sec-hexyl alcohol

sec-hexyl alcohol (2-ethyl-1-butanol) is a C6 fatty alcohol with a sweet, musty alcoholic odor used primarily in flavor and fragrance applications.

General Material Description

sec-Hexyl alcohol, also known by its IUPAC name 2-ethyl-1-butanol, is a fatty alcohol with the molecular formula C₆H₁₄O. It appears as a colorless liquid with a distinctive sweet musty and alcoholic odor profile. This compound is recognized under several synonyms including 2-ethylbutan-1-ol and pseudo hexyl alcohol. It belongs to the class of aliphatic primary alcohols and is catalogued in chemical databases such as PubChem. Typically, sec-hexyl alcohol is derived from industrial chemical synthesis routes rather than direct extraction from natural sources. It is utilized in various manufacturing processes where an intermediate or functional alcohol group is required.

Occurrence, Applicability & Potential Uses

This alcohol naturally occurs in certain legumes, notably mung bean and soybean. Its presence in these plants contributes to subtle natural flavor notes. sec-Hexyl alcohol finds application predominantly as a flavor and fragrance agent, lending an alcoholic, sweet, and musty odor nuance to formulations. Its incorporation is common in perfuming agents for cosmetic products where it aids scent complexity and stability. The compound is registered and assessed under regulatory frameworks such as FEMA (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association, US), ensuring appropriate usage levels in consumer goods. It is also subject to IFRA (International Fragrance Association, Global) standards governing safe fragrance use in products.

Physico-Chemical Properties Summary

Physicochemical attributes of sec-hexyl alcohol influence its function in flavor and fragrance formulations. It is a liquid at standard ambient temperatures, with a melting point near -15 to -14B0C and a boiling point ranging from 146 to 147B0C at atmospheric pressure (760 mm Hg). Its specific gravity varies between 0.827 and 0.839 at 25B0C, indicating moderate density below water. The refractive index lies between 1.418 and 1.42 at 20B0C, relevant for quality control analyses. The compound exhibits a low vapor pressure of approximately 1.812 mm Hg at 25B0C, reflecting moderate volatility. With a predicted log P value near 1.7, its lipophilicity suggests balanced solubility characteristics; indeed, it is soluble in water at about 4000 mg/L and compatible with alcohol solvents. These traits make it adaptable for blending with diverse formulation systems. The flash point is about 58B0C (137B0F), which is a key safety consideration during handling and storage.

FAQ

What is sec-hexyl alcohol and what are its main characteristics?

sec-Hexyl alcohol, also known as 2-ethyl-1-butanol, is a primary alcohol with the molecular formula C₆H₁₄O. It presents as a clear liquid featuring a sweet, musty alcoholic odor. This compound belongs to the class of fatty alcohols and is used mainly for its aromatic properties. It occurs naturally in certain plants such as mung bean and soybean. Its physical properties, including a boiling point near 146B0C and moderate water solubility, define its behavior in formulations.

Where is sec-hexyl alcohol typically found and how is it used in industry?

sec-Hexyl alcohol appears naturally in foods like mung beans and soybeans, contributing to their flavor profile. Industrially, it is applied as a flavoring and fragrance agent, particularly within cosmetic perfuming products. The compound enhances scent compositions by adding an alcoholic, sweet aroma. It is included in regulatory standards such as FEMA and IFRA to ensure safe and appropriate use. Its solubility and moderate volatility make it suitable for blending in a variety of consumer goods.

What safety regulations and data are available for handling sec-hexyl alcohol?

Safety data classifies sec-hexyl alcohol as harmful when in contact with skin or if swallowed and identifies it as flammable. The compound is assigned hazard codes including R10 (flammable) and R21/22 (harmful by skin contact and ingestion). Precautions include avoiding ignition sources, preventing contact with skin and eyes, and use of protective clothing. Toxicological studies report variable LD50 values depending on route and species, highlighting moderate toxicity. Regulatory compliance involves adherence to the IFRA Code of Practice and review by agencies such as ECHA (EU) and FDA (US). Comprehensive safety datasheets are available from suppliers.

US / EU / FDA / JECFA / FEMA / Scholar / Patents

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Literature & References

	2-ethylbutan-1-ol
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	97-95-0
Pubchem (cid):	7358
Pubchem (sid):	134970815

Publications by PubMed
Comparative study of dynamics in glass forming mixtures of Debye-type N-ethylacetamide with water, alcohol, and amine.
Debye relaxation and 250 K anomaly in glass forming monohydroxy alcohols.
Unusual dielectric strength of Debye relaxation in monohydroxy alcohols upon mixing.
The effect of alcohol structures on the interaction mode with the hexameric capsule of resorcin[4]arene.
Effect of soil organic carbon on the quantification of jet-fuels in soil using partitioning tracer method.
Fragrance material review on 2-ethyl-1-butanol.

Other Information

(IUPAC):	Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:	The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:	Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):	Periodic Table of the Elements
CHEMBL:	View
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	Search
Export Tariff Code:	2905.19.9020
VCF-Online:	VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:	View
Wikipedia:	View
Formulations/Preparations: ethyl butanol is 3 wt% of hexyl alcohol

General Material Information

Preferred name	sec-hexyl alcohol
Trivial Name	2-Ethyl-1-butanol
Short Description	2-ethylbutyl alcohol
Formula	C6 H14 O
CAS Number	97-95-0
Flavis Number	2.043
ECHA Number	202-621-4
FDA UNII	28002VFS3H
Nikkaji Number	J55.485E
Beilstein Number	1731254
MDL	MFCD00004744
COE Number	543
xLogP3-AA	1.60 (est)
NMR Predictor	External link
Synonyms	butan-1-ol, 2-ethyl- 1-butanol, 2-ethyl- 2-ethyl butan-1-ol ethyl butanol 2-ethyl butyl alcohol 2-ethyl-1-butanol 2-ethylbutan-1-ol 2-ethylbutanol 2-ethylbutyl alcohol pseudo hexyl alcohol sec- hexyl alcohol 3-methylolpentane sec- pentyl carbinol sec- pentylcarbinol 2-ethylbutan-1-ol 1-Butanol, 2-ethyl- 2-Ethyl-1-butanol 2-Ethylbutyl alcohol 3-Methylolpentane Pseudohexyl alcohol NSC 8858

Suppliers

EMD Millipore	FCI SAS
Penta International	Santa Cruz Biotechnology
Sigma-Aldrich: Aldrich	TCI AMERICA
Penta International Corporation

PhysChem Properties

Material listed in food chemical codex	No
Molecular weight	102.17678070068
Specific gravity	@ 25 °C
Pounds per Gallon	6.881 to 6.981
Refractive Index	1.418 to 1.42 @ 20 °C
Melting Point	-15 to -14°C @ 760 mm Hg
Boiling Point	146 to 147°C @ 760 mm Hg
Vapor Pressure	1.812 mmHg @ 25 °C
Flash Point TCC Value	58.33 °C TCC
logP (o/w)	1.702 est
Solubility
alcohol	Yes
water, 1.195e+004 mg/L @ 25 °C (est)	Yes
water, 4000 mg/L @ 25 °C (exp)	Yes

Organoleptic Properties

Odor Type: Alcoholic
sweet, musty, alcoholic
General comment	At 100.00 %. sweet musty alcoholic

Occurrences

Safety Information

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xn - Harmful.
R 10 - Flammable. R 21/22 - Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed. S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 16 - Keep away from sources of ignition - No Smoking. S 20/21 - When using do not eat, drink or smoke. S 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes. S 26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. S 36/37/39 - Wear suitable clothing, gloves and eye/face protection.

Hazards identification

Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements

Pictogram

Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
intraperitoneal-guinea pig LD50 450 mg/kg "Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology," 3rd rev. ed., Clayton, G.D., and F.E. Clayton, eds., New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1978-82. Vol. 3 originally pub. in 1979; pub. as 2n rev. ed. in 1985.Vol. 2C, Pg. 4612, 1982. intraperitoneal-mouse LD > 400 mg/kg European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry--Chimie Therapeutique. Vol. 10, Pg. 453, 1975. oral-rabbit LD50 1200 mg/kg Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Vol. 82, Pg. 377, 1944. intraperitoneal-rat LD50 800 mg/kg "Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology," 3rd rev. ed., Clayton, G.D., and F.E. Clayton, eds., New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1978-82. Vol. 3 originally pub. in 1979; pub. as 2n rev. ed. in 1985.Vol. 2C, Pg. 4612, 1982. oral-rat LD50 1850 mg/kg AMA Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Medicine. Vol. 10, Pg. 61, 1954.
Dermal Toxicity:
skin-rabbit LD50 1260 uL/kg AMA Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Medicine. Vol. 10, Pg. 61, 1954.
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
flavor and fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice