Specialty Additives Available — Bulk Only

4-Hexylresorcinol (Hexylresorcinol)

CAS 136-77-6 · Formula C12H18O2 · MW 194.27 g/mol

A food-grade alkylresorcinol antioxidant used to prevent enzymatic browning in seafood processing. In food processing it is used as an antioxidant and processing aid to prevent melanosis ('black spot') in shrimp and other crustaceans.

Request SDS
HS Code
2907.29
At a Glance
Material Family
Specialty Additives
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Biocidal Action
Solubility
< 1 mg/mL at 23 °C
Functional Roles
HEXYLRESORCINOL
ANTIMICROBIAL
Applications & Use Cases
  • Browning inhibitor: Prevents melanosis ('black spot') in shrimp and crustaceans.
  • Food antioxidant: JECFA-classified antioxidant functional use.
  • Polyphenol intermediate: Alkylresorcinol building block for specialty formulation.
Physical Properties
Melting Point
154 to 69 °C
Boiling Point
333 °C at 760 mmHg
Solubility
< 1 mg/mL at 23 °C
Vapor Pressure
0.00000845
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

Request SDS →
HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2907 . 29
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.07
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2907.29
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
136-77-6
Molecular Formula
C12H18O2
Molecular Weight
194.27 g/mol
IUPAC Name
4-hexylbenzene-1,3-diol
INCI Name
HEXYLRESORCINOL
PubChem CID
InChI Key
WFJIVOKAWHGMBH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
hexylresorcinol 4-Hexylresorcinol 4-hexylbenzene-1,3-diol 4-Hexyl-1,3-benzenediol 4-n-Hexylresorcinol Antascarin Ascaricid Ascarinol Caprokol Oxana p-Hexylresorcinol Crystoids Adrover Hidesol Prensol 1,3-Benzenediol, 4-hexyl- 4-Hexylresorcine Gelovermin 4-Hexyl-1,3-dihydroxybenzene
Full Description

4-Hexylresorcinol (CAS 136-77-6) is a 4-alkyl-substituted resorcinol. In food processing it is used as an antioxidant and processing aid to prevent melanosis ('black spot') in shrimp and other crustaceans. It is supplied as a specialty/food-grade alkylresorcinol.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 4-hexylresorcinol used for?

4-Hexylresorcinol (CAS 136-77-6) is a 4-alkyl-substituted resorcinol. In food processing it is used as an antioxidant and processing aid to prevent melanosis ("black spot") in shrimp and other crustaceans, and it serves as an alkylresorcinol building block for specialty formulation.

What does the USP designation mean for this product?

USP indicates the material is supplied to United States Pharmacopeia grade specifications. RawSource provides a Certificate of Analysis documenting conformance per lot.

What is the CAS number and molecular formula of 4-hexylresorcinol?

4-Hexylresorcinol has CAS number 136-77-6 and molecular formula C12H18O2, in the Specialty Additives family. Its HS classification is 2907.29 (polyphenols; phenol-alcohols, other).

How does 4-hexylresorcinol act as a browning inhibitor in seafood?

As an alkylresorcinol antioxidant it inhibits the enzymatic oxidation that causes melanosis (black spot) in shrimp and crustaceans, helping preserve appearance during processing. It is a JECFA-classified antioxidant for this functional use.

What bulk packaging and documentation does RawSource provide?

RawSource supplies food-grade/specialty 4-hexylresorcinol with Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet per lot, packaged per order. Submit a bulk RFQ with your target volume for current pricing and lead time.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.