Cyclosiloxanes are a class of silicone material. They are volatile and often used as a solvent. The three main commercial varies are octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6). They evaporate and degrade in air under sunlight.[1]
See main article: octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane. The octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane silicone liquid has no odor and consists of four repeating units of silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) atoms in a closed loop giving it a circular structure. Each silicon atom has two methyl groups attached (CH3).
See main article: decamethylcyclopentasiloxane. Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane silicone liquid has no odor and consists of five repeating units of silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) atoms in a closed loop giving it a circular structure. Each silicon atom has two methyl groups attached (CH3). Typically it is used as an ingredient in antiperspirant, skin cream, sun protection lotion and make-up. With a low surface tension of 18 mN/m this material has good spreading properties.[2]
The dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane silicone liquid has no odor and consists of six repeating units of silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) atoms in a closed loop giving it a circular structure. Each silicon atom has two methyl groups attached (CH3).CASRN: 540-97-6. D6 is also contained under the CAS No. (69430-24-6) which is associated with the names cyclopolydimethylsiloxane, cyclopolydimethylsiloxane (DX), cyclosiloxanes di-Me, dimethylcyclopolysiloxane, polydimethyl siloxy cyclics, polydimethylcyclosiloxane, cyclomethicone and mixed cyclosiloxane.[3]