2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol

Description

2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol, which in the past has been erroneously called “hexylene glycol”, is an ingredient in products ranging from cosmetics to brake fluid. A. Franke first reported its synthesis in 1901. P. Y. Chavant and co-workers recently came up with?a new use for it—synthesizing arylboronic esters without having to run the reaction at cryogenic temperatures.

Description

Hexylene glycol is a colorless liquid with amild, sweet odor. The odor threshold is 50 ppm. Molecularweight= 1 18.20; Specific gravity (H20:1) = 0.92; Boilingpoint = 197.8℃; FreezingMelting point= - 50℃ (sets toglass); Vapor pressure = 0.05 mmHg at 20℃;Flashpoint = 98.3℃; Autoignition temperature = 260℃; 306℃.Explosive limits: LEL= 1.3%; UEL= 7.4%.. HazardIdentification (basedon NFPA-704 M Rating System):Health 2, Flammability 1, Reactivity 0. Soluble in water.

Chemical properties

Hexylene Glycol is an oily colorless liquid with a mild sweet odor. It is an oxygenated solvent derived from acetone which has two alcohol functions. It has a low evaporation rate and it is completely miscible with water.

The Uses of 2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol

(^+)-2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol is used to control the flow properties of industrial products such as paints, coatings, cleansers, solvents, and hydraulic fluids. It acts as a thickening agent in cosmetic products. It serves as a coupling agent and an additive to hydraulic fluids, inks and cement. It is also employed as a blood volume expander. Further, it is used as a solvent for cleaning and colorant products. In addition to this, it is used in laboratory studies as a precipitant and cryoprotectant in protein crystallography.

The Uses of 2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol

1. Hexylene Glycol is used as a reagent in the synthesis of functionalized boronic esters. it is used in laboratory studies as a precipitant and cryoprotectant in protein crystallography.
2. Also used in the preparation of vinylboronates.
3. It is mainly used as a coupling agent and an additive to hydraulic fluids, inks and cement. Further, it is used as a solvent for cleaning and colorant products.
4. It is a potential substitute for glycol ethers.
5. It is an effective shrinkage reduction admixture or SRA for concrete and mortar.
6. It can also be used as a building block in chemical synthesis.
7. Hexylene glycol is a key solvent in many markets such as paints & coatings, metal working fluids, detergency, cosmetics & fragrances, textiles & leather.It is used to control the flow properties of industrial products such as paints, coatings, cleansers, solvents, and hydraulic fluids. It acts as a thickening agent in cosmetic products.
8. It is also employed as a blood volume expander.

The Uses of 2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol

hexylene glycol could be considered a solubilizer.

The Uses of 2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol

Fuel and lubricant additive; solvent in cosmetics; solvent in petroleum refining; coupling agent in hydraulic brake fluid and printing inks; gasoline anti-icer additive

Definition

ChEBI: A glycol in which the two hydroxy groups are at positions 2 and 4 of 2-methylpentane (isopentane).

Production Methods

2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol is prepared commercially by the catalytic hydrogenation of diacetone alcohol . It is used as a chemical intermediate, a selective solvent in petroleum refining, a component of hydraulic fluids, a solvent for inks, and as an additive for cement . Industrial exposure is likely to be from direct contact or from inhalation, particularly if the material is heated.

General Description

Oily colorless liquid with a mild sweet odor. Floats and mixes slowly with water.

Air & Water Reactions

Hygroscopic. Water soluble [Hawley]

Reactivity Profile

2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol is incompatible with the following: Strong oxidizers, strong acids [Note: Hygroscopic (i.e., absorbs moisture from the air).] .

Hazard

Toxic by ingestion and inhalation; irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Combustible.

Health Hazard

Irritation of eyes, nose and throat; headache, dizziness, and nausea.

Chemical Reactivity

Reactivity with Water No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: Can catch fire when in contact with porous materials such as wood, asbestos, cloth, soil, or rusty metals; Stability During Transport: Stable at ordinary temperatures, however when heated this material can decompose to nitrogen and ammonia gases. The decomposition is not generally hazardous unless it occurs in confined spaces; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Flush with water and neutralize the resulting solution with calcium hypochlorite; Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.

Potential Exposure

”Human Data;Primary Irritant. Hexylene glycol is used in metal workingfluids; the formulation of hydraulic brake fluids; in makingprinting inks. It is used as a fuel and lubricant additive; asan emulsifying agent; and as a cement additive.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irri gate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek med-ical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, includ-ing resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medi-cal attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

storage

Color Code- Green: General storage may be used.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trainedon its proper handling and storage. Before entering confinedspace where this chemical may be present, check to makesure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in tightly closed containlers; in a cool, well-ventilated areaaway from oxidizers (such as perox ides, perchlorates, chlo-rates, permanganates, and nitrates). Where possible, auto-matically pump liquidfrom drums orotherstoragecontainers to process containers.

Shipping

HexyleneglycolisnotcitedinDOT'SPerformance-Oriented Packaging Standards.'

Purification Methods

Dry the diol with Na2SO4, then CaH2 and fractionally distil it under reduced pressure through a packed column, taking precautions to avoid absorption of water. [Beilstein 1 IV 2565.]

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with strong acids, caustics,aliphatic amines, isoc yanates, strong oxidizers. Hygroscopic(i.e., absorbs moisture from the air). .