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Send EmailChemical Name: 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid
Other Names: 2-EHA, Ethylhexanoic Acid, Octoic Acid (isomer)
CAS Number: 149-57-5
EINECS Number: 205-743-6
Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₆O₂
Molecular Weight: 144.21 g/mol
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Slight, characteristic |
| Freezing Point | -8°C to -10°C |
| Boiling Point | 228°C (760 mmHg) |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | 113°C |
| Autoignition Temperature | 290°C |
| Density (20°C) | 0.903 – 0.906 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (20°C) | ~7.8 cP |
| Vapor Pressure (20°C) | < 0.01 mmHg |
| Solubility in Water (20°C) | ~1.4 g/L (slightly soluble) |
| pH (aqueous solution) | Acidic (~3-4) |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | 380 – 390 |
Thermal Stability: Stable under normal conditions. Decomposes at high temperatures.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: CO, CO₂, smoke
Materials to Avoid:
Strong bases (violent neutralization reaction)
Strong oxidizers
Metal salts (especially copper, iron) – may cause corrosion
Polymerization Hazard: None
Production of driers (metal soaps: cobalt, lead, zinc, calcium 2-ethylhexanoate)
PVC stabilizers
Paint and coating driers (siccatives)
Synthetic lubricants (ester-based)
Polyurethane catalysts
Adhesives and sealants
| Classification | Information |
|---|---|
| Hazard Class | Skin Irritant (Category 2), Eye Damage (Category 1) |
| H-Phrases (CLP) | H315, H318 |
| Storage | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from sunlight |
| Packaging | Plastic or stainless steel drums (corrosion resistant) |
Aquatic Toxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic organisms
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (OECD 301)
In Case of Spill: Collect with absorbent material. Do not discharge into water or drains.
| Test | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity (% by weight) | ≥ 99.0 |
| Water Content (Karl Fischer) | ≤ 0.3 % |
| Color (APHA) | ≤ 30 |
| Ash Content | ≤ 0.02 % |
This TDS is for technical reference purposes. For safety details including first aid, firefighting, and personal protection, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid | IUPAC name |
| 2-EHA | Common abbreviation |
| Ethylhexanoic acid | Short form |
| 2-Ethylcaproic acid | Older name |
| Octoic acid | Incorrect (confusion with caprylic acid) |
| EHA | Abbreviation |
Note: Do not confuse with Caprylic Acid (C8:0, linear) . 2-EHA is branched.
| Industry | Application Form | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paints & Coatings | Drier (siccative) production | Cobalt, calcium, manganese, zinc, zirconium salts → accelerates paint drying |
| PVC | Heat stabilizer | Calcium/zinc 2-ethylhexanoate → thermal stabilizer for flexible PVC |
| Lubricants | Ester-based synthetic oil | Polyol ester (POE) for compressors, hydraulics, refrigeration (R134a, R410a) |
| Printing Inks | Drier | Metal salts in offset and printing inks |
| Polyurethane | Catalyst | Tin, bismuth, zinc 2-ethylhexanoate → accelerates PU reaction |
| Adhesives & Sealants | Metal salt additive | Increases curing speed |
| Cosmetics | pH adjuster (rare) | Very low concentration |
| Plastics | Internal lubricant | PVC and engineering plastics |
| Agriculture | Pesticide intermediate | Some herbicides and fungicides |
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Calcium hydroxide / Zinc oxide + 2-EHA → Metal 2-ethylhexanoate + Water
Usage: Flexible PVC film, cable, profile (3-5 phr)
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Cobalt acetate + 2-EHA → Cobalt 2-EHA + Acetic acid
Recipe: 0.05-0.5% Co metal based on paint weight
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2-EHA + Pentaerythritol (or TMP) → POE + Water
Usage: R134a, R410A refrigeration compressor oils
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Bismuth nitrate + 2-EHA → Bismuth 2-EHA + HNO₃
Usage: PU coatings, elastomers (0.01-0.1 phr)
| Application Area | Alternative | Advantage / Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Paint drier | Naphthenic acid salts | Cheaper, stronger odor |
| PVC stabilizer | Stearic acid salts | Less effective, higher melting point |
| POE acid component | Neopentyl glycol + other fatty acids | Different viscosity, 2-EHA more balanced |
| PU catalyst | Tin octoate (T9) | Cheaper but more toxic (tin) |
| Hydraulic oil acid | Oleic acid (natural) | Lower oxidation stability |
Summary: Due to its branched structure, 2-EHA offers low-viscosity esters, good hydrolytic stability, and low-temperature performance.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Corrosion | Corrodes copper, brass, zinc → use stainless steel or plastic equipment |
| Skin / Eye Contact | Irritant, causes serious eye damage → wear gloves and goggles |
| Storage | Protect from light, dry place, temperature <40°C, away from bases |
| Reactivity | Exothermic neutralization with strong bases (heat + gas release) |
| Waste Disposal | Do not discharge into drains; use licensed waste disposal |
| Certifications | REACH (EU), TSCA (US), K-REACH (Korea) compliance may be required |
| Purity | Below 99% reduces performance in paints and stabilizers |
Q1: Is 2-EHA the same as caprylic acid?
No. Caprylic acid (C8:0) is linear; 2-EHA is branched. Their chemical and physical properties are different.
Q2: Can it be used in food contact applications?
Generally no. It is not a direct food additive. Some of its salts (e.g., calcium 2-EHA) have indirect food contact approvals (e.g., packaging coatings).
Q3: Which metals can form salts with 2-EHA?
Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Ba, Zn, Co, Mn, Zr, Bi, Sn, Cu, Fe, Al, Ni, Ce (rare earth). Most common: Co, Ca, Zn, Bi, K, Na.
Q4: What is the shelf life?
24 months under proper storage (closed, dry, 10-30°C). After opening: 6-12 months.
Q5: What solvents is it soluble in?
Alcohol, xylene, toluene, mineral spirits, acetone, ethyl acetate. Slightly soluble in water.
Q6: Flash point is high (113°C). Does that mean it's not hazardous?
No. It is hazardous to skin and eyes. When heated, its vapor can be inhaled.
Q7: Are there natural / green alternatives?
Partially. Vegetable fatty acids (oleic, linoleic) can be used but with different performance. Branched structure is difficult to obtain naturally.
Q8: What packaging options are available?
25 kg plastic jerrycan, 200 kg plastic/stainless steel drum, 1000 kg IBC, bulk tanker.
Q9: Is 2-EHA REACH registered?
Yes, CAS 149-57-5 is registered in the EU. Request REACH compliance certificate from your supplier.
Q10: What factors affect the price?
Purity (≥99% vs. 98%), packaging, purchase quantity, raw material prices (propene, synthesis gas), transport (not classified as dangerous goods for transport, but still an acid).
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS | 149-57-5 |
| Formula | C₈H₁₆O₂ |
| Melting Point | -8°C |
| Boiling Point | 228°C |
| pH (1% in water) | ~3 |
| Solubility in water | 1.4 g/L |
| Chemical family | Branched carboxylic acid |
| Main use | Metal salts (driers, stabilizers) |