2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol

Chemical properties

clear liquid

Chemical properties

2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol is an oily, colorless, slightly viscous liquid, that is soluble in alcohol and ether but poorly soluble in water (4.2% at 20°C).

The Uses of 2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol

2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol is produced commercially by hydrogenating butyraldol (2-ethyl-3-hydroxycaproaldehyde). It is used largely as an insect repellent but also as a solvent for resins and inks, a plasticizer, and a chemical intermediate in the production of polyurethane resins .

The Uses of 2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol

Insect repellent, cosmetics, vehicle and solvent in printing inks, medicine, chelating agent for boric acid. It also fifinds use as solvent for low residual flflux in soft solder paste.

The Uses of 2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol

2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol (EHD) can be used as:

• A boron extractant.
• A reactive solvent in the synthesis of magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles by non-hydrolytic sol-gel method.
• A starting material in the selective synthesis of 2-ethyl-1-hydroxy-3-hexanone by oxidation using H₂O₂.

Indications

Ethyl hexanediol will not irritate human skin but can cause a chemical conjunctivitis. It is a standard repellent for chiggers, mosquitoes, black flies, and other biting flies and is more useful when combined with dimethyl phthalate and indalone. The mixture of these three chemicals will repel ticks and flies when it is applied to clothing.

Definition

ChEBI: 2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol is an aliphatic alcohol.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 75, p. 1084, 1953 DOI: 10.1021/ja01101a022

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion and skin contact. Experimental teratogenic and reproductive effects. A skin and severe eye irritant. Used as an insecticide, insect repellent, and in hair care preparations. Combustible when exposed to heat or flame; can react with oxidzing materials. To fight fire, use alcohol foam, foam, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.