a chemical formula isn’t just a quiz mistake; it can end up as a workplace accident or a ruined batch.
I’ve seen supervisors drill workers on the importance of handling chemicals right, and proper labeling is step one. The chemical formula C6H14O doesn’t just sit on a shelf; it means flammability warnings, correct storage, and respecting exposure limits. Education goes past the classroom for these materials. Workers who understand the science—what the formula actually means—are better equipped to stay safe and ask smart questions. Small spills, improper ventilation, and heat sources never mix well with a flammable liquid like 1-hexanol. One misstep, and the consequences go far beyond a failed experiment.
Clear chemical formulas can anchor better safety and training programs. Instead of memorizing endless rules, people benefit most from understanding why a molecule like 1-hexanol behaves the way it does. Employers can push for quick access to safety data and hands-on refresher sessions, not just dusty manuals. When workers recognize both opportunities and risks tied to chemical formulas, they not only stay safer, but build confidence on the job.
Most folks working with solvents like 1-Hexanol know the sharp smell and oily texture right away. This alcohol shows up in labs, perfume factories, and chemical plants across the country. Though nobody gets excited talking about storage, safe handling starts at this step. Safety lapses lead to fires, injuries, and wasted resources.
Many sources list 1-Hexanol as flammable and sometimes toxic. It can irritate the skin and eyes, and enough vapor in the air leaves workers with headaches or worse. A friend once got splashed with it—the rash stuck around for two weeks. In a closed room, fumes can build up and cause trouble for anyone coming in next.
Improper storage sets up real headaches. Poured into the wrong plastic, it slowly eats at the container. A dented metal drum rusts, leaks, and pollutes the area. If it meets strong oxidizers in the same storeroom, a simple spill might turn into an emergency. Fire marshals don’t like repeat calls to places cutting corners.
A strong, sealed container shields workers and property. Stainless steel, polyethylene, or Teflon handle this compound without crumbling or leaking. I’ve walked storerooms with clear labels, tight caps, and a logbook tracking every bottle. Spills get cleaned right away, nobody waits for someone else to deal with them.
Don’t stack drums on broken pallets or by air vents. Keep 1-Hexanol away from acids and oxidizing agents. Lock cabinets or flammable storage lockers slow down theft or accidents; they carry warning signs that stand out in any language. Keep all containers cool and dry, because summer heat can build up pressure inside.
Shortcuts pop up where people think nobody’s watching. Supervisors who train staff properly cut down on these “bad habits.” I remember seeing well-posted material safety data sheets next to supply rooms, and regular drills that included real chemical storage scenarios—not just fire alarm testing.
Storage rules should be posted where anyone grabbing supplies can see them. New hires need to learn these best practices; old-timers can forget. Routine inspections—carried out by both staff and management—catch leaking caps and damaged labeling before bigger problems grow.
Fire-rated cabinets and non-sparking shelves belong in any place storing significant amounts. Digital sensors can watch for vapor buildup, flagging dangerous trends sooner rather than later. Insurers often give breaks to businesses that put these precautions in place; fines and legal trouble follow those who ignore them.
Basic respect for chemicals like 1-Hexanol stands at the core of every safe workplace. People sometimes scoff at storage rules until a minor spill scares everyone straight. Consistency and communication—posting guidance, enforcing rules, and rewarding safe habits—help everyone go home healthier.
1-Hexanol often shows up in labs and factories, popping out of bottles with a somewhat sweet, herbal scent. At first glance, it looks just like water—colorless and clear—but the smell sets it apart. This liquid carries a structure of six carbon atoms in a chain with an alcohol group at the end, which shapes how it behaves.
Melting points tell a story about how a substance holds together, and 1-Hexanol sticks to a solid shape around -46°C before it loosens up and starts to flow. Once you put some heat under it, the boiling point rolls up to about 157°C. That’s a big gap, and it matters because it means 1-Hexanol can handle some serious temperature swings before changing from a liquid to a vapor.
It pours thicker than water, with a density close to 0.82 g/cm³ at room temperature. Anyone who's spent time moving chemicals around in a lab knows that little difference adds up. It doesn’t float on water but mixes with quite a few organic solvents. In my own early experiments, the stuff always took a little effort to clean up because it lingers on surfaces, almost sticky, reminding you to handle it with care.
1-Hexanol doesn’t jump right into water like ethanol or methanol; its chain length makes it stubbornly hydrophobic. Only around six grams will dissolve in 100 mL of water at room temperature. As that chain stretches, it dodges water more and more. That makes sense, and it's useful for applications where you want the alcohol part to react but not abandon ship into water too easily. On the other hand, it blends quickly with things like ether and chloroform—so it acts like a bridge between oily and watery worlds, depending on the partner.
It’s not syrup-thick, but 1-Hexanol takes its time pouring, a shade slower than water. This slight drag feels familiar for folks who’ve used medium-chain alcohols. It helps create smoother mixtures in the right settings, such as perfumes and certain plasticizers. Viscosity matters in all kinds of blending and coating tasks—if your solvent runs off too quickly, that extra hold can keep the mixture in place.
One thing every lab worker learns fast: treat medium alcohols with respect. 1-Hexanol gives off flammable vapors well below its boiling point, starting around 63°C. I once watched a careless spark cause trouble with a related compound, so keeping these bottles away from open flames or hot equipment isn’t just good advice—it’s a rule that earns respect the hard way.
Physical properties shape the jobs 1-Hexanol can handle. Its behavior in water, its boiling point, and how it blends decide where it fits in industry. It shows up in the flavors and fragrances world, but also in the lab where its medium-chain structure provides a stepping stone for building bigger molecules. Understanding the details—density, flammability, solubility—means safer handling and smarter choices whether you’re formulating a product, conducting research, or training the next group of chemists to handle materials the right way.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | hexan-1-ol |
| Other names |
hexan-1-ol
n-hexanol hexyl alcohol amyl carbinol 1-Hydroxyhexane |
| Pronunciation | /ˈhɛk.sə.nɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 111-27-3 |
| Beilstein Reference | 635089 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:15602 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL131131 |
| ChemSpider | 7435 |
| DrugBank | DB02110 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.003.957 |
| EC Number | 200-587-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 52952 |
| KEGG | C02362 |
| MeSH | D006534 |
| PubChem CID | 8103 |
| RTECS number | MP5425000 |
| UNII | 138M8S8B0E |
| UN number | UN2282 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H14O |
| Molar mass | 102.18 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | mild, sweet, alcohol-like |
| Density | 0.814 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | 5.9 g/L (20 °C) |
| log P | 1.8 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.9 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 16.1 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 5.37 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -48.8·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.417 |
| Viscosity | 6.02 mPa·s (at 20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.695 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 282.0 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -368.9 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3931.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D01AE22 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H302, H315, H318, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P261, P280, P301+P312, P305+P351+P338, P403+P233 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 58 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 405 °C |
| Explosive limits | 1.1–7% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 4600 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of 1-Hexanol: "2.46 g/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | NA0340000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) of 1-Hexanol: "50 ppm (skin) |
| REL (Recommended) | 200 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 100 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
2-Hexanol
3-Hexanol Hexanal 1-Hexene 1-Pentanol 1-Heptanol |
