Ethohexadiol

Synonyms

2-Ethyl-1,3-hexanediol; 2-Ethyl-1,3-hexylene glycol; 2-Ethyl-3-propyl-1,3-propanediol; 3-Hydroxymethyl-n-heptan-4-ol; 6-12; 6-12 insect repellent; 6-12-Insect repellent; Carbide 6-12; Compound 6-12 insect repellent; Diol-Kyowa 8; Latka 612 [Czech]; Octylene glycol; Repellent 612; Rutgers 612; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Alcohols and Polyols, Other

Description

Colorless, odorless, hygroscopic liquid; [Hawley]

Sources/Uses

Used as a solvent for resins; as a plasticizer; as a chemical intermediate in the production of polyurethane resins; as an insect repellent; in cosmetics; as a vehicle and solvent in printing inks; in medicines; as a chelating agent for boric acid; [HSDB]

Comments

A moderate eye and mucous membrane irritant; Skin absorption may cause CNS depression; [HSDB] Produces birth defects when given to rats in high doses; No data on human exposure; [REPROTOX] Effects in high-dose animal studies include ataxia, somnolence, and liver changes; [RTECS] An irritant; May cause serious injury to eyes; May be absorbed through skin; [MSDSonline]

Except for cosmetics, voluntarily removed from US and Canadian markets in 1991 after high-dose animal experiment showed poor lung expansion in offspring; [REPROTOX]

Biomedical References

LC (rat) > 4,800 ppm/8h

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 127 deg C; VP < 0.01 mm at 20 deg C; [Merck Index]

must be preheated

Acute solvent syndrome

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Solvents, acute toxic effect