2-Ethylhexanol: A Versatile Chemical Compound in Modern Industry

2-Ethylhexanol(2-EH) is a colorless liquid,it is produced on a large scale for use in numerous applications such as solvents, flavors, and fragrances and especially as a precursor for production of other chemicals such as emollients and plasticizers.^[1]

Properties

2-Ethylhexanol is hardly soluble in water, but is soluble in almost all organic solvents.It reacts violently with strong oxidants and strong bases. Decomposes on heating and on burning.

Applications

2-Eethylhexanol is used to make plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride. Reaction with phthalic anhydride gives bis(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DOP, DEHP). Reaction with adipic acid gives bis(2-ethyl hexyl) adipate.

Moreover, esterification with acrylic acid gives 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate for use in adhesives and paints.

On the other hand, because it can dissolve many organic materials well, 2-ethyl hexanol is widely used as a low-volatility solvent.

Hazards

2-Ethylhexanol exhibits low toxicity in animal models, with LD50 ranging from 2-3 g/kg (rat). 2-Ethylhexanol has been identified as a cause of indoor air quality related health problems, such as respiratory system irritation, as a volatile organic compound. 2-Ethylhexanol is emitted to air from a PVC flooring installed on concrete that had not been dried properly.

[1] Helmut Bahrmann; Heinz-Dieter Hahn; Dieter Mayer (2005). "2-Ethylhexanol". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a10_137

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