Ethylhexyl isononanoate is a chemical compound, ester of 2-ethyl-hexyl alcohol and a branched-chain nonanoic acid.

It appears as a colourless liquid that is poorly soluble in water.

What it is used for and where

Emollient, thickener.

Pharmaceutical

Intermediate component of pharmaceutical synthesis and emollient for the prevention of atopic dermatitis.

Cosmetics

Used in cosmetic skin care products as an emollient Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives. Also used for eye care as: eye shadow, eye make-up remover, eye lotion. Make-up blushers. Lipsticks. Aftershave lotions. 

Other uses

An intermediate component for paints and coatings, for the production of lubricants and plasticisers and for the production of peroxides as polymerisation catalysts.

Safety

Laboratory tests performed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) on Ethylhexyl isononanoate did not indicate a potential for allergic contact sensitisation and therefore this chemical is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the use practices and concentrations described in this safety assessment (1).

• Molecular Formula  C₁₇H₃₄O₂
• Molercular Weight     270.5
• Exact Mass   270.25600
• CAS  71566-49-9   70969-70-9
• UNII     I6KB4GE3K4
• EC Number   275-637-2
• DSSTox Substance ID  DTXSID1029542
• IUPAC  2-ethylhexyl 7-methyloctanoate
• InChI=1S/C17H34O2/c1-5-7-12-16(6-2)14-19-17(18)13-10-8-9-11-15(3)4/h15-16H,5-14H2,1-4H3 
• InChl Key      NAGVKZOTMXGCCA-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES   CCCCC(CC)COC(=O)CCCCCC(C)C
• MDL number  
• PubChem Substance ID    

Synonyms

• 2-ethylhexyl 7-methyloctanoate
• 2-ethylhexyl isopelargonate
• Isononanoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester
• 7-Methyloctanoic acid 2-ethylhexyl ester
• Octyl Isononanoate 
• 2-Ethylhexyl isononanoate
•  Dragoxat 89
•  2-ethylhexyl 3,5,5-trimethyl-hexanoate

References___________________________________________________________

(1)  Andersen, F. A. Final report on the safety assessment of propylene glycol (PG) dicaprylate, PG dicaprylate/dicaprate, PG dicocoate, PG dipelargonate, PG isostearate, PG laurate, PG myristate, PG oleate, PG oleate SE, PG dioleate, PG dicaprate, PG diisostearate, and PG dilaurate.  International Journal of Toxicology. 1999;18:(S2):35-52.

ChemDraw [computer program]. 2002;Cambridge, MA: Cambridge Soft Corporation