3-[(2-Ethylhexyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol draws interest from multiple industries due to its physical and chemical features. The chemical structure, with a C11H24O3 molecular formula, falls into the glycol ether family. Its molecular weight sits at around 204.3 g/mol, which makes it relatively manageable in the lab while ensuring promising behavior as an industrial raw material. In my experience, this kind of compound lands in development labs for new surfactant systems or specialty chemical formulations. It serves manufacturers looking for a blend of solubilizing and emulsifying ability. This material’s typical forms—clear liquid, viscous syrup, or sometimes as waxy flakes in colder environments—depend on the temperature and purity after production.
Viscosity and density set the stage for how a chemical gets handled or blended. 3-[(2-Ethylhexyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol usually appears as a colorless to pale yellow substance, with a slight odor—not overpowering, quite typical for propanediol derivatives. Its density hovers near 0.99 g/cm³ at 20°C, so it nearly matches water but brings more solvency to the table. Viscosity varies but tends to be smooth enough for easy pumping, which cuts down on technical headaches during bulk handling. It doesn’t crystallize at room temperature, so it keeps decent stability in storage when sealed in typical industrial drums.
Solubility features matter to product formulators. This material blends well with alcohols and many organic solvents, but it resists dissolving in plain water. You can get it to mix with water at higher temperatures or by using co-solvents. That kind of property lands it in formulations for specialized cleaners, coatings, and even in some lubricant bases. Bulk suppliers ship it as a liquid, sometimes in intermediate bulk containers. Temperature control during shipping matters, since low temperatures might thicken the product or cause flaking, especially in winter months.
The backbone of 3-[(2-Ethylhexyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol contains a glyceryl group connected through an ether to a branched 2-ethylhexyl chain. That structure gives it a balance—hydrophilic and lipophilic segments in one molecule. This arrangement helps manufacturers design surfactants with unique properties, such as low-foaming action or slow evaporation, which you don’t get from simpler glycols or alcohols. Its ether link remains stable under neutral conditions, so the compound doesn’t degrade easily or create harmful byproducts under standard use. I have seen it used as a raw material in cosmetic ingredients, where safety and performance walk hand-in-hand.
From a hazard point of view, it does not classify among the most dangerous chemicals, but it is not entirely without risk. Most data from safety sheets describe it as a mild irritant if it contacts eyes or skin directly. Ventilation and gloves solve most routine issues. Its flash point sits above many common solvents (about 150°C), which lowers the risk in most storage situations. Every lab keeps safety data on hand, and technicians respect the potential for harm with any glycol ether. It should not be inhaled as a mist or vapor deliberately, which points to a need for fume extraction when heated in open systems.
Raw material suppliers list 3-[(2-Ethylhexyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol under several HS Codes, generally falling into categories related to ether alcohols or specialized surfactant bases. My colleagues in chemical sourcing encountered this name in import-export documents attached to shipments of cosmetic-grade intermediates and lubricant additives. It does not show up on every chemical inventory, but those who use it, value its mix of solvency, lubricity, and compatibility with both ionic and nonionic systems.
Cosmetics and skin-care engineers look for glycol ethers that stay mild, non-sensitizing, and easy to formulate. Lab reports indicate this compound’s mildness, so it gets a spot in skin-friendly detergent blends, makeup removers, and emollients. Paint and coating makers use it to control viscosity, extend open time, or modify surface properties without tipping the safety profile into problematic territory. Chemical cleaning laboratories bring it in for degreasing agents and water-soluble concentrates, especially when less volatile options are called for. It handles blending with alcohols, glycols, and complex surfactant mixtures, which increases its value as a go-to material in specialty formulations.
In the warehouse, safe storage for this material means tight, sealed containers. Metal drums or HDPE containers keep it free from moisture and reactive contaminants. I’ve watched tech crews keep samples cool and away from direct sunlight—both to prevent discoloration and avoid any slow decomposition over the long haul. Fire codes treat it as a flammable liquid, so it belongs in a dedicated solvent store away from oxidizers and strong acids. Clean-up remains simple if someone spills a small amount; absorbent pads and good ventilation take care of it.
The environmental story matters to every chemical buyer and user these days. 3-[(2-Ethylhexyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol carries low aquatic toxicity at standard usage levels. Waste handling should follow basic glycol ether protocols—neutralize, collect, and send to approved waste streams. It does not persist in the environment the way heavier, less soluble glycols do, so responsible handling keeps it out of groundwater. As the EPA and REACH update guidance, companies shift toward materials like this for use in closed-process, recyclable chemical streams. Avoiding the worst-case disposal incidents means regular reviews of spill response plans and up-to-date SDS sheets at every storage site.
Every chemical with a specialized role spells out the current state of industrial development. 3-[(2-Ethylhexyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol finds its way into modern, safer production strategies—as a solvent, blending agent, or chemical intermediate. Labs and manufacturers value its low volatility, mildness, and stable chemical backbone. Safer alternatives matter to product developers since consumer regulations demand lower toxicity and better environmental profiles almost everywhere. Using chemicals like this makes daily handling less hazardous for workers, while product end-users see fewer risks tied to skin contact or residue. For buyers, knowing the HS Code, molecular weight, physical form, density, and handling requirements always leads to smarter procurement, safer operations, and better end products.
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