E586 (4-Hexylresorcinol) is a small amphiphilic organic chemical compound (substituted dihydroxybenzene), phenol and synthetic alkyl resorcinol lipid that is extracted from plants. It is synthesised from resorcinol and caproic acid.

It appears as a yellowish, viscous liquid.

What it is used for and where

Food

Ingredient listed in the European food additives list as E586 with antimicrobial, antiseptic and antioxidant functions. It also has a non-enzymatic lightening and anti-browning function and is a potent inhibitor of shrimp melanosis (1).

Medical

 4-Hexylresorcinol has an antimicrobial action and can be applied to many types of surgical wounds for its anti-inflammatory and capillary regeneration properties (2) and is included in mouthwashes and cleansers for the treatment of skin wounds.

Cosmetics

Antimicrobial incorporated in skin lotions, toothpastes.

Antimicrobial agent. This ingredient is able to suppress or inhibit the growth and replication of a broad spectrum of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses by making the stratum corneum temporarily bactericidal and fungicidal.

Other uses

• Animal feeding as a substitute for antibiotic administration  (3).

4‐hexylresorcinol studies

• Molecular Formula   C₁₂H₁₈O₂
• Molecular Weight  194.27    
• CAS  136-77-6
• UNII    R9QTB5E82N
• EC Number   205-257-4

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Iyengar, R., Bohmont, C.W. and Mcevily, A.J., 1991. 4-Hexylresorcinol and prevention of shrimp blackspot: residual analyses. Journal of food composition and analysis, 4(2), pp.148-157.

(2) Kim SG. 4-Hexylresorcinol: pharmacologic chaperone and its application for wound healing. Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Feb 1;44(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s40902-022-00334-w. 

(3) Zavyalov O, Galimzhan D, Marina K. Effect of feeding bioactive compounds identified from plant extracts (4-hexylresorcinol, 7-hydroxycoumarin, and gamma-octalactone) on the productivity and quality of broiler meat. Vet World. 2022 Dec;15(12):2986-2996. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2986-2996.