Hexyl Salicylate is a chemical compound, an ester of salicylic acid, is a fragrance that is added to liquid soaps, shampoos etc. to perfume them.
The name describes the structure of the molecule:
- Hexyl refers to the hexyl group, an alkyl group derived from hexane, which is a hydrocarbon with six carbon atoms. The hexyl group imparts certain olfactory properties to the compound.
- Salicylate refers to the salt or ester of salicylic acid. Salicylates are known for their properties as UV filters and for their aromatic qualities.
Raw Materials and Their Functions
Salicylic Acid. An organic acid used as the base for the production of hexyl salicylate. It contributes to the UV-absorbing properties of the compound.
Hexanol (Hexyl Alcohol). A fatty alcohol used to esterify salicylic acid, imparting aromatic properties to the compound.
Industrial Chemical Synthesis of Hexyl Salicylate
- Esterification with the reaction of salicylic acid with hexanol. During this reaction, an ester bond is formed between salicylic acid and hexanol, producing hexyl salicylate.
- Reaction Control. The esterification reaction is monitored to ensure it occurs correctly and the final product has the desired properties.
- Purification. After the reaction, hexyl salicylate is purified to remove impurities and by-products.
- Quality Control. The purified hexyl salicylate undergoes quality checks to ensure it meets the required standards. After quality control, it is packaged for use in cosmetic and skincare products, where it utilizes its properties as a fragrance and UV filter.
Form and Color
Hexyl Salicylate is typically a liquid. This compound is usually colorless or very light in color.
What it is used for and where
Salicylic Esters are a class of highly used chemicals such as aromas and fragrances in foods, beverages and many consumer products.
Hexyl Salicylate is primarily used as a fragrance in cosmetic and personal care products, such as perfumes, lotions, and body cleansing products. Hexyl Salicylate is known for its floral and slightly herbaceous scent, contributing to creating pleasant and long-lasting fragrances. It is also used in some sunscreen formulations for its UV-absorbing properties.
Cosmetics
Fragrance. It plays a decisive and important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.
Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.
Safety
However, some personal care products are polluting : Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Salicylate, Lemonile and Okoumal were detected for the first time in Antarctic natural seawater, and reached total concentrations up to 100ngL-1 (1).
Hexyl Salicylate studies
Molecular Formula : C13H18O3
Molecular Weight : 222.284 g/mol
CAS : 6259-76-3
EINECS 228-408-6
Synonyms :
- Hexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
- Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, hexyl ester
- 1-Hexyl salicylate
- Hexyl salicylic acid
- Salicylic acid, hexyl ester
- Hexyl 2-hydroxybenzoic acid
References___________________________________________________________________
(1) Vecchiato M, Gregoris E, Barbaro E, Barbante C, Piazza R, Gambaro A. Fragrances in the seawater of Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica. Sci Total Environ. 2017 Sep 1;593-594:375-379. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.03.197.
Abstract. Personal Care Products are emerging pollutants whose distribution in the Antarctic and remote environments is still largely unknown. Among PCPs, long-lasting and stable Fragrance Materials were selected to perform a first pilot study on their occurrence in the coastal surface seawater of Terra Nova Bay in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Ambrofix, Amyl Salicylate, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Salicylate, Lemonile and Okoumal were detected for the first time in Antarctic natural seawater, and reached total concentrations up to 100ngL-1. Treated discharges from the Italian research station Mario Zucchelli (MZS) contain FMs, however concentrations in nearby Tethys Bay increase during the seasonal melt of the sea ice and its snow cover: variability in emissions and distribution, as well as a contribution from atmospheric (long or short-range) transport were hypothesized.
Hexyl Salicylate 
