Isononanol

Isononanol (CAS 27458-94-2) is a branched-chain C9 fatty alcohol commercially available under trade names including Exxal 9, Exxal 9S, and Nonanol N. It belongs to the oxo alcohol family, produced via hydroformylation of C8 olefins followed by hydrogenation, yielding a mixture of isomeric nonanol structures.

In plasticizer production, isononanol reacts with phthalic or adipic acid anhydrides to form esters such as DINP and DINA, which impart flexibility to PVC compounds. In coatings and printing inks, it functions as a slow-evaporating solvent and coalescent, extending open time and improving film formation on challenging substrates.

Isononanol is supplied in industrial drum and IBC formats and is subject to REACH registration requirements within the EU. Procurement teams should confirm whether the supplied grade meets specific purity thresholds relevant to their downstream application, particularly for personal care or lubricant formulations where isomer distribution may affect performance.