Product Details
CasNo： 111-87-5
MF： C₈H₁₈O
Appearance： liquid
Purity： 99.5% Min
1. Basic Information
1.1 Chemical Name
n - Octanol (also known as 1 - Octanol)
1.2 Synonyms
Capryl alcohol, Heptyl carbinol, N - Capryl alcohol, Caprylic alcohol, N - Caprylic alcohol
1.3 Molecular Formula
C₈H₁₈O
1.4 Molecular Weight
130.23 g/mol
1.5 CAS Number
111 - 87 - 5
1.6 EINECS Number
203 - 917 - 6
2. Physical Properties
2.1 Appearance
Colorless, transparent oily liquid
2.2 Odor
Has a strong fatty odor and citrus - like scent
2.3 Density
0.827 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
2.4 Melting Point
−15 °C (lit.)
2.5 Boiling Point
196 °C (lit.)
2.6 Flash Point
81 °C (178 °F)
2.7 Solubility
Insoluble in water, miscible with ethanol, ether, and chloroform
2.8 Vapor Pressure
0.14 mmHg at 25 °C
2.9 Vapor Density
4.5 (vs air)
2.10 Refractive Index
n₂₀/D 1.429 (lit.)
3. Chemical Properties
3.1 Chemical Reactivity
n - Octanol exhibits typical alcohol - like chemical properties.
- Esterification: It can react with carboxylic acids in the presence of an acid catalyst to form esters. For example, when reacting with acetic acid, octyl acetate is produced:
- C₈H₁₇OH + CH₃COOH ⇌ CH₃COOC₈H₁₇ + H₂O
- Oxidation: Can be oxidized to octanal and further to octanoic acid. In the presence of a suitable oxidizing agent such as potassium dichromate in acidic solution, the following reactions can occur:
- 3C₈H₁₇OH + 2K₂Cr₂O₇ + 8H₂SO₄ → 3C₇H₁₅CHO + 2Cr₂(SO₄)₃ + 2K₂SO₄ + 11H₂O (formation of octanal)
- 3C₇H₁₅CHO + K₂Cr₂O₇ + 4H₂SO₄ → 3C₇H₁₅COOH + Cr₂(SO₄)₃ + K₂SO₄ + 4H₂O (formation of octanoic acid)
- Combustion: Burns readily in air, producing carbon dioxide and water. The combustion reaction equation is:
- 2C₈H₁₈O + 25O₂ → 16CO₂ + 18H₂O
3.2 Stability and Reactivity
- Stable under normal conditions. However, it is flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air.
- Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and alkalis, as they may cause violent reactions.
4. Production Methods
4.1 From Natural Sources
n - Octanol can be found in essential oils of bitter orange, grapefruit, sweet orange, green tea, violet leaves, etc., either in free form or as esters such as octyl acetate, octyl butyrate, and octyl isovalerate. Industrially, it can be extracted from these natural sources.
4.2 Chemical Synthesis
- Carbonylation of Heptene - 1:
- Heptene - 1 reacts with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a cobalt - based catalyst at a temperature of 150 - 170 °C and a pressure of 20 - 30 MPa to form a mixture of aldehydes (including octanal). The reaction is as follows:
- CH₃(CH₂)₄CH = CH₂+CO + H₂ → CH₃(CH₂)₆CHO
- After removing the cobalt catalyst, the aldehyde is hydrogenated in the presence of a nickel - based catalyst under appropriate pressure to convert octanal to n - octanol:
- CH₃(CH₂)₆CHO + H₂ → CH₃(CH₂)₆CH₂OH
- Reduction of Octanal or Derived from Coconut Oil:
- Octanal can be directly reduced to n - octanol using a reducing agent. Additionally, the octanoic acid present in coconut oil can be used to prepare n - octanol through a series of chemical reactions.
5. Applications
5.1 In the Field of Plasticizers
Although in the plasticizer industry, 2 - ethylhexanol is more commonly used on a large - scale, n - octanol can also be used in the production of certain plasticizers. Plasticizers made from n - octanol can improve the flexibility, processability, and durability of plastics, such as in the manufacturing of some special - purpose polymers and elastomers.
5.2 As an Extraction Solvent
- In the pharmaceutical industry, it can be used to extract certain active ingredients from natural products or reaction mixtures.
- In the chemical industry, it is used for the separation and extraction of specific compounds from complex mixtures. For example, it can be used in liquid - liquid extraction processes to separate organic compounds based on their solubility differences.
5.3 In the Production of Stabilizers
n - Octanol is used as a raw material in the synthesis of some stabilizers. These stabilizers can enhance the stability of polymers, coatings, and other materials during storage and use, preventing degradation caused by factors such as heat, light, and oxidation.
5.4 As a Solvent
- It serves as a good solvent for many organic substances. In the paint and coating industry, it can dissolve resins, pigments, and other components, ensuring good flowability and film - forming properties of the paint.
- In the ink industry, it helps to dissolve colorants and binders, facilitating the transfer of ink during the printing process and ensuring clear and vivid prints.
5.5 In the Perfume and Flavor Industry
- n - Octanol itself has a certain odor and can be used as a fragrance ingredient. It is often used to blend floral fragrances such as rose and lily, and is also used in soap - based fragrances.
- According to China's GB2760 - 86 regulations, it is allowed to be used as a food flavor. It is mainly used to formulate flavors for coconut, pineapple, peach, chocolate, and citrus - flavored foods.
5.6 Other Applications
- In the agricultural field, it may be used as an adjuvant in pesticides to improve the adhesion and penetration of pesticides on plant surfaces, thereby enhancing the efficacy of pesticides.
- In the electronics industry, it can be used as a cleaning agent for electronic components due to its good solvent properties, which can effectively remove oils, greases, and other contaminants without leaving residues that could affect the performance of components.
6. Packaging and Storage
6.1 Packaging
- Usually packaged in 170 - kg galvanized iron drums, which are tightly sealed to prevent leakage and evaporation of n - octanol.
- Can also be packaged in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) with a capacity of up to 1000 liters for large - volume transportation. IBCs are made of materials resistant to the corrosion of n - octanol, such as high - density polyethylene (HDPE).
6.2 Storage
- Store in a cool, well - ventilated warehouse. The storage temperature should be kept below 30 °C to reduce the risk of evaporation and the formation of explosive vapor - air mixtures.
- Keep away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ignition sources.
- Separate from oxidizing agents, acids, and food - grade chemicals to avoid chemical reactions.
- Equip the storage area with appropriate fire - fighting equipment, such as foam, dry - chemical, or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, as well as emergency response equipment for dealing with leaks. Regularly inspect storage containers for signs of damage, corrosion, or leakage.
7. Toxicity and Safety Information
7.1 Toxicity
- Acute Toxicity: n - Octanol is of low - to - moderate toxicity. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) for mice by oral administration is about 1790 mg/kg. Ingestion of large amounts may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and in severe cases, it can affect the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression and coma.
- Dermal Toxicity: Prolonged or repeated skin contact can cause skin irritation. It can defat the skin, resulting in dryness, redness, and cracking. The LD₅₀ value for rabbits by dermal application is relatively high, but skin contact should still be minimized.
- Inhalation Toxicity: Inhalation of its vapor can irritate the respiratory tract. At high concentrations, it may cause coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the nose and throat. The threshold limit value (TLV) in the workplace air, as recommended by relevant organizations, is usually set to limit the exposure level to protect workers' health.
7.2 Safety Precautions
- Engineering Controls: In workplaces where n - octanol is used or stored, install local exhaust ventilation or general dilution ventilation systems to keep the vapor concentration below the TLV. Use explosion - proof electrical equipment and lighting to prevent ignition of flammable vapors.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Respiratory Protection: When working in areas with potential high vapor concentrations, wear appropriate respiratory protection, such as air - purifying respirators with organic vapor cartridges.
- Eye Protection: Use safety goggles or face shields to protect the eyes from splashes.
- Skin Protection: Wear chemical - resistant gloves, protective clothing, and safety shoes to prevent skin contact.
- Fire and Explosion Prevention: Since n - octanol is flammable, strictly prohibit smoking, open flames, and the use of non - explosion - proof electrical equipment in areas where it is present. Have fire - fighting plans and emergency response procedures in place, and train employees on how to respond to fires and spills.
