Name: 2,3-Dimethylbutane
Chemical Formula: C6H14
Other Names: Diisopropyl, Methylbutane
Common Use: Useful in organic synthesis, standard for fuel research
Appearance: Usually a clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, gasoline-like smell
Molecular Weight: 86.18 g/mol
Flammability: Highly flammable with low flash point
Acute Health Hazards: Inhalation can cause dizziness or headaches, skin exposure may dry out skin, eye exposure brings irritation
Chronic Exposure: Not expected to cause long-term effects in typical environments, but excessive exposure brings cumulative risks
Environmental: Evaporates easily, forms explosive mixtures with air
Label Elements: Flammable liquid symbols, warnings regarding vapors and health impacts
Component: 2,3-Dimethylbutane (pure substance, often sold at high purity)
CAS Number: 79-29-8
Possible Impurities: Trace hydrocarbons depending on manufacturing method. Used in environments where purity matters, though uncontrolled sources may bring pentanes or hexanes as contaminants
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing if symptoms appear
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with plenty of water
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, seek medical attention
Extinguishing Media: Prefer dry chemical powder, CO2, foam. Water not the best option, may spread liquid
Hazards: Vapors can travel flat and ignite at a distance, risk of flashback
Special Protection: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid smoke inhalation
Combustion Products: Releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other harmful gases on burning
Evacuation: Clear the area for large spills
Personal Protection: Use gloves, goggles, and chemical-resistant shoes
Ventilation: Open doors and windows, remove ignition sources
Cleanup: Absorb small spills using inert material such as sand, collect in loosely covered containers
Disposal: Handle according to local, regional, or national regulations to avoid putting this straight into sewers or soil
Handling: Keep away from open flames, sparks, and sources of static. Only use in well-ventilated spaces
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers, keep cool, dry, well-ventilated and out of direct sunlight
Compatibility: Keep away from oxidizers, avoid storing near acids or bases. Not a fan of heat or pressure
Hygiene: Wash hands well after use, don’t eat, drink or smoke when handling
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL, but compare to similar hydrocarbons.
Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow in working areas
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirators for high vapor concentrations
Skin Protection: Wear impervious gloves, long sleeves
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles offer good safety
Environmental Controls: Prevent spills from running into drains, ground, or water sources
Appearance: Transparent, colorless liquid
Odor: Light petroleum scent
Boiling Point: Near 57°C
Melting Point: Just below -100°C
Flash Point: Below -17°C, so catches fire quickly
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature, meaning fast evaporation
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, mixes with oils
Density: Roughly 0.66 g/cm³
Viscosity: Low, flows fast
Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions
Substances to Avoid: Strong oxidizers will start trouble
Reactivity: Forms peroxides slowly in air, let storage times stay short or containers be checked
Hazardous Reactions: Explosive mixtures with air, possible polymerization if mistreated
Decomposition: Breaks down into smaller hydrocarbons, carbon oxides, sometimes toxic fumes with enough heat
Inhalation: Short-term overexposure can cause drowsiness, confusion, nausea
Skin Contact: Dryness, chapping if unprotected, rarely a rash
Eyes: Watery eyes, irritation
Ingestion: Can upset the stomach, bring vomiting
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by major agencies, but long-term studies limited
Sensitization: Few reports of allergic reaction, generally low risk for sensitization
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish and aquatic organisms, especially if large spills reach water
Persistence: Breaks down fairly quickly in air through photo-oxidation
Mobility: Does not like to stay put, evaporates, spreads easily
Bioaccumulation: Not expected in most forms. Moves fast, doesn’t build up in food chains at usual levels
Waste Management: Collect leftovers in secure, labeled containers
Disposal: Send to proper chemical disposal facilities
Regulations: Follow local hazardous waste laws—pouring this stuff down the drain just pollutes water and costs more downstream
Container Disposal: Empty cans need airing then protection from heat and moisture before recycling
UN Number: 2366 (for 2,3-Dimethylbutane
Class: Flammable liquid for most ground, sea, and air transit
Packing Group: II or III depending on transport method
Label: Standard flammable liquid label needed on all containers
Precautions: Ship upright, keep away from direct sunshine, avoid rough handling
Regulation: Not listed as a significant environmental toxin or carcinogen by major international bodies
Labelling: Marked as a flammable liquid under GHS, OSHA, and comparable regulations
Community Right-to-Know: May appear on hazardous substance lists, so workplaces need to keep information accessible
Worker Protection: Requires training on fire risks and personal safety
Transport: Classified hazardous for road, rail, sea, and air shipping