As an oxo alcohol with a C8 chain, 2-EH is also called a plasticizer alcohol which is an industry term for C6 to C13 alcohols that are primarily used as chemical intermediates for the plasticizer production. With a percentage share of about 70%, plasticizers are by far the largest end-use segment for 2-EH. They provide flexibility to normally rigid and brittle PVC, and are used in the manufacturing of consumer goods, such as toys, cling film, flooring, cable insulation, and medical tubing. The second largest 2-EH derivative, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA), is mainly used as a monomer to produce acrylic resins for latex paints, especially for exterior applications, and for pressure sensitive adhesives. Other end-uses of 2-EH include lube and oil additives (zinc di-2-ethylhexyl dithiophosphate), mining chemicals, surfactants, and diesel fuel cetane improvers such as 2-ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN).
