2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol

2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol (CAS 94-96-2) is a diol solvent and humectant. Also known as Rutgers 612 and Repellent 612.

Where is 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol used?

• Personal care: multifunctional preservative booster enhancing primary preservative systems in lotions, creams and rinse-off products
• Agricultural crop protection: carrier solvent improving solubility and delivery of active ingredients
• Insect repellents: active ingredient against mosquitoes and other biting insects, alone or combined with DEET
• Pharmaceutical topical preparations: solvent and humectant where controlled moisture retention is required
• It functions primarily as a preservative booster and carrier solvent.

Good to know: Technical grade is the standard commercial offering; higher-purity grades meeting pharmaceutical or cosmetic specifications are available for regulated end-use markets.

Commercial specifications

• Drum and IBC quantities