Sodium 2-ethylhexanoate

Sodium 2-ethylhexanoate (CAS 19766-89-3) is the sodium salt of 2-ethylhexanoic acid, supplied primarily as a catalyst and drying promoter for industrial coating and polymer systems. It functions as a metal-free carboxylate catalyst, offering an alternative to heavy-metal-based driers and cure accelerators across multiple industrial sectors. In coatings and alkyd resin systems, it acts as a drying catalyst.

This product serves as a co-drier, accelerating oxidative crosslinking in solvent-borne and waterborne formulations. Adhesive and sealant manufacturers use it as a cure accelerator for silicone and polyurethane systems. By improving processing throughput, it provides significant efficiency gains. In plastics and polymer production, it serves as a catalyst or stabilizer additive during compounding and polymerization stages.

Personal care formulators incorporate it as a pH buffer and preservative booster in emulsion systems. Sodium carboxylate salts provide compatibility with sensitive active ingredients in these specialized formulations. Sodium 2-ethylhexanoate is typically supplied as a liquid solution, with concentrations commonly ranging from 50% to 95% in water or hydrocarbon solvents depending on application requirements.

Technical grade is the standard commercial offering for industrial coatings, adhesives, and polymer applications. Specialty grades with tighter purity specifications are available for personal care and food-contact applications.