2- Ethylhexanol

2-ETHYLHEXANOL FORMULA

2-Ethylhexanol is an organic compound that derives its name from a primary alcohol known as hexan-o-l with an ethyl group at position 2. It is synonymously known as 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol or xi-2-Ethyl-1-hexanol. The molecular formula is C8H18O and this compound is commonly abbreviated as 2-EH or 2EH. The chemical is naturally found in corns, olive oil, tobacco, tea, blueberries and alcoholic beverages.

PROPERTIES OF 2-ETHYLHEXANOL

The average molecular weight of this compound is approximately 130.23g/mol. 2-Ethylhexanol belongs to a class of organic compounds known as fatty alcohols, and it’s a colorless liquid that is less soluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents. It melts at -76° C and boils between 183-185° C and has an intense and unpleasant taste with a characteristic odor. 2-Ethylhexanol reacts violently with oxidants and strong bases while it readily forms esters with various acids. When heated or burned, the substance decomposes by emitting acrid smoke and fumes. It is a low-volatile solvent and the heat of combustion of 2-ethylhexanol is -1263.81 kcal/mol at 25° C while the heat of vaporization is about 10.8 kcal/mol at boiling point.

APPLICATIONS

2-Ethylhexanol is utilized in the manufacture of:

• Soap detergents
• Protective coats
• Lubricants
• Herbicides
• Paints

It’s also used:

• in processing other solvents
• as a food additive

INDUSTRIAL USES

Industries may use 2-Ethylhexanol in the

• Extraction of oil and gas
• Production of cosmetics
• Manufacture of plastics and rubber products
• Development of photos and film
• Making of anti-foam agents used in the textiles and paper industries

It can be used as a

• Plating agent and surface treating agent
• Adhesive and sealant
• Corrosion inhibitor and anti-scaling agent
• Intermediate industrial fuel
• General industrial coating

SAFETY AND HAZARDS

As with other chemicals, 2-ethylhexanol requires handling with care and implementation of safety measures. Some of the harmful effects this compound can cause if not handled appropriately include:

• Skin irritations
• Serious eye damage or irritation
• Respiratory problems when inhaled
• Headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue

PRECAUTIONS

When handling 2-ethylhexanol ensure that you:

• Avoid inhaling vapors
• Handle opened packages with protective gloves
• Wash any part of your body that gets into contact with the compound with a lot of water
• Keep away from sources of fire
• Dispose of the contaminated gloves after use where necessary
• Use protective glasses
• Keep the container with this compound tightly closed in a dry, well-ventilated place

Even though 2-EH has a non-natural source, it can also be produced by the decomposition of plasticizers by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Synthetic construction materials also create it. It’s found in fruits such as cassava, raw and roasted earth almonds, raw beef and duck meat. 2-EH is less toxic to aquatic organisms and has low adverse effects on the envir