Isooctanol

Isooctanol (CAS 26952-21-6) is a branched-chain fatty alcohol used in industrial manufacturing as a solvent, plasticizer intermediate and emulsifier component.

Where is Isooctanol used?

• Esters and surfactants: key building block
• Plasticizers and polymer processing: reacted with phthalic or adipic acid anhydrides to produce ester plasticizers that improve flexibility in PVC compounds and other polymer systems
• Coatings and inks: coalescing solvent and viscosity modifier for controlled evaporation and film formation
• Lubricants and metalworking fluids: incorporated into ester-based base oils and additive packages, where the branched structure improves low-temperature fluidity
• In personal care and textile processing it functions as a carrier and emollient component.

Good to know: Controlled branching improves performance over linear-chain alternatives. Purity specifications are typically 99% or above depending on supplier and intended application.

Commercial specifications

• Purity typically 99% or above, depending on supplier and application
• Clear liquid in drummed and bulk quantities