Description
2-Octanol has a characteristic disagreeable but aromatic odor. This
substance may be prepared by distilling sodium ricinoleate with
an excess of sodium hydroxide.
Chemical Properties
2-Octanol has a characteristically disagreeable, but aromatic odor.
Chemical Properties
colourless liquid with a pungent odour
Occurrence
Two optically active isomers of the alcohol have been found; reported in the oil of Réunion geranium; also identified
in a few species of mint and lavender. Reported found in apple, banana, kumquat peel oil, cranberry, asparagus, peas, thyme,
cheeses, chicken and beef fat, hop oil, beer, cognac, rum, grape wines, tea, oats, soybean, coconut meat, Brazil nut, buckwheat,
loquat, sweet corn and bilberry wine.
Uses
2-Octanol is used as a chemical reagent in the synthesis of a variety of pharmaceutical compounds usually through its oxidation to a ketone or aldehyde. Used in the synthesis of piperine derivates as MAO A & B inhibitors.
Uses
It is used in the paint industry,
as a wetting agent in the textile industry, and as a component
of brake fluids.
Preparation
By distilling sodium ricinoleate with an excess of sodium hydroxide.
Definition
ChEBI: An octanol carrying the hydroxy group at position 2.
Production Methods
2-Octanol is produced commercially by heating a soap of
castor oil with sodium hydroxide. The resulting
commercial product may contain 2–14% methyl hexyl
ketone as a contaminant.
General Description
2-Octanol is a fatty alcohol mainly found in castor oil, tomato leaves and wine.
Safety Profile
Slightly toxic by an unspecifiedroute. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smokeand irritating vapors.
