Isooctyl

Isooctyl is a term that generally refers to an isomer of octyl. Octyl is an alkyl group with eight carbon atoms and seventeen hydrogen atoms, having the chemical formula C8H17. The "iso" prefix indicates a specific branching pattern. In the case of isooctyl, it commonly refers to the 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl group, derived from isooctane (2,2,4-trimethylpentane) by removing one hydrogen atom. This specific isomer is widely used in industry.

However, the term "isooctyl" can sometimes be used more broadly to encompass other branched octyl isomers, not just the 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl group. This ambiguity can lead to confusion in chemical literature and product labeling. When precision is required, it is better to use the IUPAC name for the specific isomer of interest, such as 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl.

The most common isooctyl isomer, 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl, is a key component in the production of various chemicals. It is often found as a substituent in plasticizers, surfactants, and lubricants. For example, diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP) was historically used as a plasticizer, though its use has declined due to health and environmental concerns. Isooctyl alcohol, a related compound, is also an important industrial intermediate. The branched nature of the isooctyl group often confers desirable properties such as improved solubility and lower volatility compared to straight-chain octyl compounds.