© 2026 Nanjing Finechem Holdings Co., Ltd,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: 2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol
Common Names: Isooctanol
CAS Number: 104-76-7
Use Cases: Solvent in plastics, coatings, and fragrances, ingredient in plasticizers, surfactants manufacturing. Its presence is easy to overlook in finished goods, but its intermediate use shows up everywhere: in flooring, window blinds, and even automobiles.
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid, irritant
Primary Hazards: Irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system, especially after prolonged exposure; vapor may cause drowsiness. Flammability becomes a real danger if the chemical is stored near ignition sources, and inappropriate handling can quickly lead to hazardous spills.
Ingredient: Pure 2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol
Purity: Typically above 99% for industrial applications. High purity reduces the risk of unexpected byproducts, which helps handlers manage safety protocols with more certainty.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately and seek medical support for any breathing difficulty.
Skin Contact: Wash affected skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Open eyelids fully. Seek medical help for persistent irritation.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and get medical attention. Quick action matters. Fast response can greatly reduce the likelihood of long-term symptoms, especially with concentrated material.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Hazards from Fire: Releases toxic fumes including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide during combustion.
Protective Gear: Firefighters should wear standard self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Advice: Avoid inhaling vapors. Prevent contaminated extinguishing runoff from entering drains, as runoff may pose further hazards downstream in municipal water systems.
Personal Precautions: Use gloves and eye protection to limit skin and eye exposure.
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge into drains or surface waters.
Clean-Up Methods: Soak up small spills with inert absorbents such as sand or earth. Shovel into closed containers for proper disposal. Spill management requires promptness; lengthening exposure time can increase both personal and environmental health risks.
Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke near the chemical.
Storage: Store containers tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials like strong oxidizers. Good housekeeping can be the difference between routine safety and costly incidents. Consistent labeling and careful segregation minimize the chances of dangerous mix-ups.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation reduces the buildup of vapors.
Respiratory Protection: Respirators recommended if airborne concentrations exceed limits.
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, work clothing that covers all exposed skin.
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles
Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing and regular replacement of protective wear. Breakrooms should be physically separated from work areas to minimize contamination.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Boiling Point: Roughly 184°C
Melting Point: -76°C
Flash Point: Over 74°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, highly soluble in many organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Density: Around 0.83 g/cm³
Experienced handlers realize how its low volatility reduces acute vapor risks in most settings, but local buildup from spills or confined spaces still requires vigilance.
Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Reactivity: Can react with strong oxidizing agents.
Decomposition Products: Burning or heating may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and various organic compounds.
Anyone responsible for a chemical storage room quickly learns the value of keeping incompatible substances apart and ensuring temperature controls remain steady across seasons.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Effects of Acute Exposure: Headache, dizziness, respiratory tract irritation, red or dry skin
Effects of Chronic Exposure: May cause liver and kidney damage in laboratory animals.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic to humans by leading regulators.
It’s tempting to cut corners with gloves or fume hoods, but recorded incidents show that repeated handling without protection increases risk, especially with unintended splashes or accidental ingestion.
Aquatic Toxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic organisms; may cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments.
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable. Built-up concentrations in water or sediment bring persistent problems, which complicate efforts to restore water quality post-spill.
Waste Disposal: Treat as hazardous chemical waste. Incineration using approved facilities often avoids many landfill problems, minimizing persistent chemical’s impact.
Packaging Disposal: Empty containers may retain residues; clean before recycling when possible or dispose as hazardous waste.
Improper dumping, even in small amounts, can create challenges for local waste treatment plants and may lead to fines or environmental damage.
UN Number: UN 2278
Shipping Name: 2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: III
Shipping has to account for temperature fluctuations, tightly sealed containers, and compatible loading with other goods; a single leaky drum can spoil an entire cargo hold and set off regulatory headaches.
Workplace Safety Regulations: Covered under OSHA regulations for hazardous chemicals in many regions.
Environmental Regulations: Subject to local and federal reporting for spills above certain quantities.
Labeling Requirements: Clear hazard communication as mandated by GHS (Globally Harmonized System).
Proactive compliance checks can shield a company from costly penalties, keep workers informed, and ultimately minimize harm to both people and the community.
