The invention provides 1,6-hexanediol having a proportion by weight of nitrogen of less than 5 ppm, and polymers obtained by reacting the 1,6-hexanediol with at least one reactive compound. The 1,6-hexanediol is obtained by distilling a mixture including 1,6-hexanediol and more than 500 ppm of at least one carboxylic acid, ester, or both, having a boiling point higher than that of the 1,6-hexanediol and being in contact with the 1,6-hexanediol at a temperature range greater than or equal to 100° C. for at least 5 minutes before, during, or before and during, the distillation, followed by collection of the 1,6-hexanediol. In certain embodiments of this invention, the 1,6-hexanediol has a proportion by weight of nitrogen of less than 3 ppm and less than 2 ppm.