Calcium Octoate 10%
Calcium Octoate 10% is an aqueous solution containing 10% calcium octoate, a calcium salt of 2-ethylhexanoic acid (octanoic acid). It is a white to pale yellow liquid, soluble in water, known primarily as a metal carboxylate used as a drying agent and corrosion inhibitor. It functions as a calcium-based drier in coatings, paints, varnishes, and printing inks to accelerate the curing process by catalyzing the oxidation and polymerization of drying oils. Due to its stability and efficacy at low concentrations, it is widely preferred as a non-toxic alternative to traditional lead or cobalt-based driers.
Calcium Octoate 10% Uses
Primary Uses
- Coatings and Paint Industry
- Used as a calcium-based drying agent (drier) in alkyd, oil-based, and other air-drying paints and varnishes.
- Accelerates film formation by catalyzing oxidative cross-linking of drying oils, enhancing drying speed and surface hardness.
- Acts as a safer alternative to lead and cobalt driers with reduced toxicity concerns.
- Printing Inks
- Incorporated into printing inks to promote quick drying and improve film durability.
- Ensures faster handling and stacking time post-printing.
- Adhesives and Sealants
- Used as a curing accelerator in solvent-based adhesives and sealants containing drying oils or alkyd resins.
- Metal Protection
- Functions as a corrosion inhibitor in metal preservation formulations.
Secondary Uses
- Plastics and Rubber
- Sometimes used as a processing aid or stabilizer in certain plastic and rubber compounds.
- Textile Industry
- Utilized as a curing agent in textile printing inks and coatings.
- Chemical Intermediates
- Serves as a precursor or intermediate in synthesis of other metal soaps and additives.
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Calcium 2-ethylhexanoate
- Common/Trade Name: Calcium Octoate 10%
- CAS Number: 19766-89-3 (calcium 2-ethylhexanoate)
- HS Code: 2915.70.00
- Molecular Formula: C16H30CaO4
- Synonyms:
- Calcium 2-ethylhexanoate
- Calcium octanoate
- Calcium octoate solution
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid (aqueous solution)
- Color & Odor: Clear to pale yellow; mild characteristic odor
- Density: Approx. 1.0 g/cm³ (varies slightly with concentration)
- Solubility: Completely soluble in water
- pH (10% solution): Typically 8–10 (slightly alkaline)
- Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions; resistant to hydrolysis
- Flash Point: Not applicable (aqueous solution)
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous under typical handling
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA/ACGIH limits; avoid prolonged skin contact and ingestion
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; considered safer than heavy-metal driers
- Reactivity: Stable; avoid strong acids or bases which may hydrolyze the salt
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight
- Container Type: Plastic or coated metal drums compatible with aqueous alkaline solutions
- Shelf Life: Typically 12–24 months if stored properly
- Special Handling: Use PPE; avoid eye and skin contact; prevent environmental discharge
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Not typically regulated for food/pharma use; primarily industrial chemical
- REACH: Registered under EU chemical regulations
- Transportation: Not classified as dangerous goods under most transport regulations
- Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local environmental regulations for aqueous alkaline metal salts
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low; readily disperses in aquatic environment, minimal bioaccumulation expected
- Persistence: Biodegradable in environment
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Biodegradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Protective clothing
- Use respiratory protection if aerosolized
Handling Measures:
- Avoid inhalation and direct skin or eye contact
- Use in well-ventilated areas
- Avoid contamination of watercourses and soil
Storage Measures:
- Keep containers tightly closed
- Store away from acids and incompatible materials
- Protect from freezing and extreme heat
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if large amounts ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Not flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ for surrounding fire
- Special Precautions: Wear protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus if involved in fire
Decomposition Products: May release CO₂, CO, and calcium oxides on thermal decomposition