Octanol

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD