99% 2-Ethylhexanol CAS 104-76-7 2-EH

Product Overview

2-Ethylhexanol (2-EH) is a branched-chain C8 alcohol produced industrially by the oxo (hydroformylation) process, supplied as a colorless, clear liquid with a mild characteristic odor. It is one of the highest-volume plasticizer alcohols in the world: its esters form the backbone of flexible PVC and a wide range of coatings, adhesives and lubricant additives.

With a high boiling point (≈ 184 °C), low volatility and excellent ester-forming reactivity, 2-EH delivers the processability, durability and cost-efficiency downstream formulators expect — from DOP and DOTP plasticizers to 2-ethylhexyl acrylate for paints and 2-ethylhexyl nitrate for diesel fuel.

A single alcohol, four core value propositions:

• Plasticizer Alcohol:

the standard feedstock for DOP, DOTP, DOA and TOTM plasticizers in flexible PVC

• Acrylate & Coating Intermediates:

2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA) monomer for emulsion paints, adhesives and pressure-sensitive tapes

• Fuel & Lubricant Additives:

2-ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN) cetane improver and intermediate for lubricant additives

• Industrial Solvent & Surfactants:

high-boiling solvent for coatings, inks, agrochemicals and metalworking fluids

Product Information (Quick Facts)

Chemistry & Mechanism

2-Ethylhexanol is a branched primary alcohol: the hydroxyl group sits on a terminal carbon while an ethyl branch occupies the second carbon of the hexyl chain. Industrially it is made by aldol condensation of n-butyraldehyde followed by hydrogenation — the classic “oxo” route from propylene. The branch suppresses crystallization and lowers viscosity, which is exactly why its esters stay fluid at low temperature and why 2-EH derivatives dominate plasticizers, acrylates and cetane improvers.

As a primary alcohol, 2-EH esterifies cleanly with phthalic, adipic, trimellitic and acrylic acids, giving the esters that soften flexible PVC and build solvent-borne coating resins. Commercial 2-EH is supplied at ≥ 99% assay (GC) with tightly controlled water content, acid value and color; both technical and higher-purity grades are available with COA.

Key Features & Benefits

• High purity : consistent esterification yields in plasticizer and acrylate production.

• Low volatility, high boiling point (≈ 184 °C): stable processing performance and low VOC contribution.

• Excellent ester-forming reactivity: clean, high-yield esterification with acids and anhydrides.

• Low-temperature flexibility: the branched structure keeps plasticized PVC flexible at low temperatures.

• Broad compatibility: miscible with most organic solvents; serves coatings, inks, agrochemicals and metalworking fluids.

• Full traceability: COA with every batch documenting assay, water content, acid value and color.

Main Applications

1 Plasticizer Production (Core Application)

2-EH is the world’s principal plasticizer alcohol, converting almost all of global production into ester plasticizers:

• DOP (DEHP): dioctyl phthalate for flexible PVC in cable, flooring, film and synthetic leather;

• DOTP: dioctyl terephthalate, the leading non-phthalate plasticizer for PVC;

• DOA/DOZ: dioctyl adipate for low-temperature flexible films and packaging;

• TOTM: trioctyl trimellitate for high-temperature wire and cable insulation.

2 Acrylates & Coating Intermediates

Acrylate esters of 2-EH are key monomers and modifiers for the coatings and adhesives industry:

• 2-Ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA): comonomer for emulsion paints, architectural coatings and adhesives;

• Pressure-sensitive adhesives: soft, tacky acrylic copolymers for tapes and labels;

• Alkyd and modified resins: intermediate for solvent-borne coating resins;

• Coalescing solvents: high-boiling coalescent for latex paints and printing inks.

3 Fuel & Lubricant Additives

2-EH derivatives improve fuel combustion and lubricant performance:

• 2-Ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN): cetane improver that boosts diesel ignition quality;

• Lubricant additives: intermediate for anti-wear, anti-corrosion and detergent additives;

• Metalworking fluids: component of soluble oils and cutting fluid formulations.

4 Solvent, Surfactant & Specialty Applications

Beyond plasticizers and monomers, 2-EH serves diverse specialty roles:

• Industrial solvent: coatings, inks, dyes, agrochemical formulations and extraction processes;

• Surfactant intermediates: alkylation feedstock for nonionic surfactants and emulsifiers;

• Mining reagents: frother in mineral flotation;

• Chemical intermediates: feedstock for agrochemical synthesis.

Packaging, Storage

Packaging (customizable):

• 170 kg galvanized iron drum, 900 kg IBC, ISO tank container; small trial packs available.

Storage:

• Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and ignition sources;

• Keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture pick-up and contamination;

• Store away from strong oxidizing agents and acids;

• Recommended storage temperature 5 °C – 35 °C.

Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?

• Factory-direct supply: own production capacity, transparent pricing, no middleman markup;

• Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested, COA with every shipment; small trial orders accepted.

• Export experience: familiar with sea/air shipping documentation for chemical commodities, complete paperwork support.

FAQ

Q1: What is 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) used for?

2-EH is a C8 plasticizer alcohol: its esters (DOP, DOTP, DOA, TOTM) soften flexible PVC used in cable, flooring, film and synthetic leather. It is also the feedstock for 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (paints and adhesives), 2-ethylhexyl nitrate (diesel cetane improver), and a solvent and chemical intermediate across coatings, inks, agrochemicals and metalworking fluids.

Q2: What is the difference between 2-ethylhexanol and n-octanol?

Both are C8 alcohols, but 2-ethylhexanol is branched (an ethyl group at C2) while n-octanol is linear. The branch gives 2-EH lower viscosity, better low-temperature flexibility in its esters and a different reactivity profile; its phthalate ester (DOP) is the classic PVC plasticizer, while n-octanol is chosen where linearity matters, such as in certain surfactants and esters.

Q3: Is 2-ethylhexanol safe to handle?

2-EH is a combustible liquid with low acute toxicity, but it can irritate skin and eyes, and high vapor exposure may affect the nervous system. Use gloves, goggles and adequate ventilation, keep it away from ignition sources, and store it separately from strong oxidizers.