Chemical Name: 1-Butyne
Synonyms: Ethylacetylene
CAS Number: 107-00-6
Physical Form: Colorless, highly flammable gas
Odor: Mild, sweetish, somewhat fuel-like scent
Common Uses: Laboratory reagent, starting material for synthesis
Stabilization: Often sold with small percentages of a stabilizer to prevent polymerization or explosive reactions
Primary Hazards: Extremely flammable gas; risk of explosion or fire upon exposure to spark, flame, heat or static
Health Effects: Inhalation may cause dizziness, headaches, anesthetic effects, nausea, even loss of consciousness at high concentrations
Environmental Hazards: May pose fire hazard in case of leaks; heavier-than-air nature increases risk of vapor accumulation in confined spaces
GHS Classification: Flammable gas Category 1, Gases under pressure
Label Elements: Flame pictogram, Signal word: Danger, Hazard Statements: “Extremely flammable gas,” “Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated”
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective equipment, keep away from open flames, no smoking, avoid release to environment
Component: 1-Butyne
Concentration: Usually over 99% pure by volume (with minor stabilizers added in parts per million)
Stabilizer Name: Often includes traces of paraffin or other hydrocarbon stabilizers
Impurities: Small amounts of other C4 hydrocarbons, depending on manufacturing process
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; keep at rest for easier breathing. Seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen
Skin Contact: In case of frostbite from rapid expansion of compressed gas, rinse with lukewarm water and remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with water, lift eyelids, remove contact lenses if easily possible, seek medical advice for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Not a likely route due to gaseous state; contact emergency medical services if exposure occurs
Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, water spray (fog) to cool containers
Hazards from Combustion: Produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, fumes and smoke
Special Instructions: Remove containers from fire if possible, stop leak if safe; firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus
Explosion Risk: Gas-air mixtures form explosive environments; vapors can travel and ignite at a distance
Unusual Fire Hazards: Heated cylinders may rupture violently
Personal Protective Gear: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and flame-resistant, antistatic clothing
Appropriate Actions: Evacuate area; remove ignition sources; ventilate area thoroughly; stop leak if safe
Containment: Prevent vapor accumulation—outdoors or well-ventilated settings preferred
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release into sewers; contain escaping gas as much as possible
Handling Precautions: Keep away from sources of heat, sparks, static discharge, and open flames; use explosion-proof equipment
Recommended Storage: Store cylinders upright, in cool, dry, well-ventilated locations away from direct sunlight
Safe Container Practices: Use only approved, tightly sealed gas cylinders
Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong oxidizers, halogens, acids, and ignition sources
Engineering Controls: Work in fume hood or area with forced ventilation
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirators when ventilation is inadequate
Eye/Face Protection: Wear safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Wear flame-resistant gloves and clothing
Occupational Exposure Limits: Low—avoid inhalation; no official threshold limit set globally, but industrial hygiene principles call for minimizing exposure
Appearance: Colorless gas at room temperature
Odor Threshold: Detectable at low concentrations
Boiling Point: Approx. -6°C (21°F)
Melting/Freezing Point: -123°C (-189°F)
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
Density: Heavier than air
Evaporation Rate: Rapid from liquid state
Autoignition Temperature: About 410°C (770°F)
Flash Point: Not applicable for gases
Chemical Stability: Stable in cylinders with stabilizer, otherwise susceptible to polymerization and decomposition under heat or pressure
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, small hydrocarbons
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, incompatible chemicals
Inhalation Risks: Central nervous system effects; dizziness, nausea, possible unconsciousness with high exposures
Skin & Eye Risks: High-pressure leaks may cause frostbite or irritation
Long-Term Effects: Insufficient human data for chronic toxicity; animal studies point to respiratory tract effects at very high concentrations
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation and possible dermal contact with escaping liquid/gas
Environmental Persistence: Rapidly evaporates into air; breakdown in atmosphere through reaction with free radicals
Aquatic Toxicity: Low, but rapid evaporation; spills on water can cause localized fire hazards, not persistent in water
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to accumulate in aquatic organisms
Soil Contamination: Unlikely; immediate vaporization from soil surface
Methods: Controlled venting to approved flare system or combustor; always observe safety and environmental controls
Regulated Waste: Cylinder residues, contaminated PPE, and cleanup material must be handled per hazardous waste regulations
Don'ts: Do not puncture or incinerate cylinders unless thoroughly purged and confirmed empty by competent personnel
UN Number: 2452
Transport Hazard Class: 2.1 (Flammable gas)
Packing Group: Not assigned for compressed gases
Transport Precautions: Secure cylinders firmly, separate from incompatible goods, mark with clear hazard labels
Other Notes: Drivers must be trained in spill and leak response for flammable gas cargo
Global Inventory: Listed in major chemical inventories (TSCA, EINECS, etc.)
OSHA Status: Covered under flammable gas regulations
EU Classification: F+ (extremely flammable); R12 directive
SARA Title III: Not considered an Extremely Hazardous Substance, but reportable under certain spill conditions
Workplace Labelling: All containers must prominently display flammable gas warnings and handling instructions