Ethylhexanoic Acid

Brief Overview
It is the organic compound with the formula CH 3 (CH 2 ) 3 CH(C 2 H 5 )CO 2 H. It is a carboxylic acid that is widely used to prepare lipophilic metal derivatives that are soluble in nonpolar organic solvents. 2-Ethylhexanoic acid is a colorless viscous oil. It is supplied as a racemic mixture.

Manufacturing Process
2-Ethylhexanoic acid is produced industrially from propylene, which is hydroformylated to give butyraldehyde. Aldol condensation of the aldehyde gives 2-ethylhexenal, which is hydrogenated to 2-ethylhexanal. Oxidation of this aldehyde gives the carboxylic acid.

2-Ethylhexanoic (2-EHA) acid is a chemical intermediate used in esters for Polyvinyl butyral film plasticizers and synthetic lubricants, in metal salts for paint dryers, in automotive coolants, PVC stabilizers, cosmetics, and various other applications. As a carboxylic acid with C8 carbon chain, 2-Ethylhexanoic acid is widely applied to various applications. In the production of Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) plasticizers and synthetic
lubricants, acid is a major raw material for polyolesters. It is also used as a raw material for paint dryers and Polyvinylchloride (PVC) stabilizers in the form of metal salts. In cosmetics, 2-EHA is used to produce emollients. Other applications include corrosion inhibitors in automotive coolants, catalysts for polymer production, raw material for acid chloride, and fragrances.