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1-Hexanol

  • Alcohol solvents
  • CAS 111-27-3
  • IUPAC: Hexan-1-ol

1-Hexanol (CAS 111-27-3) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

Fatal if inhaled (Acute Tox. Cat 1, H330) at ingredient level — this is a genuine Cat 1 inhalation hazard classification for the pure substance. At 25–50% in a UV sealant wipe formula, H330 carries forward to the mixture-level SDS classification (Acute Tox. Cat 1 inhalation), driving the product DANGER signal word and the 3.0 health score ceiling. Also classified as Acute Tox. Cat 4 oral (H302) and Acute Tox. Cat 4 dermal (H312) at ingredient level. Eye irritation Cat 2 (H319). H330 at mixture level is the dominant hazard — product must be used outdoors or with genuine ventilation, not just 'adequate ventilation' boilerplate.

Hexan-1-ol (1-hexanol, CAS 111-27-3) is a six-carbon primary aliphatic alcohol used as a solvent in UV sealant and coating formulations, including headlight restoration UV sealant wipes. At 25–50% concentration, it drives the Acute Toxicity Category 1 inhalation classification (H330: Fatal if inhaled) at the mixture level — making this the most significant health hazard in consumer headlight restoration products where it appears.

The H330 Cat-1 inhalation classification is not a precautionary boilerplate call. The NIOSH IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) for hexan-1-ol is not established, but the CLP/GHS Cat-1 classification is supported by vapor pressure and LC50 data for the pure substance. In a pre-moistened wipe format (not aerosol), vapor generation is lower than from a liquid pour, but the SDS §7 directive to use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas reflects genuine chemistry, not regulatory conservatism.

Aquatically toxic at ingredient level, though the SDS §12 classification does not always carry forward to H411 at the mixture level for multi-component products.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Primary solvent in UV sealant wipe formulations for headlight restoration; responsible for H330 (Fatal if inhaled) Acute Tox. Cat 1 inhalation classification at mixture level when present at 25–50%

Common questions about 1-Hexanol

What is 1-Hexanol used for in car care?
Primary solvent in UV sealant wipe formulations for headlight restoration; responsible for H330 (Fatal if inhaled) Acute Tox. Cat 1 inhalation classification at mixture level when present at 25–50%
Is 1-Hexanol a VOC?
Yes. 1-Hexanol is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is 1-Hexanol on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. 1-Hexanol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is 1-Hexanol biodegradable?
Yes. 1-Hexanol has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.