2-Butyl-1-octanol

2-Butyl-1-octanol (CAS 3913-02-8) is a Guerbet alcohol, a branched-chain fatty alcohol produced by aldol condensation of n-butanol and n-hexanol. It is commercially available under trade names including Isofol 12, Jarcol I-12, and Guerbet C12, and carries no assigned E-code.

In personal care formulations, its branched structure reduces crystallisation tendency, making it effective as an emollient carrier that spreads without greasiness. In plastics and lubricant applications, it functions as a plasticiser precursor and synthetic ester base, where the branched backbone improves low-temperature fluidity and oxidative stability compared to linear alcohol equivalents.

2-Butyl-1-octanol is supplied as a clear liquid and is subject to REACH registration requirements within the European Economic Area. Procurement teams should confirm supplier SDS documentation and purity grade specifications, as cosmetic and industrial grades may differ in residual aldehyde content and water specification.