2-Ethylhexanoic Acid
Synonyms
Hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-;
alpha-Ethylcaproic acid;
2-Ethylcaproic acid;
2-Ethylhexansaeure;
Category
Anionic Surfactant
> Carboxylate
>> Chain Carboxylate
>>> Alkyl Carboxylate
>>>> Branched Alkyl Carboxylate
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 149-57-5
EINECS: 205-743-6
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C8H16O2
Molecular Weight: 144.21
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), colorless liquid.
Odor slightly odor.
Solubility soluble in water. soluble in ethyl ether.
Physical - chemical properties
|
Water solubility, g/L |
2 (20°C)[1] |
Stability stable.
Risk Liquid form: corrosion; flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
rat oral LD50 |
3000mg/kg[2] |
|
rat inhalation LC |
> 400ppm/6H[2] |
|
guinea pig skin LD50 |
6.3mL/kg[2] |
|
rabbit skin LD50 |
1.26mL/kg[2] |
Reproduction: reproductive effect[1].
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent lubricating, antibacterial, preservative, emulsifying, dispersing, cleansing, solubilizing abilities.
Note (1), Prohibited to apply to personal care products.
Synthesis
Under alkaline conditions, 2-ethylhexanol is oxidized by potassium permanganate to produce sodium 2-ethylcaproate, neutralized by sulfuric acid, then obtained.
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
GB/T 5173 Surface active agents and detergents -- Determination of anionic-active matter by direct two-phase titration procedure
ISO 2271 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Determination of anionic-active matter by manual or mechanical direct two-phase titration procedure
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as cleansing agent.
Use as emulsifying agent, dispersing agent.
Use as preservative.
Use as lubricant.
2, Organic synthesis
Used in preparation of 2-ethylhexanoic acid salts. Widely 2-ethylhexanoic acid salts can be used in paints, plastics, etc.
Used in preparation of 2-ethylhexanoic acid esters. Widely 2-ethylhexanoic acid esters can be used in fungicides, preservatives, plastics, spices, lubricants, etc.
3, Agriculture
Preservatives in wood processing.
Co-solvent, defoaming agent in pesticides.
4, Hydrocarbon
Gelling agent in hydrocarbons.
Manufacturers
References
[1]: HSDB. 149-57-5, 2-Ethylhexanoic acid
[2]: ChemIDplus. 149-57-5, 2-Ethylhexanoic acid
Update: 20131102(1); 20180312(2);