1-Octanol

1Identification

Name

1-Octanol

IUPAC name

octan-1-ol

CAS number

111-87-5 (also reported: 29063-28-3, 220713-26-8)

EC number

203-917-6

Molecular formula

C8H18O

Molecular weight

130.23 g/mol

InChIKey

KBPLFHHGFOOTCA-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCCCCCCO

PubChem CID

957

Synonyms

1-octanol, Octan-1-ol, N-octanol, Octyl alcohol, caprylic alcohol, n-Octyl alcohol, Heptyl carbinol, 1-Hydroxyoctane, Alcohol C-8, Octilin, Primary octyl alcohol, n-Octan-1-ol, Dytol M-83, Alfol 8

Recommended uses

• Used in perfumery, cosmetics, shampoos, emulsifiers, detergents, and food flavors; Also used as a solvent (esters, coatings, lacquers, printing inks, textile additives, and pesticides), citric acid extractant, frothing agent, antifoaming agent in drilling muds, and growth inhibitor in tobacco production; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• For 1-octanol (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 079037) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the USA but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ... plant growth regulator ... of tobacco.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Oxidizing agent Intermediate Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Fragrance Surfactant (surface active agent) Other Wetting agent (non-aqueous) Lubricating agent Solvent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Oxidizing agent Fragrance Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Monomers Solvent Lubricating agent Wetting agent (non-aqueous) Other
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index · Cosmetics -> Viscosity controlling

Description

• Octanol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a penetrating aromatic odor. Insoluble in water and floats on water. Vapors heavier than air. Vapors may irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory system.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Octan-1-ol is an octanol carrying the hydroxy group at position 1. It has a role as an antifungal agent, a fuel additive, a plant metabolite, a bacterial metabolite and a kairomone. It is a primary alcohol and an octanol.
  ChEBI
• Caprylic alcohol has been used in trials studying the treatment of Essential Tremor.
  DrugBank

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Irritates skin and eyes. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Combustible. Above 81 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• A skin and eye irritant; [CAMEO] Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [CHEMINFO] An eye and respiratory tract irritant; A mild skin irritant; [ICSC] An irritant; May cause CNS depression; Targets kidneys, nerves, and liver; [MSDSonline]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• Flush with copious amounts of water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Dry skin.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• To fight fire use water foam, fog, alcohol foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in covered containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas.; Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.; Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Collect leaking liquid in covered containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• AEROBIC: A number of aerobic biological screening studies, which utilized settled waste water, sewage, or activated sludge for inocula, have demonstrated that 1-octanol is readily biodegradable(1-8). Five day BOD tests show BODTs of 33(1), 37(2) and 62.4%(3). A ring test involving 14 laboratories found a mean degradation of 85% in 28 day test(4). A study which measured theoretical carbon dioxide evolved revealed 71% ultimate degradation of 1-octanol after an inoculation with activated sludge, in the dark, at 20 degrees C for 7 days(5). Other screening test data yielded a half-life of 22 hours(SRC) based on a first order biodegradation rate of 0.0313/hr(6) for 1-octanol.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Storage class (TRGS 510): Combustible liquids
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Separated from strong oxidants.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Eye/face protection: Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN166 Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Extra personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapors.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Attacks plastics [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.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Can react with oxidizing materials.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance is mildly irritating to the skin. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

• 1-Octanol's production and use in perfumery, cosmetics, organic synthesis, solvent manufacture of high boiling esters, anti-foam agents and in food flavoring may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. 1-Octanol is released to the environment as a constituent of many plants. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.0794 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 1-octanol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1-octanol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 27 hours. Physical removal from air via precipitation has been shown to occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow); Conditions: flow-through bioassay with measured concentrations, 25.0 °C, dissolved oxygen 5.9 mg/L, hardness 47.6 mg/L calcium carbonate, alkalinity 45.8 mg/L calcium carbonate, and pH 7.64; Concentration: 13.5 mg/L for 96 hr (confidence limit 13.2-13.8 mg/L)
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• EC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow); Conditions: flow-through bioassay with measured concentrations, 25.0 °C, dissolved oxygen 5.9 mg/L, hardness 47.6 mg/L calcium carbonate, alkalinity 45.8 mg/L calcium carbonate, and pH 7.64; Concentration: 13.5 mg/L for 96 hr (confidence limit 13.2-13.8 mg/L); Effect: loss of equilibrium
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50; Species: Nitocra spinipes (Harpacticoid copepod); Conditions: static; Concentration: 60 mg/L for 96 hr /formulated product/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for octanol: Concentration process; Biological treatment.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for octanol: Concentration process: Activated carbon.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Section 4(g)(2)(A) of FIFRA calls for the Agency to determine, after submission of relevant data concerning an active ingredient, whether or not products containing the active ingredient are eligible for reregistration. The Agency has previously identified and required the submission of the generic (i.e., active ingredient-specific) data required to support reregistration of products containing aliphatic alcohols as an active ingredient. The Agency has completed its review of these generic data, and has determined that the data are sufficient to support reregistration of all products containing aliphatic alcohols (C6 - C16).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer safety standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1-Octanol is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and b) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 957 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.