2-Octanol (Capryl alcohol)
Synonyms: Capryl alcohol; methylhexyl carbinol; 1-methyl-1-heptanol; 2-octyl alcohol
2-Octanol (Capryl alcohol) is a monohydric alcohol which is produced as a major product along with sebacic acid in the caustic fusion of castor oil under high temperature conditions.
CH3-(CH2)5-CH(OH)-CH2-CH=CH-(CH2)7-COOH (Ricinoleic Acid) + NaOH -> 133oC air -> HOOC-(CH2)8-COOH (Sebacic Acid) + CH3-(CH2)5-CH(OH)-CH3 (2-Octanol)
Physical, Chemical Properties & Specifications:
| CAS Number | 123-96-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C8H18O [ Structural CH3(CH2)5COHCH3 ] |
| Appearance | Colourless liquid with a pungent odour |
| Melting Point | -38oC |
| Boiling Point | 174 - 181oC |
| Vapour Pressure | 0.15 mm Hg at 25oC |
| Specific Gravity | 0.819 |
| Flash Point | 71oC (closed cup) |
Applications:
- 2-Octanol is the main raw material for some esters. It is used as a solvent, dehydrater and antibubbling agent.
- In coal industry, it is used as floatation agent; finds uses as a frother in mineral flotation.
- In farming chemical industry too, it is used as floatation agent & for producing emulsifiers.
- In chemical fiber industry, it is used as fiber oil.
- Used in producing the plastic plasticizer and synthetic perfume. The refined derivative can be used to produce plasticizers such as dioctanol phthalate (DCP), dioctanol adipate (DCA).
- It can be used as a possible alternate for 2-ethylhexanol or isooctyl alcohol in the preparation of diesters, monomeric and polymeric plasticizers.
- The refined 2-Octanol is used as a raw material to produce caproic acid. In some countries the caproic acid is used to produce ethyl caproate - a kind of flavor.