2-octyl cyanoacrylate

2-octyl cyanoacrylate is a synthetic cyanoacrylate ester used as a topical tissue adhesive for wound closure. When exposed to moisture on the skin, its monomers rapidly polymerize in an exothermic reaction, forming a flexible, water-tight barrier that holds skin edges together and protects the wound. It is marketed as an alternative to stitches or sutures, with benefits including quick application, barrier to microbes, and generally mild tissue response. Its longer chain length (compared to other cyanoacrylates) results in lower toxicity and better biodegradation profile.

Other names

Dermabondoctyl cyanoacrylatetissue adhesive

Polymerization on moist surfaces creates a flexible, water-tight adhesive that holds together wound edges and may act as a microbial barrier