2-Octanol stands as an important eight-carbon alcohol with the molecular formula C8H18O, structural formula CH3(CH2)5CHOHCH3. Chemists recognize this compound for its branched alcohol structure, where the hydroxyl group bonds to the second carbon, distinguishing it from its 1-Octanol isomer. As a secondary alcohol, it carries a molecular weight of about 130.23 g/mol. Its systematic name, 2-octanol or octan-2-ol, marks it out in analytical reports and regulatory filings. In international trading, you may find it indexed with the HS Code 290519, categorizing it among saturated acyclic monohydric alcohols.
At room temperature, 2-Octanol commonly presents as a colorless to slightly pale liquid, exuding a mild, oily odor that spells its organic base without being overpowering. Although the market sometimes offers it as a crystalline solid at cooler temperatures, liquid form dominates commercial supply chains. Its melting point is near -38°C, enabling ease of handling without special heating measures. It boils around 179–180°C under atmospheric pressure, which means it stays stable through diverse temperature ranges encountered in typical workplaces. Its density measures about 0.824 g/cm3 at 20°C, falling on the lighter side compared to water, so it floats and separates distinctly in aqueous mixtures.
Distributors often deliver 2-Octanol in drums as a clear or nearly clear liquid, though customers sometimes seek it in flakes, powder, or crystalline forms for particular industrial processing. Flaked or pearl variants provide more surface area, supporting faster dissolution in certain applications, while the liquid version flows with consistency, making pumping and measurement straightforward. Purity standards run above 98%, with moisture, acidity, and color values dialed in depending on the demands of cosmetics, flavors, and fine chemical synthesis. Reliable suppliers furnish a specification sheet showing refractive index (typically around 1.429 at 20°C), specific gravity, and residue percentages to ensure users know exactly what to expect.
As an alcohol, 2-Octanol holds moderate polarity and can serve as a solvent for resins, essential oils, and waxes. It dissolves only sparingly in water (roughly 800 mg/L at 25°C) but mixes cleanly with most organic solvents like acetone, ether, or benzene. Its flash point — usually between 79–84°C — flags an important safety consideration in production and transportation. In the workplace, using it in closed systems and providing good ventilation reduces the risk of harmful vapor accumulation. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) highlight low acute toxicity, yet skin and eye contact should be avoided to prevent irritation. Workers use gloves, goggles, and face shields as normal precautions in labs and factories touching this chemical. While not considered highly hazardous, 2-Octanol remains flammable, so care in storage and transfer proves essential. The compound also demands labeling as a hazardous material per transport regulations, with proper signage and documentation required for any significant volume shipped.
2-Octanol finds critical use as a starting material in manufacturing plasticizers, surfactants, lubricants, and certain flavors. Its position as a secondary alcohol allows it to undergo oxidation, esterification, and etherification without difficulty, helping create esters that soften plastics or act as emulsifiers in detergents. In the past, I worked in a fragrance formulation lab where 2-Octanol played a role drawing out subtle, green notes in synthetic perfumes. The chain length and branching brought out creamy undertones in soap fragrances, proving why producers keep it on hand for fine-tuning aroma profiles. In another example, paint additives rely on 2-Octanol derivatives to control flow properties, thanks to its combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic sections. Some processes use it to prepare specialty lubricants for textile and leather treatment, boosting glide without leaving sticky residues.
A deeper understanding of materials like 2-Octanol is not just a matter of compliance; it means safer workspaces and more robust final products. Factories using this alcohol as a raw material must respect both its useful chemical traits and the limits imposed by flammability or environmental regulations. Long ago, I learned the hard way what a spill could do: slick, slippery surfaces and a sharp spike in solvent fumes. Clean-up involved careful containment, use of absorbent pads, and proper disposal. It’s clear that any business working with chemicals such as 2-Octanol needs real-world training, adequate protective supplies, and a culture of checking labels, not just going by routine.
Supply chains and users can make better choices by turning to up-to-date safety training and in-depth technical data about 2-Octanol’s behavior under different environmental conditions. Going beyond minimum safety standards pays off; spill kits, air monitoring systems, and clear signage—that all matters more than just expecting people to always follow written procedures. In product design, looking at greener synthesis routes or improved containment methods helps reduce risks both to people and the environment. Demand for documentation—like certificates of analysis, safety sheets, and batch traceability—encourages responsible supply and use all along the chemical’s journey from producer to end user.
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 123-96-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C8H18O |
| HS Code | 290519 |
| Molecular Weight | 130.23 g/mol |
| Density | 0.824 g/cm3 at 20°C |
| Boiling Point | 179–180°C |
| Melting Point | -38°C |
| Appearance | Colorless or pale liquid; can also crystallize |
| Solubility | Low in water, soluble in organic solvents |
| Flash Point | 79–84°C |
2-Octanol deserves respect both for its versatile role in manufacturing and the inherent risks it brings. Being thorough with safety procedures and chemical knowledge leads to production lines that run without accident, and products that hold up to rigorous quality checks. Chemical handlers, engineers, and laboratory workers all see the benefit—less downtime, stronger regulatory compliance, and workplaces people feel confident in. Nobody wants an overlooked property or sloppy documentation washing away weeks of careful work, and treating chemicals like 2-Octanol with the attention they deserve is the only way forward in today’s demanding markets.
