General Description
Oily colorless liquid with a mild sweet odor. Floats and mixes slowly with water.
Reactivity Profile
HEXYLENE GLYCOL(107-41-5) is incompatible with the following: Strong oxidizers, strong acids [Note: Hygroscopic (i.e., absorbs moisture from the air).] .
Air & Water Reactions
Hygroscopic. Water soluble [Hawley]
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.
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.
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). .
Toxics Screening Level
The initial threshold screening level (ITSL) for he xylene glycol (2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol) is 1,210 μg/m3 based on a 1-hour averaging time.
