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Chemical name: 2,3-Dimethylhexane
Chemical formula: C8H18
Synonyms: Often goes by Dimethyloctane in some references, but most folks in labs just call it 2,3-Dimethylhexane.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a strong, gasoline-like odor that tends to linger on gloves or benches.
Molecular weight: 114.23 g/mol
Use: Typically appears in chemical analysis, research, or as part of hydrocarbon testing, mainly as a reference or standard in GC labs, not for household or consumer use.
Physical hazards: Highly flammable. Vapors form explosive mixtures with air. Ignition sources nearby quickly become a problem.
Health hazards: Causes skin and eye irritation. Inhaling vapors leaves you dizzy and sometimes with headaches or nausea. Prolonged exposure leads to narcotic effects if you get a strong whiff for too long.
Environmental hazards: Harmful to aquatic life. Runoff or spills entering water bodies disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
Main ingredient: 2,3-Dimethylhexane - approximately 100% by weight for lab-grade chemical.
Other ingredients: Labs rarely blend this with anything else unless it's part of a custom mixture for calibration standards.
CAS Number: 584-94-1
Impurities: High-quality suppliers deliver this compound with trace hydrocarbon impurities staying below 0.1% to meet analytical grade lab needs.
Inhalation: Step into fresh air. Feeling lightheaded or short of breath? Grab a supervisor—not worth the risk of passing out.
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing fast; wash affected area with soap and water. If redness or irritation crops up, seek help.
Eye contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for several minutes. Burns or persistent redness deserve medical attention.
Ingestion: Don’t force vomiting. Get medical help right away if swallowed.
Suitable extinguishing media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, or foam put out small fires easily. Water fog works but don’t use direct streams.
Hazards during fire: Vapors ignite under the right spark or flame. Fire produces thick, irritating fumes and gases.
Protective equipment for firefighters: Full protective gear recommended, with self-contained breathing apparatus. Stay upwind to avoid inhaling smoke.
Personal precautions: Evacuate unprotected people from the spill. No flames, no sparks, and ventilate area well.
Cleanup methods: Use non-sparking tools and inert absorbent to soak up small spills. Bag up all waste for safe disposal. Wash down the contaminated area with water after removal.
Environmental precautions: Avoid letting it reach drains or waterways. Contain spill with soil or sand if outdoors.
Safe handling: Store away from sources of ignition or heat. Avoid breathing vapors and touching liquid with bare skin.
Personal hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly before breaking for food or after handling.
Storage conditions: Keep in tightly closed containers, in a cool, well-ventilated spot. Lock away from incompatible chemicals such as strong oxidizers.
Engineering controls: Chemical fume hood offers the best protection. Workspace ventilation helps reduce vapor build-up.
Personal protective equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, and lab coats or overalls. Respiratory protection needed if ventilation falls short.
Exposure limits: Not always set specifically for 2,3-Dimethylhexane. General hydrocarbon exposure limits like those from OSHA or ACGIH usually guide workplace maximums.
Boiling point: Around 119-120°C
Melting point: About -106°C
Flash point: Estimated between -10°C to -15°C—open flames or static sparks ignite it fast.
Density: 0.69–0.70 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility in water: Practically insoluble. Floats on top and forms a slick.
Odor threshold: Strong, pungent smell noticeable at low concentrations—if you smell it, the fumes are already there.
Chemical stability: Stable under normal temperatures and properly sealed. Gets reactive near open flames, oxidizers, or strong acids.
Possibility of hazardous reactions: Contact with peroxides, chlorine, or other strong oxidizing agents triggers violent reactions. Static discharges ignite vapors quickly.
Hazardous decomposition products: Fire or high heat breaks down 2,3-Dimethylhexane to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nasty irritant fumes.
Acute effects: Inhalation or skin exposure causes irritation and dizziness. Larger inhalation doses knock coordination off-kilter, similar to other lighter alkanes.
Chronic effects: Prolonged exposure risks respiratory system and possible long-term nervous system damage, though cases typically tie to heavy, repeated misuse.
Other routes: Direct skin contact sometimes triggers dermatitis for folks with sensitive skin. Eye exposure stings and waters the eyes.
Persistence and degradability: Doesn’t break down fast in the environment. Like typical hydrocarbons, persists in soil and water for a while.
Bioaccumulation potential: Not much data specific to this isomer, but small alkanes often accumulate in aquatic species.
Aquatic toxicity: Toxic to aquatic life, especially with repeated or larger spills. Oiled birds and dead insects suggest real harm.
Mobility in soil: Moves through sandy soil easily, but tends to sit on top of water, forming surface slicks.
Waste treatment methods: Treat all disposals as hazardous waste—collect and deliver it to licensed chemical disposal companies.
Avoiding drains: Never let this stuff down the sink. Residue plugs up pipes and damages local ecosystems.
Empty container advice: Rinse well, then send as hazardous waste—residue remains flammable for a long time.
Hazard class: Aligns with Class 3 flammable liquids, meaning special handling required.
Packaging groups: Usually falls into the group reserved for low flashpoint, high volatility solvents.
Transport advice: Label containers clearly, use tightly sealed, leakproof drums with secondary containment. Avoid stacking with oxidizer shipments.
Classified under: Flammable liquids per local, regional, and international rules.
Workplace regulations: Most countries include this compound under general hydrocarbon solvent rules—demanding authorized storage, robust labeling, and written safe handling plans.
Restrictions: Not meant for use in food, drink, or personal products—strict rules on workplace ventilation and maximum allowable exposure.
