2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH), also known as 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, is a branched-chain primary alcohol with the chemical formula C8H18O and a molecular weight of 130.23 g/mol. Its CAS number is 104-76-7.
2-Ethylhexanol is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild characteristic odor. It is slightly soluble in water but highly soluble in many organic solvents. Its relatively high boiling point, low melting point, and good solvent properties make it an important raw material for plasticizers, acrylates, coatings, lubricants, and other chemical products.
1. Key Physical Properties of 2-Ethylhexanol
One of the most important physical properties of 2-ethylhexanol is its boiling point of approximately 183–185 °C. Its low melting point allows it to remain liquid under relatively low-temperature conditions.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol |
| Common Name | 2-Ethylhexanol / 2-EH |
| CAS Number | 104-76-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C8H18O |
| Molecular Weight | 130.23 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 183–185 °C |
| Melting Point | Approximately −76 °C |
| Density (20 °C) | Approximately 0.833 g/mL |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Water Solubility (20 °C) | Approximately 1 g/L |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in most organic solvents |
Actual values may vary slightly depending on measurement conditions and product specifications. For industrial purchasing, buyers should confirm the required specification with the supplier's TDS and COA.
2. What Is 2-Ethylhexanol Used For?
2-Ethylhexanol is primarily used as a chemical intermediate in the production of plasticizers and other specialty chemicals. Its branched molecular structure makes it particularly useful for producing derivatives with desirable flexibility, solvency, and processing properties.
Plasticizer Production
One of the largest applications of 2-ethylhexanol is the production of 2-ethylhexyl esters used as plasticizers. These plasticizers are widely used to improve the flexibility and processing characteristics of PVC and other polymer materials.
2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate
2-Ethylhexanol is also used to produce 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, an important monomer for acrylic polymers, coatings, adhesives, and related materials.
Coatings and Resins
Because of its solvency and relatively low volatility, 2-ethylhexanol can be used in selected coating, resin, and chemical formulations. It can also act as a solvent for materials such as resins, oils, waxes, and petroleum derivatives.
Lubricants and Fuel Additives
2-Ethylhexanol and its derivatives are used in certain lubricating oil and fuel-related applications, where their chemical and physical properties can provide useful formulation characteristics.
Other Chemical Applications
2-Ethylhexanol is also used in the production of low-volatility esters, ethoxylates, herbicide formulations, and specialty chemical intermediates. Its derivatives can also be used in extractants for selected mineral and metal-processing applications.
3. Why Is 2-Ethylhexanol Important in Industry?
2-Ethylhexanol is widely used because it combines several useful properties: a relatively high boiling point, low melting point, low water solubility, and good compatibility with many organic materials.
As a result, it serves not only as a solvent but also as an important feedstock for downstream chemical synthesis. Demand for 2-ethylhexanol is closely related to industries such as plastics, coatings, adhesives, lubricants, and specialty chemicals.
4. 2-Ethylhexanol CAS 104-76-7 for Industrial Supply
For industrial applications, buyers should confirm the required purity, specification, packaging, and quantity before purchasing 2-ethylhexanol. Important documents such as a COA, SDS/MSDS, and TDS can also help buyers verify product quality and suitability for their application.
GNEE BIO supplies 2-Ethylhexanol CAS 104-76-7 for B2B and bulk applications. Customers can provide their required quantity, specification, packaging, destination port, and delivery terms to receive a suitable quotation.
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5. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the boiling point of 2-ethylhexanol?
The boiling point of 2-ethylhexanol is approximately 183–185 °C under standard atmospheric pressure.
What is the CAS number of 2-ethylhexanol?
The CAS number of 2-ethylhexanol is 104-76-7.
What is the molecular formula of 2-ethylhexanol?
The molecular formula is C8H18O, with a molecular weight of approximately 130.23 g/mol.
Is 2-ethylhexanol soluble in water?
2-Ethylhexanol has low water solubility, approximately 1 g/L at 20 °C, but it is highly soluble in many organic solvents.
What is 2-ethylhexanol mainly used for?
2-Ethylhexanol is mainly used to produce plasticizers and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. It is also used in coatings, resins, lubricants, fuel-related formulations, ethoxylates, and other specialty chemicals.
Is 2-ethylhexanol the same as 2-ethyl-1-hexanol?
Yes. 2-Ethylhexanol and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol refer to the same chemical compound, CAS 104-76-7. "2-EH" is also commonly used as an abbreviation.
Conclusion
2-Ethylhexanol (CAS 104-76-7) is an important branched-chain alcohol and chemical intermediate with a boiling point of approximately 183–185 °C. Its low melting point, low water solubility, and good compatibility with organic materials make it useful across plasticizers, acrylates, coatings, lubricants, and other chemical applications.
For bulk procurement, buyers should confirm the required grade, purity, packaging, COA, SDS, TDS, quantity, and destination before placing an order.