It is used as
a solvent and as a chemical intermediate in the production of
esters such as acetates and phthalates. Industrial exposure
may occur in handling and use, and indirect exposure may
occur by hydrolysis of esters containing these alcohols.
Isohexyl alcohol is produced in the oxo process by the
reaction of pentenes with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, followed by hydrogenation.
The commercial product typically consists of three isomers
with the following composition: 44% 1-hexanol, 53%
methylpentanols, and 3% 2-ethylbutanol.
