Description

α-Hydroxycaproicacid is a versatile hydroxycarboxylic acid with significant utility in advanced organic synthesis. Its bifunctional nature, featuring both a carboxylic acid and a hydroxyl group, makes it a valuable building block for creating complex molecules and specialty polymers. This compound is particularly sought after by research institutions and industrial manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemical sectors for developing novel compounds and functional materials.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate: Serves as a key chiral synthon in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and prodrugs.
• Polymer Chemistry: Acts as a monomer or co-monomer for producing biodegradable polyesters and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs).
• Agrochemical Synthesis: Used in the manufacture of herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators.
• Fine Chemical Production: Employed in the synthesis of flavors, fragrances, and specialty surfactants.
• Chelating Agent Precursor: Useful for creating ligands and chelating agents for metal ion sequestration.
• Biochemical Research: Applied in metabolic studies and as a substrate or inhibitor in enzymatic research.
• Cosmetic Ingredients: Potential use in the synthesis of skin-conditioning agents and mild exfoliants.
• Corrosion Inhibitor Formulation: Incorporated into formulations designed to protect metals in various industrial settings.

Basic Information

Item	Detail
Product Name	α-Hydroxycaproicacid
CAS No.	636-36-2
Molecular Formula	C6H12O3
Molecular Weight	132.16 g/mol
Synonyms	2-Hydroxycaproic Acid; 2-Hydroxyhexanoic Acid; α-Hydroxycaproic Acid; α-Hydroxyhexanoic Acid; (RS)-2-Hydroxyhexanoic Acid; DL-2-Hydroxyhexanoic Acid; Hexanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-; 2-Hydroxy-n-caproic Acid
EINECS	211-254-0

Quality Control

Our α-Hydroxycaproicacid is produced under a stringent quality management system. Each batch undergoes comprehensive analytical testing, including chromatographic purity analysis and identity confirmation, to ensure it meets exacting standards for research and industrial use. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting purity, assay, and impurity profiles is provided with every shipment to guarantee traceability and consistency.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at a controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Due to its hygroscopic and easily oxidized nature, it is recommended to store the material under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon) for long-term preservation and to minimize degradation. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Assay (HPLC)	≥ 98.0%
Melting Point	65 - 70 °C
Loss on Drying	≤ 1.0%
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 10 ppm
Residue on Ignition	≤ 0.1%
Optical Purity (if applicable)	Contact for details

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.