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Introduction
Ethylhexoic acid, more accurately known as 2-ethylhexanoic acid, is a branched-chain fatty acid. It is a colorless liquid with a slight odor. It is used primarily as an industrial chemical in the production of metal salts (e.g., tin, cobalt, lead) for use as catalysts and paint driers. It is also used in the manufacture of plasticizers and stabilizers for plastics. In the context of food, its primary relevance is as a component in food contact materials. Its ester, ethyl hexanoate (ethyl caproate), is a flavoring agent.
CAS Number
149-57-5
Synonyms
• 2-Ethylcaproic acid
• 2-Ethylhexanoic acid
• Ethylhexanoic acid
• Sinesto B
• α-Ethylcaproic acid
Topic Headings
1. Primary Industrial and Food Contact Applications (list form)
• Plasticizer precursor — Used in the manufacture of plasticizers for PVC and other polymers.
• Catalyst component — Used to produce metal salts that act as catalysts in various chemical reactions.
• Paint drier — Used in the production of metal soaps for paint driers.
• Flavoring agent (as ethyl hexanoate) — Ethyl hexanoate (CAS 123-66-0) is used as a flavoring agent in food.
2. Chemical and physical properties (list form)
• Appearance — Colorless to pale yellow liquid.
• Odor — Slight, characteristic odor.
• Molecular weight — 144.21 g/mol.
• Boiling point — 228°C.
• Solubility — Slightly soluble in water, miscible with many organic solvents.
• Density — 0.903 g/cm³ at 20°C.
3. Mechanism of Action in Plasticizer Production (paragraph form)
2-Ethylhexanoic acid is used to produce plasticizers, such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), by esterification with alcohols. These plasticizers are added to PVC to increase its flexibility and workability. The acid is also used to produce metal salts (e.g., tin octoate) which are used as catalysts in the production of polyurethanes and other polymers.
4. Safety and Regulatory Status (paragraph form)
2-Ethylhexanoic acid is regulated as an indirect food additive when used in food contact materials. It is not a direct food additive. It has low acute toxicity but is a skin and eye irritant. Chronic exposure has been linked to reproductive and developmental effects in animal studies. It is not listed as a carcinogen by major agencies. Its use in food contact materials is subject to specific migration limits.
