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2-Ethylhexanal chemical structure, C8H16O, CAS 123-05-7
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Colorless high-boiling liquid
Melting point
<-100
Boiling point
163 °C
Density
0.8540 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Flash point
44 °C
HS code
291219
Category
Synthetic aroma chemicals
UN number
UN 1191
Illustrative photo, clear liquid in sealed glass ampoules on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is 2-Ethylhexanal?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

2-ethylhexanal is a saturated fatty aldehyde that is heptane in which one of the hydrogens at position 3 has been replaced by a formyl group. It is a metabolite of the plasticisers di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-2-ethylhexyl adipate (DEHA). It has a role as a fungal metabolite and a bacterial xenobiotic metabolite.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2-ethylhexanal
CAS number
123-05-7 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
204-596-5
Molecular formula
C8H16O
UNII
SEN8S34O6U
MDL number
MFCD00006987
INCI name
ETHYLHEXANAL
InChIKey
LGYNIFWIKSEESD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C8H16O/c1-3-5-6-8(4-2)7-9/h7-8H,3-6H2,1-2H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CCCCC(CC)C=O

Synonyms

  • 2-Ethylhexaldehyde
  • Hexanal, 2-ethyl-
  • 3-Formylheptane
  • 2-Ethylcaproaldehyde
  • 2-Ethylhexylaldehyde
  • Butylethylacetaldehyde
  • Ethylbutylacetaldehyde
  • Ethylhexaldehyde
  • Butyl ethyl acetaldehyde
  • alpha-Ethylcaproaldehyde
  • beta-Propyl-alpha-ethylacrolein
  • alpha-Ethylhexanal
  • EHALD
  • Octyl aldehyde
  • 2-Ethylcapronaldehyde
  • 2-ethyl-hexanal
  • 2-Ethylhexan-1-al
  • 2-Ethylhexanal (>90%)
  • ethylhexanal
  • a-Ethyl-caproaldehyde, 2-Ethylhexaldehyde, Butylethylacetaldehyde
  • 2-ethyl hexanal
  • 2-Ethylhexyl Aldehyde
  • 2-Ethylhexanal, 96%
  • 2-Ethyl-1-hexanal
  • 4-01-00-03345 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
Show all 29 synonyms
  • 2-Ethylhexanal, analytical standard
  • 2-Ethylhexanal, (+/-)-
  • Caproaldehyde, alpha-ethyl-
  • 2-Ethylhexanal Solution in Acetonitrile, 100ug/mL

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless high-boiling liquidexp.
Odour
Mild odorexp.
Melting point
<-100exp.
Boiling point
163 °Cexp.
Density
0.8540 g/cm³ at 20 °Cexp.
Flash point
44 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
190 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, less than 0.5 g/100g at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
1.8 mm Hg at 20 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
128.22 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
128.1201 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
2.4calc.
Topological polar surface area
17.07 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
5calc.
Heavy atoms
9calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.88calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
1calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
221NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H226Flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
Precautionary statements (25)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1191
Transport hazard class
3
Packing group
III

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

2-Ethylhexanal suppliers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Organic synthesis, perfumes.

As a disinfectant.

2-Ethylhexanal is used for the manufacture of 2-ethylhexanol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. Aminating hydrogenation leads to 2-ethylhexylamines, which are important intermediates in organic syntheses. The condensation of 2-ethylhexanal with aromatic amines results in products that are used as vulcanizing agents and antioxidants for rubber.

Chemical intermediate in perfumes,2-ethylhexanoic acid, 1-tetradecanol, 2-(2-cyanoethyl)-2-ethylhexanal.

Industrial uses: Intermediate, Solvent.

Consumer uses: Solvent.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name ETHYLHEXANAL(perfuming)

Roles

  • bacterial metabolite
  • bacterial xenobiotic metabolite
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • fungal metabolite
  • metabolite
  • prokaryotic metabolite
  • xenobiotic metabolite

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance

Cosmetic functions

  • Perfuming

How it is made

The base-catalyzed aldol condensation of butanal leads to 2-ethyl-2-hexenal, which is converted to 2-ethylhexanal by hydrogenation.

Aldol condensation of butyraldehyde or butyraldehyde & acetaldehyde in base followed by hydrogenation

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code 2-Ethylhexanal is traded under.

HS 2912.19Indicative HS code

Acyclic aldehydes without other oxygen function, other

World exports in 2024
$679M
+4.8% vs 2023, imports $743M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Germany22.0%
  2. China21.2%
  3. United States18.5%
Top importers
  1. United States13.1%
  2. Germany9.6%
  3. Belgium8.2%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for 2-Ethylhexanal is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about 2-Ethylhexanal, based on the data on this page

What is 2-Ethylhexanal?

2-ethylhexanal is a saturated fatty aldehyde that is heptane in which one of the hydrogens at position 3 has been replaced by a formyl group. It is a metabolite of the plasticisers di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-2-ethylhexyl adipate (DEHA).

What is the CAS number of 2-Ethylhexanal?

The CAS registry number of 2-Ethylhexanal is 123-05-7.

What is the molecular formula and weight of 2-Ethylhexanal?

The molecular formula of 2-Ethylhexanal is C8H16O and its molar mass is 128.22 g/mol.

What is 2-Ethylhexanal used for?

Organic synthesis, perfumes. As a disinfectant. 2-Ethylhexanal is used for the manufacture of 2-ethylhexanol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. Aminating hydrogenation leads to 2-ethylhexylamines, which are important intermediates in organic syntheses.

Is 2-Ethylhexanal hazardous?

2-Ethylhexanal carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: flammable liquid and vapour, causes skin irritation, may cause an allergic skin reaction. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of 2-Ethylhexanal?

2-Ethylhexanal is usually classified under HS code 291219 (Acyclic aldehydes without other oxygen function, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy 2-Ethylhexanal?

CompoundList lists 13 suppliers of 2-Ethylhexanal in China, United States, Hong Kong, Sweden and 2 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

What is the price of 2-Ethylhexanal?

Suppliers quote 2-Ethylhexanal on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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