2-Ethylhexanoic Alcohol, or 2-Ethylhexanol (abbreviated 2-EH) is a branched, eight-carbon chiral alcohol. It is a colorless liquid produced on a massive 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.
The Chemical Company’s 2-Ethylhexanoic Alcohol is available throughout North & South America in drums, totes, and bulk. To learn more about our chemical supply and distribution solutions and pricing for 2-Ethylhexanol (2EH), please call (401) 360-2800 for details or contact us through our website.
The Chemical Company’s 2-Ethylhexanol (2EH) is a colorless, low-volatility liquid with a mild, characteristic odor. It is a branched-chain fatty alcohol widely used as a key raw material in the production of plasticizers, particularly dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and dioctyl adipate (DOA), which are essential in the manufacture of flexible PVC products.
2EH is produced commercially via the oxo process (hydroformylation of propylene), making it one of the most important C8 alcohols in the chemical industry. Its unique combination of low volatility, good solubility, and chemical stability makes it a versatile building block across a wide range of industrial applications, from coatings and lubricants to surfactants and fuel additives.
Global production of 2-Ethylhexanol exceeds 2,500,000 metric tons annually, making it one of the highest-volume specialty alcohols in the world. Its branched carbon structure inhibits crystallization, which is key to its value in plasticizer and lubricant applications where low-temperature flexibility is required.
2EH naturally occurs in trace amounts in plants, fruits, and wines. Its two enantiomers carry distinct odor profiles: the R-enantiomer is described as heavy, earthy, and slightly floral, while the S-enantiomer has a lighter, sweet floral fragrance, making it relevant to flavor and fragrance formulations.
| Property | Value |
| Molecular Formula | C8H18O |
| Molecular Weight | 130.23 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Boiling Point | 185°C (365°F) at 760 mmHg |
| Flash Point | 73°C (163°F) |
| Density | 0.833 kg/L at 20°C |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.07 mbar at 20°C |
| Refractive Index | 1.432 at 20°C |
| Auto-Ignition Temperature | >231°C |
| Solubility in Water | Poorly soluble; miscible with most organic solvents |
| UN Number | 1986 |
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