2-ethylhexanoic Acid

2-Ethylhexanoic acid is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a molecular weight of 144.21 grams per mole, and a relatively low melting point of around -70°C (-94°F). The boiling point of 2-EHA is approximately 226-230°C (439-446°F).

2-Ethylhexanoic acid is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and benzene. It is relatively insoluble in water but can form emulsions or suspensions.

2-Ethylhexanoic acid can undergo various chemical reactions and transformations, resulting in the formation of several derivatives. Some common derivatives of 2-ethylhexanoic acid include:
1. Esters: 2-Ethylhexanoic acid is frequently used in the synthesis of esters. These esters are employed as plasticizers, lubricants, and solvents in various industries. Examples of esters derived from 2-ethylhexanoic acid include isooctyl 2-ethylhexanoate, butyl 2-ethylhexanoate, and methyl 2-ethylhexanoate.
2. Metal Salts: 2-Ethylhexanoic acid forms metal salts when reacted with metal oxides, hydroxides, or carbonates. These metal salts serve as catalysts, driers, or stabilizers in the production of paints, coatings, and polymers. Examples include cobalt 2-ethylhexanoate, zinc 2-ethylhexanoate, and manganese 2-ethylhexanoate.
3. Amides: By reacting 2-ethylhexanoic acid with amines, amides can be synthesized. These amides find applications in the production of pharmaceuticals, surfactants, and lubricants.
4. Alcohols: Through reduction or hydrogenation, 2-ethylhexanoic acid can be converted to alcohols. These alcohols have applications as solvents, intermediates, or additives in various chemical processes.
5. Polymers: 2-Ethylhexanoic acid can be polymerized to form poly (2-ethylhexanoic acid), which is a thermoplastic polymer. This polymer is used in the production of coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
6. Detergents and Surfactants: Derivatives of 2-ethylhexanoic acid are incorporated into detergents and surfactants due to their ability to reduce surface tension and enhance cleaning properties.
These are just a few examples of the derivatives of 2-ethylhexanoic acid. The versatility of this compound allows for its use in various industries, including plastics, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
1. Esters: Isonoanoic acid can form esters through esterification reactions. Esters of isonoanoic acid are widely used in industries such as flavors, fragrances, and plastics. Examples of isonoanoic acid esters include isopropyl isonoanoate, ethyl isonoanoate, and methyl isonoanoate.
2. Amides: By reacting isonoanoic acid with amines, amides can be formed. These amides find applications in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, polymers, and surfactants.
3. Anhydrides: Isonoanoic acid can undergo dehydration to form anhydrides, such as isonoanoic anhydride. Anhydrides are utilized in organic synthesis reactions and as catalysts in polymerization processes.
4. Salts: Isonoanoic acid can be neutralized with bases to form salts, such as sodium isonoanoate or potassium isonoanoate. These salts have applications in detergents, emulsifiers, and as additives in various industries.
5. Diols: Through reactions like hydrogenation or reduction, isonoanoic acid can be converted into diols, such as 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol. Diols find use as monomers in the production of polyesters, polyurethanes, and other polymers.
6. Acyl Chlorides: Isonoanoic acid can react with thionyl chloride or phosphorus pentachloride to form isonoanoic acid chloride (pivaloyl chloride). Acyl chlorides are important intermediates in organic synthesis and are used in the preparation of various compounds.
These are just a few examples of the derivatives of isonoanoic acid. The reactivity and versatility of isonoanoic acid allow for the formation of a wide range of derivatives, each with its own unique set of properties and applications.

• 190 Kg in plastic barrels
• 1,000 Kg in IBC
• Liquid in bulk containers
• Flexibag

2-Ethylhexanoic acid, also known as 2-EHA or octanoic acid, is a versatile organic compound with a wide range of applications across various industries. Its unique properties make it useful in different fields, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and coatings. Let's explore some of the key applications of 2-ethylhexanoic acid:

1. Chemical Intermediates: 2-Ethylhexanoic acid is extensively used as a precursor or intermediate in the production of various chemicals. It serves as a building block for the synthesis of esters, metal carboxylates, and metal salts. These compounds find applications in areas such as lubricants, plasticizers, surfactants, and corrosion inhibitors.
2. PVC Stabilizers: One of the significant applications of 2-ethylhexanoic acid is as a stabilizer in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It acts as a metal soap (e.g., lead or tin) stabilizer, improving the heat stability and processability of PVC. This helps prevent the degradation of PVC during processing and end-use applications.
3. Coatings and Paints: 2-Ethylhexanoic acid is used as a drying agent in the manufacturing of coatings and paints. It reacts with metal ions, such as cobalt and manganese, to form metal soaps that catalyze the oxidative drying process. This accelerates the drying time of coatings, ensuring faster film formation and improved hardness.
4. Plasticizers: Another important application of 2-ethylhexanoic acid is as a plasticizer, particularly in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds. Due to its low volatility and good compatibility with PVC, it enhances the flexibility and durability of the polymer. Plasticized PVC is widely used in the production of pipes, cables, films, and various other plastic products.
5. Pharmaceuticals: 2-Ethylhexanoic acid finds application in the pharmaceutical industry as a chiral resolving agent. It is used to separate enantiomers, which are mirror-image isomers of a compound. The resolved enantiomers are crucial in the production of many pharmaceuticals, as they can exhibit different pharmacological properties.
6. Metal Extraction and Mining: The metal salts of 2-ethylhexanoic acid have applications in the extraction and refining of metals. These salts are employed as extractants for the separation of various metals, including copper, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. They assist in the purification and concentration of metal ores during mining processes.

It is important to note that the specific applications and uses of 2-ethylhexanoic acid may vary depending on the industry and requirements. The compound's versatility and compatibility with various processes make it a valuable component in the production of numerous products across different sectors.