2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2-EHN) Supplier in USA & Canada

What Is 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (2-EHN)?

2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (CAS No. 27247-96-7), also known as isooctyl nitrate, is the most widely used diesel cetane improver worldwide. It is an organic nitrate ester produced from the reaction of 2-ethylhexanol and nitric acid and works by decomposing rapidly under compression to generate free radicals that shorten a diesel fuel's ignition delay.

When added to diesel fuel, 2-EHN:

• Increases cetane number
• Reduces ignition delay
• Improves cold-start performance
• Enhances combustion efficiency
• Lowers engine noise and emissions

It is suitable for on-road, off-road, marine, rail, mining, and power-generation diesel fuels and is compatible with both petrodiesel and biodiesel blends.

Is 2-EHN a Cetane Booster or a Cetane Improver?

Both terms are used interchangeably across the fuel additive industry, and 2-EHN is sold and specified under either name depending on the region and buyer. As a cetane booster, 2-EHN's job is to raise a diesel fuel's cetane number quickly and predictably at low treat rates, without requiring changes to refinery processing or base fuel composition. This makes it the most commonly used cetane booster in North America for:

• Refineries needing to meet a cetane specification without reformulating
• Terminal and rack operators boosting cetane on finished fuel before delivery
• Fuel blenders formulating premium or winter-grade diesel products
• Aftermarket diesel performance additive packages marketed directly to fleets

Whether your specification sheet calls for a "cetane booster" or a "cetane improver," 2-EHN from Hanson Chemicals meets the same ≥99.5% purity standard either way.

How 2-EHN Improves Cetane Number

2-EHN begins to thermally decompose at approximately 130°C, releasing nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and alkoxy radicals that initiate low-temperature oxidation in the fuel's cool-flame region. This accelerates ignition and shortens the delay between fuel injection and combustion, the mechanism behind the cetane number increase.

Typical treat rate: 0.025% to 0.40% by volume, depending on base fuel quality and target cetane specification. As a general guide, each 1,000 ppm of 2-EHN raises cetane number by approximately 0.8 to 1.0 points, though actual response varies with base fuel composition.

2-EHN does not meaningfully alter fuel density, viscosity, or lubricity and contains no metallic content, its effect is confined to the combustion chemistry itself.

For a full dosage walkthrough by fuel type and target cetane spec, see our [Cetane Improver Dosage & Treat Rate Guide].

Key Applications

• Diesel fuel cetane improvement
• Fuel additive packages
• Terminal and rack blending
• Refinery blending operations
• Aftermarket diesel performance additives
• Mining, marine, rail, and power-generation fuels

Performance in cold climates is one of the most common reasons buyers add 2-EHN to a fuel program — see our [Cold Weather Diesel Performance guide] for how cetane response changes with ambient temperature.

2-EHN vs. Nitrogen-Free Cetane Improvers

Most cetane improvement programs use 2-EHN because of its proven performance and cost-effectiveness, but some fuel specifications restrict added fuel-bound nitrogen. In those cases, nitrogen-free alternatives (such as di-tert-butyl peroxide-based improvers) are used instead, typically at higher treat rates and cost.

If your application has a nitrogen restriction, our team can advise on whether 2-EHN or an alternative additive fits your specification. Full comparison: [2-EHN vs. Nitrogen-Free Cetane Improvers: Which Is Right for Your Fuel Program?]

Storage, Handling & Safety

2-EHN is combustible and undergoes self-accelerating decomposition if heated above approximately 130°C, so it requires the same care in storage and transport as other organic nitrate esters:

• Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and direct sunlight
• Keep away from strong reducing agents, acids, and incompatible oxidizers
• Use appropriate PPE and follow SDS handling guidance during transfer and blending
• Ship and store in approved containers rated for the material's classification

2-EHN Compatibility

2-EHN is fully miscible with diesel fuel, biodiesel blends, and most organic solvents, making it straightforward to incorporate at the terminal, rack, or refinery blending stage. It should be kept away from strong reducing agents, mineral acids, and incompatible oxidizers, which can react with the nitrate ester group. Always check compatibility with any other additives in a fuel package before co-blending.

SDS & Documentation

A full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — covering handling, storage, spill response, and diesel-fuel-blending precautions — is available on request for every order. Our 2-EHN Diesel SDS, along with the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA), can be provided ahead of purchase for technical review. See our detailed [2-EHN Storage & Handling Safety Guide] for bulk transport and warehousing considerations.

Choosing a 2-EHN Supplier

When evaluating suppliers of bulk 2-EHN, buyers typically look for:

• Certificates of Analysis (COA) issued per batch
• ISO 9001–aligned quality management at the point of manufacture
• REACH-compliant supply chains for North American and international sale
• Consistent purity (≥99% GC) and low moisture content
• Reliable logistics — ISO tank, tote, and drum delivery across the required region

Full breakdown: [How to Choose a 2-EHN Supplier: Certifications, COAs & Quality Verification]. Sourcing in bulk for terminal or rack blending? See our [Bulk 2-EHN Sourcing Guide for Terminal & Rack Operators].

Why Choose Hanson Chemicals for 2-EHN?

High-Purity Product

We supply ≥99.5% purity 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate, ensuring:

• Predictable cetane response
• Clean blending behavior
• Consistent fuel performance

Quality & Compliance

Every batch of 2-EHN we supply is backed by:

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity, moisture content, and appearance for each lot
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) available on request
• Sourced from manufacturers operating to ISO 9001 quality management standards
• Supply chain aligned with REACH compliance requirements

Established North American Supplier

Hanson Chemicals is a trusted North America–based supplier with experience supporting fuel blenders, terminals, and additive formulators. We source 2-EHN from ISO 9001–certified manufacturing partners and manage quality control, logistics, and documentation for every shipment — giving buyers manufacturer-grade product with the flexibility and service of a regional distributor.

In-Stock & Contract Supply

• Spot availability
• Contract volumes
• Emergency replenishment support

Flexible Packaging & Logistics

Available in ISO tanks, IBC totes, and drums — delivered efficiently across the USA and Canada.

Industries We Serve

• Fuel additive manufacturers
• Independent fuel blenders
• Terminal & rack operators
• Refineries
• Mining fuel suppliers
• Marine & rail fuel operators
• Power generation fuel users

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate the same as isooctyl nitrate? Yes. Isooctyl nitrate is a common trade and industry synonym for 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate (CAS 27247-96-7). Both terms refer to the same compound used as a diesel cetane improver.

Is "cetane booster" the same as "cetane improver"? Yes. "Cetane booster" and "cetane improver" are used interchangeably across the fuel additive industry to describe products like 2-EHN that raise a diesel fuel's cetane number. Hanson Chemicals supplies the same ≥99.5% purity 2-EHN whether your specification refers to it as a cetane booster or a cetane improver.

What is the HS code for 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate? 2-EHN is typically classified under HS heading 2920 (esters of other inorganic acids of non-metals). Exact tariff codes can vary by country and shipment form, so confirm the applicable code with your customs broker or our logistics team before importing or exporting.

What is the typical dosage rate for 2-EHN in diesel fuel? Treat rates typically range from 0.025% to 0.40% by volume, with each 1,000 ppm generally raising cetane number by about 0.8 to 1.0 points, depending on base fuel composition.

Is 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate hazardous to store? 2-EHN is combustible and can undergo self-accelerating decomposition above approximately 130°C. It should be stored in a cool, ventilated area away from heat and incompatible materials. Full precautions are detailed in the SDS.

What packaging options are available for bulk 2-EHN purchases? Hanson Chemicals supplies 2-EHN in ISO tanks, IBC totes, and drums, with both spot and contract volume options delivered across the USA and Canada.

Does 2-EHN affect fuel density or viscosity? No. 2-EHN's effect is limited to combustion chemistry — it does not meaningfully change the treated fuel's density, viscosity, or lubricity, and contains no metallic content.