
2-Ethylhexanol
2-ethylhexan-1-ol is a primary alcohol that is hexan-1-ol substituted by an ethyl group at position 2. It has a role as a volatile oil component and a plant metabolite. — ChEBI
- IUPAC name
- 2-ethylhexan-1-ol
- Molecular formula
- C8H18O
- Molecular weight
- 130.23 g/mol
- Exact mass
- 130.135765193 Da
- XLogP3
- 3.1
- Topological polar surface area
- 20.2 Ų
- Hydrogen-bond donors
- 1
- Hydrogen-bond acceptors
- 1
- Covalent units
- 1
- Defined stereocentres
- 0
Also known as
16 more reported names
External database identifiers
- ChEBI:CHEBI:16011
- ChEMBL:CHEMBL31637
- EPA DTXSID:DTXSID5020605
- PubMed:33358762
- PubMed:32979392
- PubMed:31445079
- PubMed:27545873
- PubMed:22989014
- PubMed:22913462
- PubMed:22633864
- PubMed:22541817
- PubMed:22526422
- PubMed:22520499
- PubMed:22417363
- PubMed:22364569
Evidence from additional scientific databases
EMBL-EBI ChEBI
2-ethylhexan-1-ol
A primary alcohol that is hexan-1-ol substituted by an ethyl group at position 2.
- Formula
- C8H18O
- Average mass
- 130.231 g/mol
- Monoisotopic mass
- 130.13577 Da
- Formal charge
- 0
- primary alcohol — is a (CHEBI:15734)
- volatile oil component — has role (CHEBI:27311)
- plant metabolite — has role (CHEBI:76924)
- volatile oil component — has role (CHEBI:27311)
- plant metabolite — has role (CHEBI:76924)
- primary alcohol — is a (CHEBI:15734)
Additional curated names
Cross-references from this source
- CAS: 104-76-7 — KEGG COMPOUND
- REGISTRY_NUMBER: 1719280 — Reaxys
- MANUAL_X_REF: 2-Ethylhexanol — Wikipedia
- MANUAL_X_REF: C02498 — KEGG COMPOUND
- MANUAL_X_REF: C02498 — KEGG COMPOUND
- MANUAL_X_REF: HMDB0031231 — HMDB
Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Source updated: 2017-11-13. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record
NIH PubChem PUG-View
Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.
- Autoignition Temperature: 581 °F (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Autoignition Temperature: 448 °F (231 °C) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Autoignition Temperature: 270 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Boiling Point: 363 to 365 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Boiling Point: 184.34 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Boiling Point: 184.00 to 186.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Boiling Point: 182 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Boiling Point: 183 °C Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Boiling Point: 363-365 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Boiling Point: 184.6 °C @760 [mm Hg] Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Color/Form: Colorless liquid Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: 0.834 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Density: 0.8344 at 20 °C/20 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: Bulk density: 6.9 lb/gal at 20 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: % IN SATURATED AIR: 0.0066 @ 20 °C; DENSITY OF "SATURATED" AIR: LESS THAN 1.001 (AIR= 1) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: Relative density (water = 1): 0.83 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Density: 0.830-0.834 Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Density: 0.834 Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Density: 0.834 @25 °C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Flash Point: 178 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Flash Point: 81 °C Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Flash Point: 164 °F (73 °C) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Flash Point: 73 °C c.c. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Flash Point: 178 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- LogP: 2.3-3.1 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Melting Point: -105 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Melting Point: -70 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: -76.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Melting Point: -105 °F Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Melting Point: -70 °C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Odor: Mild, oily, sweet, slightly floral odor reminiscent of rose Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Odor: Intense and unpleasant Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Physical Description: 2-ethyl hexanol appears as a dark brown liquid with an aromatic odor. Insoluble in water and less dense than water. Flash point between 140 - 175 °F. Contact may irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Physical Description: Liquid; CBI Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Physical Description: Colorless liquid; [Merck Index] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Physical Description: COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Physical Description: colourless to pale yellow liquid Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Physical Description: A dark brown liquid with an aromatic odor. Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Refractive Index: Index of refraction: 1.4300 at 20 °C/D Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Refractive Index: 1.429-1.434 Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Solubility: In water, 880 mg/L at 25 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Miscible with most organic solvents Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Soluble in about 720 parts water, in many organic solvents Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 0.11 (poor) Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Solubility: (in ethanol) Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Vapor Pressure: 0.05 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Vapor Pressure: 0.13 [mmHg] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Vapor Pressure: 0.136 mm Hg at 25 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Vapor Pressure: Vapor pressure, Pa at 20 °C: 48 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Vapor Pressure: 0.05 mmHg Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Vapor Pressure: 0.36 [mm Hg] @20 °C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Viscosity: 9.8 centapoise at 20 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Viscosity: 12,0 mm²/s at 20 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Exposure Routes: The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, by ingestion and through the skin. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.7% (26 of 3744) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- GHS Hazard Statements: H315 (88.6%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (98.7%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332 (71.2%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335 (72.5%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 3744 reports by companies from 58 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 26 of 3744 reports by companies.; There are 57 notifications provided by 3718 of 3744 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- GHS Hazard Statements: H402: Harmful to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P273, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
- GHS Hazard Statements: H227: Combustible liquid [Warning Flammable liquids]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P318, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- GHS Hazard Statements: H227: Combustible liquid [Warning Flammable liquids]; H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity] Source: NITE-CMC
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- NFPA Health Rating: 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- NFPA Fire Rating: 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 30 was calculated in fish for 2-ethylhexanol(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 2.73(1) and a regression-derived equation(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 35(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 2-ethylhexanol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 2-ethylhexanol from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.6X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 0.136 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 880 mg/L(4). 2-Ethylhexanol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(3). Based on 31, 52, and 5% biodegradation when incubated for 21 days in soil from a waste disposal site, in soil amended with nitrogen, and in soil incubated under anaerobic conditions, respectively(5), biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 35(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 2-ethylhexanol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.6X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.136 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 880 mg/L(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 41 hours and 16 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 30(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 2.73(2) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Using river water incubated at 18-19 °C, 59% biodegradation after 9 days(11) suggests that biodegradation may be an important enviornmental fate process in water(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 2-ethylhexanol, which has a vapor pressure of 0.136 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-ethylhexanol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 26 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.3X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). 2-Ethylhexanol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Consumer Uses: Fuel; Monomers; Chain transfer agent; Solvent; Dispersing agent; Dye; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate; Emulsifier; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Plasticizer Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Industry Uses: Processing aids not otherwise specified; Monomers; Surfactant (surface active agent); Fuel agents; Fuel; Solvent; Dispersing agent; CBI; Chain transfer agent; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate; Dye; Plasticizer; Cleaning agent; Filler; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Corrosion inhibitor; Emulsifier Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Sources/Uses: Used as a plasticizer, defoaming agent, wetting agent, solvent (nitrocellulose, paints, lacquers, and baking finishes), and textile finishing compound; Also used in inks, rubber, paper, lubricants, photography, and dry cleaning; [Hawley] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry]; Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]; Dry Cleaning [Category: Clean]; Photographic Processing [Category: Other]; Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Uses: USE A sensitive method for the extraction and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using alcoholic-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (AA-DLLME) and HPLC was developed... The effective parameters (type and volume of extraction and dispersive solvents, amount of salt and stirring time) on the extraction recovery were studied and optimized utilizing factorial design (FD) and central composite design (CCD). The best recovery was achieved by FD using 2-ethyl-1-hexanol as the extraction solvent and methanol as the dispersive solvent... The optimized conditions were 145 uL of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol as the extraction solvent and 4.2% w/v of salt (NaCl) in sample solution... Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: For 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 079098) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: 2-Ethylhexanol is mainly used as the alcohol component for the manufacture of ester plasticizers for soft poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Mercerizing textiles; as solvent for dyes, resins, oils; also claimed to possess antifoaming properties. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Plasticizer for PVC resins; wetting agent; organic synthesis; solvent mixtures for nitrocellulose, paints, lacquers, baking finishes ... Inks; rubber; paper; lubricants; photography; dry cleaning Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record
Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.
Additional source coverage and match status
| Source | Result | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| EMBL-EBI ChEBI | Exact match | 2026-08-31 |
| NIH PubChem PUG-View | Exact match | 2026-08-31 |
A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.
Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.