2-Ethylhexanol

2-Ethylhexanol is a flammable liquid, which in contact with a strong oxidizer may cause a fire. The appearance of this compound is a clear, colorless liquid from the alcohol family, which is almost insoluble in water but dissolves well in most aqueous solvents.

What is 2-Ethylhexanol?

It is a branched, eight-carbon chiral alcohol, which is widely used in many applications such as solvents, flavorings, and aromatics, and especially as a precursor in the production of other chemicals such as emollients. This substance is insoluble in water and has a lower density than water. Although isooctanol (and the derivative isoxyl prefix) is commonly used in industry to refer to 2-ethylhexanol and its derivatives, IUPAC nomenclature conventions dictate that this name properly refers to another isomer of octanol, 6-methyl heptane- 1- Apply first.

Table of technical specifications of 2-Ethylhexanol

2-Ethylhexanol production method

2-Ethylhexanol is industrially produced by condensation of aldol n-butyraldehyde followed by hydrogenation of the resulting hydroxyaldehyde. About 2,500,000 tons are prepared in this way every year.

2-n-Butyraldehyde is made by the hydroformylation of propylene, either in a stand-alone plant or as the first step in a fully integrated facility. In addition to 2-ethylhexanol, most facilities also make 2-n-butanol and isobutanol. Alcohols prepared in this way are sometimes referred to as exo-alcohols. The general process is very similar to the Gerbet reaction, which may also be produced by it.

The method of preparation and production of 2-Ethylhexanol is in four steps and in the following order:

First step: butanol aldolization and subsequent dehydration of the prepared mixture

Second step: separation of aldolization solution

The third step: the hydrogenation of the unsaturated product as an intermediate product

Fourth step: Fractionation

Applications of 2-Ethylhexanol

2-Ethylhexanol esters are similarly affected and hence its use as a raw material in the production of emollients and lubricants, in such a way that its presence helps to reduce viscosity and lower freezing points.

A significant part of the produced 2-Ethylhexanol is used as a precursor for the synthesis of diester phthalate (DEHP) softener. Since this substance is also considered fatty alcohol, its esters have softened properties.

It is also commonly used as a solvent with low volatility. 2-Ethylhexanol can also be used as an acetate number enhancer when reacting with nitric acid. This substance is also used in the reaction with epichlorohydrin and sodium hydroxide to produce glycidyl ether from the molecule, which is used as a diluent for epoxy reactions in various applications of coatings, adhesives and sealants. It can also be used in photography, rubber production, and oil and gas extraction.

The largest market for 2-EH is the plasticizer dioctyl phthalate (DOP), which is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products.

Used to make heavy metal salts to act as thermal stabilizers for PVC.

Their main markets are acrylic emulsion polymers for pressure-sensitive adhesives, textiles, and surface coatings, including high-solids automotive paints.

2-Ethylhexanol is used as a solvent with low volatility for resins, waxes, animal fats, vegetable oils, disinfectants and insecticide sprays and petroleum derivatives. 2-EH derivatives are used as additives for diesel fuel to reduce emissions and improve the performance of lubricants and mining chemicals. It can be used in very low concentrations for anti-foaming formulations used in the textile and paper industries. 2-EH is used in the production of maleic acid, which is a raw material for surfactants, while the raw material is 2-ethylhexyl sulfate for use as a surfactant for electrolytes.

Please contact our experts at Iran Petroleum for advice and purchase of products.