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Chemical Name: 2-Methyl-1-Butanol
Other Names: Isoamyl alcohol, Isopentanol
Chemical Formula: C5H12O
CAS Number: 137-32-6
Physical Description: Colorless liquid, recognizable strong alcohol-like smell
Use Cases: Solvent in labs, flavoring base, intermediate in organic synthesis, fragrance addition for consumer goods
Classification: Flammable liquid, irritant for eyes and skin, inhalation hazard emanating from vapors
Main Hazards: Fire risk near open flame, drowsiness or dizziness during high-vapor exposure, eye and skin redness due to direct contact
Precautionary Statements: Avoid ignition sources, ensure ample ventilation, wear basic protection for hands and eyes
Main Component: 2-Methyl-1-Butanol (more than 99%)
Impurities: Low traces of similar higher alcohols in non-reagent grades
Mixture Status: Not typically found as a blend with other solvents unless prepared by downstream users
Eye Contact: Rinse with cool water several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical help if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, disrobe contaminated clothing, prolonged redness warrants clinical attention
Inhalation: Remove source, move to fresh air, persistent symptoms require respiratory consultation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid inducing vomiting, prompt physician review if significant amount consumed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, regular dry chemical powder
Fire Hazards: Vapors can ignite and travel; closed containers may burst if exposed to heat
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing, breathing apparatus for confined fires, avoid inhaling combustion products like carbon monoxide
Spill Response: Clear area, ventilate, prevent liquid from reaching drains, absorb with sand or suitable inert material
Personal Protection: Wear gloves, goggles, and mask to limit contact and inhalation
Cleanup Methods: Use non-sparking tools, collect spilled liquid and place in designated waste drums, waste disposal following local environmental guidelines
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, use spark-resistant equipment, keep containers sealed when not in use
Storage: Dry, cool, well-ventilated room away from heat, direct sunlight, oxidizers, and open flames
Avoid: Rough handling of bulk containers, stacking near incompatible chemicals such as acids or oxidizers
Workplace Monitoring: Use fume hood in laboratory environments, monitor vapor levels in enclosed workspaces
Personal Protection: Gloves made of butyl rubber or nitrile, safety glasses or chemical splash goggles, laboratory coats or coveralls, face mask during direct handling of substantial volumes
Engineering Controls: Mechanical ventilation or extraction fans over work benches
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Strong, pungent alcoholic smell
Boiling Point: Approximately 130°C
Melting Point: Around -90°C
Vapor Pressure: Low (<1 mm Hg at room temperature)
Density: 0.81 g/cm³
Solubility: Moderate in water, good in ethanol and ether
Flash Point: Around 45°C, indicating flammability in room conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage, excessive heat can promote hazardous decomposition
Reactivity: May react with oxidizers, acids, and acid chlorides; forms flammable mixtures with air
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, occasionally poorly combusted organic vapors in fires
Acute Effects: Irritation of mucous membranes, dizziness, headache from inhalation at high concentrations, mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated contact can dry or crack skin
LD50 Values: Animal ingestion studies suggest low to moderate toxicity
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye absorption, accidental ingestion present similar risks
Carcinogenicity: Not considered carcinogenic by IARC or related bodies based on current knowledge
Aquatic Hazard: Moderate toxicity to aquatic organisms at higher concentrations, can biologically degrade in sewage treatment over time
Persistence: Degrades fairly rapidly in air and water, not highly bioaccumulative
Soil Mobility: Moves with water through soil but breaks down without persisting for long periods
Preferred Disposal: Incineration in chemical waste-approved facilities, small quantities diluted with lots of water in line with local regulations
Avoid: Pouring into public drains or natural water sources, landfill without treatment
Container Disposal: Triple rinse, puncture, and send to specialized chemical recycling programs or qualified waste contractors
UN Number: 1105
Transport Risk: Flammable liquid marking necessary, compliance with ADR/RID/IMDG/IATA
Labeling: Flammable liquid class, correct hazard pictograms, and emergency instructions visible on shipping containers
Occupational Exposure Limits: Referenced by OSHA, NIOSH, and EU guidelines
Environmental Restrictions: Subject to hazardous chemical management programs in many countries
Consumer Product Bans: Restricted in direct-contact products for sensitive populations such as children or skin cosmetics under various regulations
Workplace Safety: Requires safety training, documented risk assessments, and visible signage outlining hazards and response procedures
