2-Ethylhexyl Salicylate, or octyl salicylate, is an organic compound used as an ingredient in sunscreens and cosmetics to absorb UVB (ultraviolet) rays from the sun. It is an ester formed by the condensation of salicylic acid with 2-ethylhexanol. It is a colorless oily liquid with a slight floral odor. The salicylate portion of the molecule absorbs ultraviolet light, protecting skin from the harmful effects of exposure to sunlight. The ethylhexanol portion is a fatty alcohol, adding emollient and oil-like (water resistant) properties. Test Items Specifications Results Appearance Colorless to pale yellow liquid Colorless liquid Odour Slight characteristic Slight characteristic Identity (IR) USP Matches reference spectrum Matches reference spectrum Identity (Retention time) USP Matches reference retention time Matches reference retention time UV Specific extinction (E1%1cm,310nm, ethanol) USP 165-185 175 Specific gravity(25ºC) USP 1.011-1.016 1.015 Refractive index(20ºC) USP 1.500-1.503 1.503 Acidity(ml/ml) Titration (USP) 0.2 0.0ml/ml Chromatographic purity GC USP Purity (%) 99.0 99.6 Ethylhexanol(%) 0.1