ISOOCTYL ALCOHOL

The Uses of ISOOCTYL ALCOHOL

Intermediate in the manufacture of 2- ethylhexyl acetate, a lacquer solvent; solvent for nitrocellulose, urea, resins, enamels, alkyd varnishes, and lacquers; used in ceramics, paper coatings, textiles, and latex rubbers

Definition

ChEBI: 6-methylheptan-1-ol is a primary alcohol that is heptane which is substituted by a methyl group at position 6 and a hydroxy group at position 1. It has a role as a mammalian metabolite. It is a primary alcohol and a volatile organic compound.

General Description

A clear colorless liquid with a faint pleasant odor. Flash point 180°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used as a solvent, in the making of cutting and lubricating oils, in hydraulic fluids, and in the production of other chemicals.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

ISOOCTYL ALCOHOL attacks plastics. REF [Handling Chemicals Safely, 1980. p. 236]. Acetyl bromide reacts violently with alcohols or water, [Merck 11th ed., 1989]. Mixtures of alcohols with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide can cause explosions. Example: An explosion will occur if dimethylbenzylcarbinol is added to 90% hydrogen peroxide then acidified with concentrated sulfuric acid. Mixtures of ethyl alcohol with concentrated hydrogen peroxide form powerful explosives. Mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and 1-phenyl-2-methyl propyl alcohol tend to explode if acidified with 70% sulfuric acid, [Chem. Eng. News 45(43):73(1967); J, Org. Chem. 28:1893(1963)]. Alkyl hypochlorites are violently explosive. They are readily obtained by reacting hypochlorous acid and alcohols either in aqueous solution or mixed aqueous-carbon tetrachloride solutions. Chlorine plus alcohols would similarly yield alkyl hypochlorites. They decompose in the cold and explode on exposure to sunlight or heat. Tertiary hypochlorites are less unstable than secondary or primary hypochlorites, [NFPA 491 M, 1991]. Base-catalysed reactions of isocyanates with alcohols should be carried out in inert solvents. Such reactions in the absence of solvents often occur with explosive violence, [Wischmeyer(1969)].

Health Hazard

Inhalation hazard slight. Skin contact results in moderate irritation. Liquid contact with eyes causes severe irritation and possible eye damage.