2-Ethyl Hexanol is colorless transparent flammable liquid with a special odor, miscible with most organic solvents. Risk of burning in high heat, open flame or contact with oxidants.
| ITEM | STANDARD | RESULT |
| Chroma≦ | 10 | 4 |
| Density(20℃) | 0.831-0.833 | 0.831 |
| Purity%≧ | 99.5 | 99.7 |
| Acidity(Acetic acid)%≦ | 0.01 | 0.0007 |
| Carbonyl compound content %≦ | 0.05 | 0.007 |
| Sulfuric acid color test%≦ | 25 | 12 |
| Water %≦ | 0.10 | 0.012 |
| Conclusion: This Batch is conforming with the standard of GB/T 6818-93. | ||
Applications of 2-Ethyl hexanol
The branched structure of 2-ethylhexanol imparts excellent solvency and low-temperature fluidity, enabling diverse industrial uses:
- Plasticizers Production: Primary feedstock for DOP and DINP esters, imparting flexibility to PVC films, cables, flooring, and automotive interiors, with global demand exceeding 3 million tons annually.
- Coatings and Paints: Acts as a coalescing agent and solvent in latex emulsions, improving film formation and adhesion in architectural and industrial coatings.
- Defoamers and Surfactants: Essential in formulating anti-foaming agents for pulp/paper processing, wastewater treatment, and fermentation, reducing processing inefficiencies.
- Lubricants and Fuel Additives: Enhances viscosity index and pour point in synthetic esters for engine oils and biodiesel, supporting energy-efficient machinery.
- Personal Care and Fragrances: Serves as an emollient in cosmetics and a diluent in perfumes, providing non-greasy textures and stable scent profiles.
- Chemical Synthesis: Used in esterification for agrochemicals, flavors, and pharmaceuticals, leveraging its reactivity with acids and anhydrides.
As bio-based variants emerge, 2-ethylhexanol aligns with sustainable sourcing trends, reducing reliance on petroleum feedstocks.
Why Choose Aozun Chem’s 2-Ethyl hexanol?
- Exceptional Purity: Exceeds REACH and ISO 9001 standards, with <0.1% water and low peroxide levels for defect-free plasticization.
- Cost-Optimized Supply: Scalable volumes at market-leading prices, ensuring supply chain reliability.
- Global Accessibility: Efficient shipping to Asia, Europe, and North America, with MOQs starting at 20 MT.
- Formulation Expertise: Technical consultations for blending, stability testing, and regulatory compliance.
- Eco-Friendly Profile: Low-VOC emissions and compatibility with green chemistry, compliant with RoHS and EPA guidelines.
Empower your production with Aozun Chem’s 2-ethylhexanol—precision-engineered for peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is 2-ethyl hexanol, and what are its key chemical characteristics?
2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) is a branched C8 alcohol (CH₃(CH₂)₃CH(C₂H₅)CH₂OH) known for its high boiling point (184°C), low density (0.833 g/cm³), and hydrophobicity. It functions as a versatile solvent and intermediate, with production volumes surpassing 4 million tons globally due to its role in flexible polymers.
How is 2-ethyl hexanol manufactured?
It is primarily produced through the oxo process: propylene is hydroformylated to butanal, aldolized to 2-ethylhexanal, and hydrogenated to the alcohol. This catalytic method achieves >95% selectivity, with modern plants incorporating renewable hydrogen for lower carbon footprints.
What safety precautions are necessary when handling 2-ethyl hexanol?
As a flammable liquid (flash point 77°C), it poses fire risks; store in cool, ventilated areas away from ignition sources. It may irritate skin, eyes, and lungs—use PPE and ensure eyewash stations. Inhalation LD50 exceeds 5,000 mg/m³ in rats, but avoid prolonged exposure to vapors.
Is 2-ethyl hexanol suitable for food-contact or cosmetic applications?
In refined grades (≥99.8% purity), it complies with FDA 21 CFR 175.105 for indirect food contact as a component in adhesives and coatings. For cosmetics, it meets EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 as a safe emollient when impurities like acetaldehyde are below 10 ppm.
What is the shelf life and recommended storage for 2-ethylhexanol?
It remains stable for 12-24 months when stored in stainless steel or HDPE containers at <40°C, protected from light and moisture to prevent oxidation. Regular quality checks for color and acidity are advised for extended storage.
Can 2-ethylhexanol be used in bio-based or sustainable products?
Yes, increasingly sourced from bio-propylene, it enables low-carbon plasticizers for PVC alternatives, reducing GHG emissions by up to 50%. It’s also key in biodegradable lubricants, supporting circular economy initiatives in packaging and textiles.
How does 2-ethylhexanol compare to n-octanol in industrial applications?
2-Ethylhexanol’s branching provides better low-temperature properties and solvency for plasticizers (e.g., DOP vs. dioctyl adipate), while n-octanol suits linear surfactants. 2-EH dominates 80% of the C8 alcohol market for its superior esterification efficiency.
Access our detailed datasheets or request a trial batch to integrate 2-ethylhexanol seamlessly.
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