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Chemical Name: 1-Iodobutane
Synonyms: n-Butyl iodide, Butyl iodide
CAS Number: 542-69-8
Molecular Formula: C4H9I
Use: Often found in laboratories, this organic compound factors into organic synthesis and pharmaceutical research, especially as a starting material to introduce an iodine atom or a butyl group into various molecules.
GHS Classification: harmful if inhaled, causes skin and eye irritation, suspected of causing genetic defects
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, health hazard
Hazard Statements: Prolonged exposure can irritate the respiratory tract, skin contact leads to redness and inflammation, eye contact results in burning or watering, and inhalation over time risks more serious systemic effects. Some animal studies suggest mutagenicity, drawing concern among laboratory workers and those around manufacturing sites.
Component: 1-Iodobutane
Purity: Usually available at more than 98% concentration for laboratory work, trace impurities may present inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption risks.
Relevant Impurities: Organic halides as by-products or leftover solvents, and though each batch can vary, a careful worker screens for unexpected volatility or toxicity.
Skin Contact: Flush with copious amounts of cool water, remove contaminated clothing, vigilance for blistering or rash, see a doctor if irritation lingers
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for at least fifteen minutes, lids held open, prioritizing rapid attention to remove the chemical
Inhalation: Move into fresh air, keep warm and calm, medical assistance if symptoms develop—shortness of breath and headaches are not to be ignored
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, no induction of vomiting unless recommended by professional, immediate route to healthcare provider, especially if symptoms escalate
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam, not water since 1-iodobutane may float and spread fire
Special Hazards: Releases hydrogen iodide gas and possibly other toxic fumes on decomposition, which makes a fire more complicated and dangerous
Protective Equipment: Firefighters deploy self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant suits, full face protection because toxic fumes do not give second chances
Advice for Firefighters: Adequate ventilation, monitors for gas build-up, commitment to preventing runoff or residual chemicals entering drains or groundwater
Personal Precautions: Proper respirators, chemical splash goggles, gloves, full protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Avoid letting liquid or vapor enter drains or soil, contain leaks with earth or sand, never flush with water
Cleanup Methods: Soak up with inert material, collect in labeled waste containers, ventilate area well, and careful monitoring for lingering fumes
Handling: Work inside a laboratory fume hood, wear gloves and goggles, use spark-proof equipment since flammable vapors might ignite; minimize open container time, avoid breathing vapors or physical contact
Storage: Keep in tightly sealed containers, store in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials like strong oxidizers; labeling and locking storage cabinets adds security against accidental misuse
Engineering Controls: Laboratory fume hoods required for transfer or handling, eye wash stations and safety showers close to working spaces, exhaust fans help keep vapor concentrations down
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, safety spectacles or face shields, lab coats—no exposed skin; for spills above minor scale, use full-length splash suits and positive pressure respirators
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure values specific to 1-iodobutane, but general halide safety rules apply: unprotected exposure is not safe and should not be routine
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Characteristic, sharp, disagreeable
Boiling Point: About 129-132 °C
Melting Point: -107 °C
Vapor Pressure: Elevated at room temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water, miscible with organic solvents
Density: Roughly 1.6 g/cm³
Flash Point: Near 30 °C, making fire control plans a must
Other Properties: Vapors are heavier than air, so they can collect in low-lying areas and present silent hazards
Stability: Generally stable under recommended storage conditions, but heat, open flames, ultraviolet light, and strong bases or oxidizers provoke rapid decomposition
Reactivity: Combines with metals and strong reducing agents, violent results if mixed carelessly
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen iodide, carbon monoxide, and smaller-chain alkanes and alkenes, all of which jeopardize air quality and respiratory health
Acute Effects: Inhalation and skin contact irritate mucous membranes, ingestion is harmful
Chronic Exposure: Evidence points toward thyroid dysfunction and possible reproductive toxicity, since iodine compounds interfere with hormone production
Routes of Exposure: Most commonly through inhaled vapor or splash to eyes and hands; lab workers describe lasting headaches and fatigue after accidental exposures
Symptoms: Coughing, dizziness, nausea, skin redness, watery eyes, sometimes leading to long-term health concerns for those working around it without the right protections
Aquatic Toxicity: Iodinated organics create threats to aquatic life—bioaccumulation disturbs living systems
Persistence and Degradability: Slow breakdown in soil and water, persistent hazardous residues
Bioaccumulation Potential: Marked in lower aquatic species, posing threats up the food chain
Remarks: Laboratory and industrial discharges require careful monitoring since even trace releases into lakes and streams compromise community health and biodiversity
Methods: Incinerate in licensed chemical waste facilities, never pour down household drains or municipal sewers, as conventional wastewater treatment cannot neutralize iodine or organohalide residues
Precautions: Label waste clearly, segregate from other chemical streams, keep airtight containers, follow local, regional, and national hazardous waste guidelines
Proper Shipping Practices: Hazardous when transported by land, air, or sea; only trained and authorized handlers allowed
Packing Group: Typically Group III (moderate hazard), requiring tight sealing and impact-resistant containment
Transport Hazards: Temperature swings or punctures during transit can release vapors, so routes and methods need advance planning, and emergency spill kits must travel with the shipment
Local and National Regulations: 1-Iodobutane identifies as a hazardous substance under chemical safety laws in many jurisdictions; threshold quantities often trigger reporting and environmental monitoring
Worker Safety: Regular training plans in laboratories and factories prepare workers for spill response and health monitoring requirements
Restrictions: Direct releases into the environment often outlawed, record-keeping around usage and disposal expected during audits from environmental or workplace health agencies
