2 Ethylhexanol Market

2-Ethylhexanol is a colorless liquid, which is rarely soluble in water and highly soluble in organic solvents. It is industrially produced through aldol condensation of n-butyraldehyde, and subsequent hydrogenation of hydroxyaldehyde, which is obtained from the prior reaction. 2-Ethylhexanol is primarily used to manufacture low volatility esters such as dioctylphthalate. It is also used in low volatility solvents for resins, vegetable oils, animal fats, resins and petroleum derivatives. It has applications in coatings and is used in the extractant production of heavy metals. It can also be used as an octane booster when reacted with nitric acid.

Most of the demand for 2-Ethylhexanol is obtained from the plasticizer manufacturing industry. The advantage of 2-Ethylhexanol are its low solubility in water and high miscibility with organic solvents. It readily forms esters with various organic acids and is a low volatility solvent. Human exposure to highly concentrated 2- Ethylhexanol, is toxic and results in dizziness, headache, throat irritation and sore eyes. However it does not have any carcinogenic properties.