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2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (Octylene Glycol)

  • Glycol ether solvents
  • CAS 94-96-2
  • IUPAC: 2-ethylhexane-1,3-diol; ethoexadiol; octanediol

LD50 oral >2000 mg/kg (rat, ECHA dossier). At 1–5% in a carrier-solvent formula, no GHS classification at mixture level for this ingredient. Mild skin and eye irritant at concentrated exposure. No Prop 65 listing. No reproductive or developmental toxicity classification at ingredient level in ECHA REACH dossier.

2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (CAS 94-96-2, also called octylene glycol or ethoexadiol) is a short-chain diol used as a co-solvent and plasticizer in coating and cosmetic formulations. In trim coatings it improves spreadability and extends the working window during application, complementing the faster-evaporating petroleum solvents in the carrier system. It is also recognized as a mild broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent at higher concentrations (>1%), though at 1–5% in a coating formula its role is primarily as a plasticizing co-solvent rather than a biocide. At typical formulation concentrations, octylene glycol presents low acute hazard. Its low aquatic toxicity and reasonable aerobic biodegradability make it one of the more environmentally benign components in petroleum-solvent trim coating formulas.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Co-solvent and film-plasticizer; improves spread and working time during coating application. Also used as a mild antimicrobial agent in cosmetics and industrial formulations.

1 product contain this

Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.