2-EHA in Coolants
2-Ethylhexanoic acid (2-EHA) is an industrially important aliphatic carboxylic acid which is widely employed as a stabilizer and a wood preservative.
It has various industrial applications, such as:
- coolant in automotives
- synthetic lubricant
- wetting agent
- co-solvent
- drying of paints
- defoaming agent in pesticides
For 2-ethlyhexanoic acid (2-EHA) and it salts a harmonized classification a specific concentration limit (SCL) of ≥ 4,5% was applicable, until recently. Through the “Adaption to Technical Progress” (ATP), the harmonized classification available in Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation is updated yearly. With ATP 18, the specific concentration limit for 2-ethlyhexanoic acid and it salts was replaced by the generic one, which is ≥0,3 % for Repr. 1B. ATP 18 and has been in force since May 3, 2022, and is legally binding from December 1st, 2023.
Products containing more than ≥ 0,3 % 2-ethlyhexanoic acid (2-EHA) or its salts need to be reclassified to Repr. 1B. This is a tremendous change and connected to the hazard statement H360D “May damage the unborn child.” For details of changes in classification and labelling please have a look in the next section. Affected products by this limit shift will be listed in section “products affected by regulatory change”. This reclassification is legally binding from December 1st, 2023.
Changes in EU classification and labelling
| Changes caused by 2-EHA ans its salts | |
|---|---|
| classification | Repr. 1B |
| symbols | GHS 08: Health hazard |
| signal word | Danger |
| hazard statements | H360D |
Substance identity
EC / List no.: 205-743-6
CAS no.: 149-57-5
Mol. formula: C8H16O2
Hazard classification & labelling
Danger! According to the harmonised classification and labelling (ATP18) approved by the European Union, this substance may damage the unborn child.
Additionally, the classification provided by companies to ECHA in REACH registrations identifies that this substance is suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.