Chemical Name: 2,4,4-Trimethyl-2-pentene
Chemical Formula: C8H16
Common Synonyms: Isooctene, diisobutylene
Physical State: Liquid, clear and colorless, with a recognizable hydrocarbon odor
Use: Often shows up as an intermediate or in specialty chemical syntheses, and sometimes found in gasoline blending components.
CAS Number: 107-39-1
Flammability: High, with plenty of risk near open flames or sources of static
Health Hazards: Can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; headaches and dizziness possible with heavy exposure
Environmental Impact: Hydrocarbons like this can run off into water or soil and cause harm to aquatic life
Signal Word: Danger (for fire risk and possible health impact)
Class: Flammable liquid (category 2); irritant to mucous membranes and skin
Warning Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark (on GHS labeling)
Component: 2,4,4-Trimethyl-2-pentene
Concentration: Nearly pure for most uses, but trace amounts of other isomeric olefins can occur
Impurities: Possible traces of other hydrocarbons from reaction processes, not typically prominent enough to alter safety profile
Inhalation: Move to fresh air right away, avoid breathing vapors, seek medical attention if symptoms like headache or dizziness persist
Skin Contact: Wash with lots of water, remove contaminated clothing, don’t scrub aggressively to avoid skin damage
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids apart, and get prompt medical help if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid forcing vomiting, and go to a medical professional without delay
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, CO2, or dry chemical powder to put out flames, as water spray can sometimes spread burning material
Specific Hazards: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air and travel distances to ignite; combustion creates carbon monoxide and other hazardous gases
Protective Equipment: Firefighters benefit from full protective suits and self-contained breathing apparatus in confined areas
Precautions: Approach from upwind, cool containers with water to prevent explosions
Spill Response: Ventilate area, eliminate ignition sources, contain spill with non-combustible absorbent material, collect for proper disposal
Personal Protection: Wear chemical goggles, gloves, flame-retardant clothing, and use a respirator if high vapor concentration persists
Environmental Avoidance: Block runoff from seeping into drains or waterways; hydrocarbon spills rarely remain isolated if proper barriers aren’t used
Cleanup: Use anti-static tools to reduce spark risk, store collected material in sealed containers for official hazardous waste disposal
Handling: Tackle tasks in well-ventilated spaces, avoid any source of sparks—even static from clothing, keep containment tight and avoid direct skin contact
Storage: Keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas with tightly closed containers, mark flammable storage zones clearly, segregate from oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, and bases can cause unexpected reactions
Other Tips: Ground and bond containers during transfer, always use explosion-proof electrical equipment near storage or transfer activities
Workplace Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to limit vapor levels, install gas detectors in closed storage or processing spaces
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, flame-resistant clothing, proper footwear, fitted respirator if concentrations grow heavy
Hygiene: Wash hands after handling, don’t eat or drink in work areas, shower after heavy exposure
Exposure Limits: No published OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV for this specific chemical, but take precautions similar to those for other volatile hydrocarbons
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Distinctly hydrocarbon-like, noticeable even at low concentrations
Molecular Weight: 112.21 g/mol
Boiling Point: Roughly 117 °C
Melting Point: Typically below -80 °C, so rarely solid at ambient conditions
Vapor Pressure: Around 41 mmHg at 25 °C, making it evaporate rather quickly
Solubility: Does not mix with water, soluble in most organic solvents
Density: Approximately 0.71 g/cm3 at 20 °C
Flash Point: Below -10 °C (closed cup), shows just how quickly vapors can catch fire
Auto-ignition Temperature: Near 230 °C
Stability: Remains stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers or acids can spark violent reactions, light and heat increase risk
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Burns off into carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly smaller hydrocarbons
Other Risks: Polymerization under wrong conditions doesn’t pose a big hazard with this compound, but overheating or contamination aggravates risk
Acute Effects: Can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory passages; large doses in confined air impact nervous system, causing headache and dizziness
Chronic Exposure: Long-term contact may lead to dry or cracked skin, risk of chronic respiratory symptoms rises with consistent inhalation
Carcinogenicity: No clear evidence links this material directly to cancer, though long-term hydrocarbon exposure has raised concern in similar compounds
Sensitization: Some users can develop skin sensitivity over repeated exposure
Aquatic Hazards: Quickly builds up in water, can be toxic to fish and invertebrate life
Persistence: In the absence of sunlight, breaks down slowly in the environment; sunlight aids breakdown
Bioaccumulation: No major warning signs of significant accumulation in wildlife, but extended spill events raise potential
Mobility: Travels through soil and water with ease, which boosts risk during large leaks
Disposal Method: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber, following all local environmental laws
Avoid Release: Never dump in drains, on soil, or into water bodies
Container Disposal: Triple rinse empty containers, keep lids secure, dispose with hazardous waste handlers to make sure residues don’t enter landfill or recycling streams for food-grade products
UN Number: UN 3295, meaning regulated as a flammable liquid for international and domestic shipping
Proper Shipping Name: Hydrocarbons, liquid, n.o.s.
Transport Hazard Class: Class 3 (Flammable Liquids)
Packing Group: II (medium hazard)
Special Precautions: No smoking near transport, attach flammable liquid placards on all containers, secure all lids, check for leaks before shipping
Inventory Status: Listed on key international chemical inventories including TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), and DSL (Canada)
Regulation: Flammability brings clear requirements for storage and labeling under OSHA and similar workplace safety rules
Right to Know: Users—lab staff and industrial workers—should have real access to safety training and written information on chemical risk.
Labelling: Must carry hazard statements linked to fire risk, skin and eye irritation potential, and poison emergency treatment