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2-Ethylhexanol

2-Ethylhexanol


IUPAC name	2-Ethyl-1-hexanol
Other names	Isooctanol Isooctyl alcohol 2-Ethylhexyl alcohol Oxooctyl alcohol
Identifiers
CAS number	104-76-7
SMILES	OCC(CC)CCCC
Properties
Molecular formula	C₈H₁₈O
Molar mass	130.23 g/mol
Density	0.833 g/cm³
Melting point	-76 °C
Boiling point	183-185 °C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH), or isooctanol, is a fatty alcohol, 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.

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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.

Note that isooctanol and 2-ethylhexanol are not synonymns under all systems of chemical nomnclature. According to the Chemical Abstracts Service, isooctanol (CAS# 26952-21-6) officially refers to a different octanol isomer, 6-methylheptan-1-ol.