Octanol

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Octanol is a straight-chain fatty alcohol with eight carbon atoms and the molecular formula C8H18O. It is a colorless liquid that is slightly soluble in water and completely miscible with ethanol. Octanol occurs naturally in the form of esters in some essential oils.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

Octanol is a fatty alcohol, which means it is a derivative of fats and oils. It is a straight-chain alcohol, meaning its carbon atoms are arranged in a straight line. It has eight carbon atoms, hence the name "octanol". The molecular formula of octanol is C8H18O.

Octanol is a colorless liquid at room temperature. It has a characteristic odor that is similar to that of oranges. It is slightly soluble in water, but completely miscible with ethanol. This makes it a useful solvent in chemical reactions.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Octanol is used in a variety of applications. It is used as a solvent in the manufacture of dyes, resins, and pharmaceuticals. It is also used as a defoaming agent in the paper and textile industries. In addition, octanol is used as a base for the manufacture of esters used in perfumery and flavorings.

Health Effects[edit | edit source]

Exposure to octanol can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term exposure can lead to liver and kidney damage.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Octanol Resources

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD