1-Hexanol

1Identification

Name

1-Hexanol

IUPAC name

hexan-1-ol

CAS number

111-27-3 (also reported: 25917-35-5)

EC number

203-852-3

Molecular formula

C6H14O

Molecular weight

102.17 g/mol

InChIKey

ZSIAUFGUXNUGDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCCCCO

PubChem CID

8103

Synonyms

1-Hexanol, Hexyl alcohol, Hexan-1-ol, n-Hexanol, n-Hexyl alcohol, Amylcarbinol, 1-Hydroxyhexane, Caproyl alcohol, 1-Hexyl alcohol, Pentylcarbinol, n-Hexan-1-ol, Caproic alcohol, C6 alcohol, Alcohol(C6)

Recommended uses

• Used to produce plasticizers, antiseptics, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and finishing agents for textile and leather; Used as a flavoring agent and a solvent for fats, waxes, dyes, and paints; [CHEMINFO]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• For 1-Hexanol (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 079047) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Lubricating agent Wetting agent (non-aqueous) Flavoring and nutrient Solvent Fuel Surfactant (surface active agent) Monomers Emulsifier Fragrance Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Lubricating agent Flavoring and nutrient Fuel Monomers Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Fragrance
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index · Cosmetics -> Hydrotrope; Solvent; Surfactant; Antifoaming

Description

• Hexanols appears as a clear colorless liquid mixture of isomeric six-carbon alcohols with similar chemical properties. Vapors are heavier than air. Used to make pharmaceuticals and as a solvent.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• N-hexanol appears as a clear colorless liquid. Flash point 149 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Hexan-1-ol is a primary alcohol that is hexane substituted by a hydroxy group at position 1. It has a role as an antibacterial agent, a fragrance, an alarm pheromone and a plant metabolite. It is a hexanol and a primary alcohol.
  ChEBI

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

5 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]: May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Liquid causes eye burns and skin irritation. Breathing vapors is not expected to cause systemic illness. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. · Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. · Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids will float on water. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. · Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. · Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. · Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). · Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. · Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. · Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. · Containers may explode when heated. · Many liquids will float on water.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Combustible. Above 63 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• May cause first degree burns after short exposure and second degree burns after longer contact; [CHRIS] Undiluted 1-Hexanol is a mild irritant. Application of 0.2 ml to 27-28 volunteers caused no noticeable skin effects. 1-Hexanol caused corneal burns from which patients recovered within 48 hours. Ingestion can lead to symptoms of alcohol intoxication. [CHEMINFO]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]: Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: Wash skin with soap and water. In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• In case of contact, immediately flush skin and eyes with plenty of water. Wash eyes at least 15 min. and get medical care. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Dry skin.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical or "alcohol" foam extinguisher. Water is ineffective to fire fighting, but is effective to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, carbon dioxide or dry chemical. Keep run off water out of sewers and water sources.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in covered containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Absorb on paper. Evaporate on a glass or iron dish in hood. Burn the paper.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• AEROBIC: 5-Day theoretical BODs of 28%(1), 53% (initial concn of 100 ppm)(2) and 83.6% (initial concn of 2,000 ppm)(3) were observed for 1-hexanol in aerobic screening tests using a sewage inocula. An aerobic biodegradation rate constant of 7.99X10-2 1/hr(4), which corresponds to a half-life of 0.36 days(SRC), was determined in an aerobic screening test at pH 7 and 25 °C using an activated sludge inocula. In a similar screening test, the rate constant was measured to be 1.7X10-2 1/hr(5), which corresponds to a biodegradation half-life of 1.7 days(SRC).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ANAEROBIC: Anaerobic biodegradation studies show 1-hexanol degradation rates of 75%(1) and 83%(2) in 7 days at 37 °C using a synthetic sewage inocula.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Protect containers against physical damage. Keep containers closed and store in well-ventilated, cool place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Chemical gloves, chemical goggles. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Chemical gloves, chemical goggles.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• HEXANOLS are alcohols. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• N-HEXANOL is an alcohol. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water and less dense than water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Can react with oxidizing materials.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the respiratory tract and skin. The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Carcinogen classification

• No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
  Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

• 1-Hexanol's production and use in perfumery, as a plasticizer, solvent, defoamer, food additive, and food flavoring, and in the manufacturing of antiseptics and hypnotics may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. 1-Hexanol occurs as a natural product in fats, oils, and waxes from a number of animal, vegetable, fruit and marine sources. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.928 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 1-hexanol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1-hexanol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 1.3 days.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• LC50 Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow, weight 0.12 g) 97.5 mg/L 96 hr flow-through bioassay, water hardness 45.5 mg/L CaCO3, temp: 25 +/- 1 °C, pH 7.5, dissolved oxygen >60% of saturation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50 Alburnus alburnus (Bleak) 120 mg/L/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50 Nitocra spinipes (Harpacticoid copepod) 317 mg/L/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Spray into the furnace. Incineration will become easier by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 2282

Shipping name

• UN 2282; Hexanols
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 3.3; Hexanols
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Hexanols
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN2282
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Class 3 Flammable and combustible liquid (49 eCFR § 173.120)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 2282 129
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues of n-hexyl alcohol are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a solvent, cosolvent in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Hexyl alcohol is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and 2) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8103 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.