1,6-Hexanediol (HDO) CAS 629-11-8

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

• Q:

  What is 1,6-Hexanediol HDO CAS 629-11-8?

  A: 1,6-Hexanediol, commonly abbreviated HDO, is a linear aliphatic diol with molecular formula C6H14O2. It is used as a reactive building block in polyester, polyurethane and radiation-curable resin manufacture, not as a finished formulated product.
• Q:

  Is 1,6-Hexanediol the same as 1,2-Hexanediol or 1,4-Butanediol?

  A: No. These diols have different carbon-chain lengths or hydroxyl-group positions, which changes molecular flexibility, reactivity and final resin properties. 1,6-Hexanediol should be selected by full chemical identity and matched to the target polymer chemistry.
• Q:

  What are the main applications of 1,6-Hexanediol?

  A: HDO is mainly used to make polyester polyols and polyurethane resins for coatings, adhesives and elastomers. It is also used in UV-curable oligomers and selected epoxy systems where its linear C6 structure provides flexibility, impact resistance and controlled crystallinity.
• Q:

  What physical form and melting behaviour should be expected?

  A: 1,6-Hexanediol is a white crystalline solid at room temperature and becomes liquid above its melting range of about 40-43 deg C. It is commonly supplied as flakes or molten bulk, so the receiving process must maintain the temperature needed for the chosen form.
• Q:

  Why is 1,6-Hexanediol used to improve polyester and polyurethane performance?

  A: Its terminal hydroxyl groups react into the polymer backbone while the six-carbon chain contributes flexibility and lower crystallinity compared with shorter or aromatic diols. This helps tailor hardness, elongation, hydrolysis resistance and low-temperature performance in resin systems.