Isooctanoic acid (2-Ethylhexanoic acid)
Isooctanoic acid (2-ethylhexanoic acid, CAS 149-57-5) is a colorless liquid carboxylic acid (C 8 H 16 O 2 , MW 144.21), slightly soluble in water and miscible with organic solvents. It is used to make paint driers and PVC stabilizers, as a polymerization catalyst, and in pharmaceutical salts, plasticizers, lubricants and cosmetics.
Product Overview
Isooctanoic acid, also called 2-ethylhexanoic acid (C 8 H 16 O 2 , CAS 149-57-5), is an organic carboxylic acid with a molecular weight of 144.21. It is a colorless liquid with a mild odor, a melting point of -59°C, a boiling point of 228°C and a density of about 0.906 g/cm³. It is slightly soluble in water and miscible with common organic solvents, making it a widely used intermediate and processing aid.
| CAS No. | 149-57-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C 8 H 16 O 2 |
| Molecular weight | 144.21 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a mild odor |
| Melting / boiling point | -59°C / 228°C |
| Density | About 0.906 g/cm³ |
| Refractive index | 1.425 |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; miscible with organic solvents |
Key Benefits
- Key intermediate for paint and coating driers
- Versatile acid for metal salts, PVC stabilizers and catalysts
- Salifying reagent in pharmaceutical synthesis
- Its esters serve as plasticizers and lubricants
- Colorless, low-odor liquid with good solvent miscibility
Applications
- Paints and coatings — intermediate in the production of coating driers
- Plastics and rubber — PVC stabilizer and related metal salts
- Chemical industry — catalyst in polymerization reactions
- Pharmaceuticals — salifying reagent used to synthesize penicillin sodium salt by solvent methods
- Cosmetics and perfumes — ester plasticizers such as glycerol esters
- Lubricants — lubricant ester formulations
Production
- Oxidation of isooctanol with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst
- Condensation and hydrogenation of butyraldehyde, followed by oxidation
Packing & Storage
- Packing: 25kg or 180kg drums; bulk shipping is available
- Storage: keep tightly closed in a cool, ventilated warehouse, away from sunlight, heat and oxidizers
Safety & Handling
Isooctanoic acid is flammable and may irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Wear protective clothing, gloves and eye protection, avoid ingestion and inhalation, and ensure ventilation. In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with water and seek medical advice; refer to the MSDS for full details.
FAQ
Q: What is isooctanoic acid used for?
A: Paint driers, PVC stabilizers, polymerization catalysis, pharmaceutical salts, plasticizers, lubricants and cosmetics.
Q: What are its CAS number and molecular formula?
A: CAS 149-57-5, molecular formula C8H16O2.
Q: What are its key properties?
A: A colorless liquid with a boiling point of 228°C, slightly soluble in water and miscible with organic solvents.
Q: How is it packed and stored?
A: In 25kg or 180kg drums, kept sealed in a cool, ventilated place away from oxidizers.