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Alcohols & Glycols

Dihydroxyacetone

CAS: 96-26-4

Overview

Dihydroxyacetone ( CAS 96-26-4 ), commonly abbreviated as DHA and also marketed as Viticolor and Soleal, is a simple ketose sugar used commercially as a skin-browning active and a cross-linking agent.

Its reactivity with amino acids drives color development and surface modification across multiple industries. In personal care, DHA is the primary active ingredient in self-tanning formulations.

It reacts with skin proteins to produce a temporary brown coloration without UV exposure, a mechanism also applied in targeted repigmentation products for vitiligo. Leather and textile processors use it as a cross-linking agent.

This improves surface durability and fixation of dyes and finishes. In food manufacturing, it functions as a flavoring and browning agent, contributing to color and taste development in certain processed products.

Paper treatment applications leverage its cross-linking properties to modify surface characteristics and improve functional performance. DHA is supplied as a white crystalline powder, with dimeric and monomeric forms available.

Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are the most commonly traded, with high-purity grades typically exceeding 98% assay. These meet various industrial requirements for stability and performance.

Bulk quantities are available for industrial buyers, with smaller packaged quantities offered for formulators and laboratory use. Our material adheres to strict quality standards to ensure consistent results.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point90 °C
Boiling Point107.25°C (rough estimate)
Density1.1385 (rough estimate)
Appearancewhite powder
ColorWhite
Odorat 100.00 %. minty
Formpowder
Water Solubility>250 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure0.002-0.33Pa at 20-50℃
Refractive Index1.4540 (estimate)
pH4-6 (20°C, 50g/L in H2O)
Log P-1.95 at 20℃

Safety & Handling

Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29141900
Storage Class13 - Non Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany)1

Other Names

Viticolor | Triulose | Soleal | Protosol | Oxatone | Oxantin | Dihyxal | Chromelin | DHA

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
96-26-4
EC Number
202-494-5
Mol. Weight
90.08
HS Code
29141900

Industries

Documentation