DL-2-Octanol

Description

2-Octanol has a characteristic disagreeable but aromatic odor. This substance may be prepared by distilling sodium ricinoleate with an excess of sodium hydroxide.

Chemical properties

colourless liquid with a pungent odour

Chemical properties

2-Octanol has a characteristically disagreeable, but aromatic odor.

Occurrence

Two optically active isomers of the alcohol have been found; reported in the oil of Réunion geranium; also identified in a few species of mint and lavender. Reported found in apple, banana, kumquat peel oil, cranberry, asparagus, peas, thyme, cheeses, chicken and beef fat, hop oil, beer, cognac, rum, grape wines, tea, oats, soybean, coconut meat, Brazil nut, buckwheat, loquat, sweet corn and bilberry wine.

The Uses of DL-2-Octanol

It is used in the paint industry, as a wetting agent in the textile industry, and as a component of brake fluids.

The Uses of DL-2-Octanol

2-Octanol is used as a chemical reagent in the synthesis of a variety of pharmaceutical compounds usually through its oxidation to a ketone or aldehyde. Used in the synthesis of piperine derivates as MAO A & B inhibitors.

Definition

ChEBI: An octanol carrying the hydroxy group at position 2.

Preparation

By distilling sodium ricinoleate with an excess of sodium hydroxide.

Production Methods

2-Octanol is produced commercially by heating a soap of castor oil with sodium hydroxide. The resulting commercial product may contain 2–14% methyl hexyl ketone as a contaminant.

General Description

2-Octanol is a fatty alcohol mainly found in castor oil, tomato leaves and wine.

Safety Profile

Slightly toxic by an unspecifiedroute. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smokeand irritating vapors.