2-Ethylhexanol has one primary hydroxyl group. It is a colorless liquid. 2- Ethylhexanol is widely used in the production of dioctyl phthalate (vinyl applications), acrylates, 2-ethylhexyl nitrate, lubrication oil additives, mining chemicals, special plasticizers, herbicides and ester oils (non-vinyl application areas).

Manufacturing process:
The industrial production of 2-ethylhexanol is by a three-step process involving the aldol self-condensation of n butyraldehyde followed by dehydration and hydrogenation. The n-butyraldehyde was originally obtained
from acetaldehyde via ethylene but this has been superseded by the oxo process from propylene.