May 11, 2023   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Hexion’s Versatic™ Acid 10: A Safer-to-Use Alternative to 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid

Impending regulatory changes announced by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) will favorably position Hexion's Versatic Acid 10 as a safer-to-use1 replacement for 2-ethylhexanoic acid (2-EHA). Versatic Acid 10, and other Versatics derivatives, are excellent building blocks that enable the production of high-performance emulsions, high solids and waterborne resins. They also have the more sustainable attribute of enabling the production of paints and coatings with lower volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions than before.

The industry’s move toward alternative products, such as Versatic Acid 10, follows the reclassification of 2-EHA and most of its salts as Reprotoxic Category 1B by the Risk Assessment Committee of ECHA beginning in November 2023. The ECHA 1B rating refers to materials that are presumed to be a human carcinogen (H340), mutagen (H350), or reproductive toxicant (H360), based on animal studies.

“Versatic Acid 10 is a proven technology that is a high-performance alternative for producers who will be impacted by the pending regulatory changes,” said Jeroen Jansema, Vice President and General Manager, Performance Materials (Versatic Acids and Derivatives). “Versatic Acid 10 is just one proven product in Hexion’s Versatic Acid portfolio and it delivers a variety of critical performance improvements that help customers improve hydrolytic and chemical stability, water repellency, durability, and adhesion. We have been working with many market leaders as they prepare to transition away from 2-EHA to a higher-performance solution.”

Versatic Acid 10 is ideally suited for a variety of applications such as dryers for alkyd paints and inks, PVC heat stabilizers, and in the production of metal-based catalysts for polyurethane applications. Its unique performance profile compared to other carboxylic acids also positions the intermediate as a preferred solution for a variety of growing applications, including: tire adhesion promoters, fuel additives, metal working fluids, antifreeze, bitumen emulsifying agents, esters for solvents or lubricants, cosmetics, personal care, detergents, metal extraction, polymerization initiators, and more. Learn more about Versatic Acid 10 at https://www.hexion.com/VA10.

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1 Safer to use as a non-classified material under Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) with no signal word and no known significant HS&E effects or critical hazards.

About Hexion Inc.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Hexion Inc. is a leading global producer of adhesives and performance materials. Hexion provides specialty products and technical support for customers in a diverse range of applications and industries such as construction, furniture, energy, agriculture, and automotive. Building on over a century of experience, Hexion is working to preserve the Earth’s natural resources, meet the needs of growing populations, and respond to a changing climate. Learn more about Hexion and its commitment to sustainability at www.hexion.com.