2-Octanol

1Identification

Name

2-Octanol

IUPAC name

octan-2-ol

CAS number

123-96-6 (also reported: 25339-16-6, 4128-31-8)

EC number

204-667-0

Molecular formula

C8H18O

Molecular weight

130.23 g/mol

InChIKey

SJWFXCIHNDVPSH-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCCCCC(C)O

PubChem CID

20083

Synonyms

Octan-2-ol, 2-Octyl alcohol, Hexylmethylcarbinol, 2-Hydroxyoctane, 1-Methylheptyl alcohol, sec-Caprylic alcohol, Methylhexylcarbinol, 1-Methyl-1-heptanol, n-Octan-2-ol, Hexyl methyl carbinol, 2-Hydroxy-n-octane, Methyl hexyl carbinol, sec-OCTYL ALCOHOL, beta-Octyl alcohol

Recommended uses

• Used in perfumes, disinfectant soaps, solvents (fats, waxes, lacquers, and enamels) and to make other organic compounds; [HSDB] Use as paint solvent, textile wetting agent, and component of brake fluid; [Ullmann]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint] Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• In manufacture of perfumes; in disinfectant soaps. To prevent foaming. Solvent for fats and waxes.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Other Solvent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Intermediate Solvent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index · Environmental transformation -> Pesticide transformation products (metabolite, successor)

Description

• Octan-2-ol is an octanol carrying the hydroxy group at position 2. It has a role as a volatile oil component and a plant metabolite. It is a secondary alcohol and an octanol.
  ChEBI
• 2-octanol has been reported in Daphne odora, Zea mays, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database
• RN given refers to cpd without isomeric designation
  Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS05, GHS07

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

5 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)

Fire hazards

• Combustible. Above 76 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• An eye and respiratory tract irritant; A mild skin irritant; Defats the skin; May cause chemical pneumonitis if swallowed and aspirated; [ICSC] An irritant; [MSDSonline]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of 2-octanol stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic by all routes (ie, inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact), exposure to this colorless, aromatic, oily liquid may occur from its production and use as a solvent for fats and waxes; in the manufacture of lacquers, enamels, plasticizers, wetting agents, antifoaming agents, hydraulic oils, petroleum additives, and perfumes; and in the masking of industrial odors. Effects from exposure may include headache, nausea, dizziness, eye irritation, drying of the skin, pulmonary tract irritation, and CNS depression.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 4 of the supplier's SDS.

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

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

Hazardous combustion products

• Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides
  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)
• Control of environmental exposure: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES. 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;
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants. Ventilation along the floor.
  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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face respirator with multipurpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Body Protection: impervious clothing, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 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)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Chemical stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin 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

• 2-Octanol's production and use as a solvent, in manufacture of plasticizers, wetting and foam control agents, hydraulic oils, petroleum additives, perfume intermediates and in masking of industrial odors may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. 2-Octanol has been identified as a volatile component from a diverse array of plants. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.242 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 2-octanol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-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 32 hours.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• LC50; Species: Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow Trout) weight 1 (0.3-2.9) g; Conditions: freshwater, static, 10.5 °C, pH 8.2, hardness 340 mg/L CaCO3; Concentration: 75000 ug/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)

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

• 2-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 20083 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.