ethohexadiol

Etohexadiol (also known as ethohexadiol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol) is a small molecule ectoparasiticide and insect repellent that was marketed under the names "6-12" and "Rutgers 612". It belongs to the class of fatty alcohols and is an aliphatic diol. Etohexadiol was widely used topically as an insect repellent but its use in the United States was discontinued in 1991 after studies showed it caused developmental defects in animals[1][2][3]. The compound has also been used industrially as a solvent, chelating agent, plasticizer component in cosmetics and other formulations[3][7]. Its mechanism of action as an insect repellent likely involves disruption of biological membranes and proteins in insects[6].

Brand names

6-12Rutgers 612Rutgers612Rutgers-612

Other names

2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol