2-Ethylhexanol

2-Ethylhexanol, 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.

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.