2-Ethylhexanol
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| 2-Ethylhexanol | |
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| Chemical name | 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol |
| Other names | Isooctanol Isooctyl alcohol 2-Ethylhexyl alcohol Oxooctyl alcohol |
| Chemical formula | C8H18O |
| Molecular mass | 130.23 g/mol |
| CAS number | [104-76-7] |
| Density | 0.833 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | -76 °C |
| Boiling point | 183-185 °C |
| SMILES | OCC(CC)CCCC |
| Disclaimer and references | |
2-Ethylhexanol, or isooctanol, is an organic compound used in the manufacture of a variety of products. It is a branched, eight-carbon alcohol. It is a clear, colorless liquid that is nearly insoluble in water, but well soluble in most organic solvents.
2-Ethylhexanol can be readily converted into esters that have a variety of uses. The primary use of 2-ethylhexanol is in the manufacture of the diester bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer. Because it is a fatty alcohol, esters of 2-ethylhexanol tend to have emollient properties. For example, the sunscreen octocrylene contains a 2-ethylhexyl ester for this purpose. It is also commonly used as a low volatility solvent.
2-Ethylhexanol is a combustible liquid above 60°C. It is a marine polutant and it irritates skin, eyes and respiratory tract. It can also cause nausea and headache after inhalation, and diarrhea and vomiting after ingestion. Long-term or repeated exposure can result in defatting of the skin.
