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Chemical Name: 2-Ethylbutyric Acid
CAS Number: 88-09-5
Common Synonyms: α-Ethyl-butyric acid
Molecular Formula: C6H12O2
Physical Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sharp odor
Distinctive Odor: Noticeably pungent, reminiscent of rancid butter
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble, but mixes better with organic solvents
Odor Threshold: Fairly low; sharp scent detectable at small concentrations
Primary Dangers: Strong eye, skin, and respiratory irritant; inhalation can provoke coughing and sore throat; liquid contact burns skin; exposure to vapors causes headaches and nausea in confined workspaces
Acute Health Effects: Short exposures inflame mucous membranes and may trigger asthma-like symptoms
Chronic Effects: Prolonged skin contact leads to defatting, cracking, and dermatitis
Flammability Rating: Considered combustible; can catch fire if a container leaks near an open flame
NFPA Ratings: Health 2, Flammability 2, Reactivity 0 (scale: 0 = minimal, 4 = severe)
Main Ingredient: 2-Ethylbutyric Acid, usually pure or ≥97% composition
Contaminants: Minor fatty acid traces from similar chain-length carboxylic acids
Eye Contact: Immediately rinse eyes with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes; blink frequently; seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Skin Exposure: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and large amounts of water; do not use solvents to clean skin
Inhalation: Get fresh air at once; move to open space, breathe slowly; seek help if symptoms intensify
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; never induce vomiting; visit a medical facility if a significant amount known to be swallowed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam
Inappropriate Media: Steer clear of water unless used as fine spray
Fire Hazards: Emits acrid fumes and potentially toxic vapors when burning; produces carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus and acid-resistant clothing
Special Precautions: Cool containers exposed to flames with water fog to prevent rupture
Evacuation: Keep people away from spill area; ventilate room well
Containment: Stop leak at source, prevent entry into drains or waterways
Cleanup: Absorb in earth, sand, or vermiculite; avoid sawdust or organic materials that react
Personal Protection: Use gloves, goggles, chemical splash apron, and face shield for direct handling
Disposal: Shovel residue into sealable containers for safe disposal
Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated settings; avoid inhaling vapor; open drums and containers slowly to release pressure
Incompatible Materials: Store away from oxidizing agents, alkalines, and strong bases
Storage Conditions: Keep containers tightly sealed; use containers designed for organic acids
Temperature Sensitivity: Best stored in cool rooms away from direct sunlight
Engineering Controls: Use exhaust hoods or provide sufficient mechanical ventilation
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, face shield, and lab coat; for large spills, full-face respirator with organic vapor cartridge
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking around the chemical
Exposure Limits: No specific regulatory exposure limit set, but minimize vapor inhalation and skin contact out of caution
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Clear to slightly yellow
Odor: Penetrating, unpleasant
Boiling Point: About 177 to 179 °C
Melting Point: -44 °C
Density: 0.91 g/cm³ at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
pH: Acidic in water solution
Stability: Stable under standard conditions, does not decompose spontaneously
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, ignition sources, strong sunlight
Incompatible Substances: Strong oxidizers, strong bases, reducing agents, and other acids
Decomposition Products: Fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide generated on strong heating or burning
Acute Toxicity: Low estimated oral toxicity in rats (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg), but corrosive to digestive organs
Eye and Skin Irritation: Strongly irritating, repeated contact produces burns
Respiratory Sensitization: No conclusive chronic inhalation data, but volatile acid vapors provoke persistent cough and discomfort
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a human carcinogen by regulatory agencies
Other Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure causes dermatitis, individuals with existing respiratory issues more prone to adverse reactions
Environmental Risks: Toxic to aquatic organisms at high concentrations
Persistence: Degrades moderately in soil and water through microbial action
Bioaccumulation: Considered unlikely due to low octanol-water partitioning; will not persist in fatty tissues
Spread: Runoff poses a threat to small waterways and aquatic organisms living close to discharge points
Waste Handling: Collect in sealed chemical waste containers
Disposal Method: Qualified chemical waste disposal facility preferred; do not flush to sewer
Contaminated Packaging: Empty drums and bottles still hold vapor—require neutralization or triple-rinse before disposal
Classification: Typically classified as a corrosive organic acid by transport regulations
UN Number: UN 3265 (Corrosive liquid, organic, n.o.s., if shipped in quantities triggering regulations)
Packing Group: Usually III, indicating minor danger in transit compared to more concentrated acids
Precautions: Secure containers upright, keep cool, ensure clear hazard labeling
Local Restrictions: Falls under chemical safety regulations for storage, transport, and workplace safety
Labelling Requirements: Normally labeled “Corrosive” with hazard pictogram
Other Rules: Must follow national guidelines for chemical hygiene; used under close control in manufacturing or labs to reduce risk of environmental leaks and human exposure
