2-Ethylhexanoic acid is a clear colorless liquid with a mild odor. It has one carboxylic group based on C8 carbon chain and is slightly soluble in water and corrosive to metals and tissue. 2-EHA is commonly used in the preparation of metal derivatives that are soluble in non-polar organic solvents. Metal derivatives thus produced are used as catalysts in polymerization reactions. 2-EHA is generally used in esters for Polyvinylbutyral (PVB) film plasticizers and synthetic lubricants, in metal salts for paint dryers, in automotive coolants, PVC stabilizers, and cosmetics.