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Chemical name: Isobutyl Alcohol
Synonyms: 2-Methyl-1-propanol, Isobutanol
CAS number: 78-83-1
Formula: C4H10O
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a distinct alcohol odor
Odor threshold: Sharp and pungent
Hazard classification: Flammable liquid, irritant
Key dangers: Vapors ignite easily, produces irritating fumes, can cause headaches or dizziness when inhaled, prolonged contact stings the eyes and skin
GHS label elements: Signal word: Danger; Flame and exclamation mark pictograms
Main routes of exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, respiratory trouble, eye/skin redness
Main ingredient: Isobutyl alcohol as the sole hazardous constituent
Purity: Usually above 99%, trace water and typical manufacturing impurities
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air right away, keep them at rest, and monitor breathing carefully
Skin contact: Wash exposed areas thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye contact: Rinse with clean water for several minutes, keep eyelids apart, seek medical help if irritation sticks around
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, don’t induce vomiting, seek medical attention immediately
Symptoms that need urgent care: Breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, extreme irritation of eyes and skin
Extinguishing media: Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide; avoid plain water as it can spread the material
Special firefighting precautions: Alcohol burns with a nearly invisible flame, vapors may drift and ignite away from spill
Protective equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Combustion hazards: Produces toxic gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide during fire
Personal precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, stay upwind, eliminate ignition sources
Methods for cleaning up: Soak up spilled liquid with inert materials such as sand or diatomaceous earth, scoop into containers for disposal
Environmental precautions: Prevent the substance from seeping into drains, waterways, or soil
Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation, avoid breathing vapors, keep away from open flames and hot surfaces
Hygiene: No eating, drinking, or smoking near the handling area, wash hands thoroughly after use
Storage: Keep tightly sealed in a cool, well-ventilated spot, away from sunlight and incompatible substances like strong acids and oxidizers
Static precautions: Ground containers, avoid static discharge, store only in proper safety containers
Occupational exposure limits: Typical permissible exposure limit is 50 ppm (TWA) as established by regulatory agencies
Engineering controls: Use local exhaust ventilation and explosion-proof equipment
Personal protective equipment:
Gloves made from resistant material (like nitrile), chemical splash goggles, flame-resistant lab coat, proper footwear
Respiratory protection: Use a suitable respirator if vapors reach or exceed exposure limits, especially in confined or non-ventilated spaces
Boiling point: 108°C
Melting point: -108°C
Flash point: 28°C (closed cup)
Auto-ignition temperature: 415°C
Vapor pressure: 10 mmHg at 20°C
Density: 0.802 g/cm³
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water
Vapor density: 2.6 (air = 1)
Appearance: Clear and mobile liquid
Chemical stability: Stable under normal usage and storage conditions
Hazardous reactions: Can react forcefully with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Decomposition products: Produces carbon oxides and other toxic vapors when heated or burned
Conditions to avoid: Sparks, flames, high heat, prolonged exposure to air
Acute effects: Inhalation causes headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, potential unconsciousness at high concentrations
Skin effects: Prolonged contact dries and irritates skin
Eye effects: Serious irritant, causes redness, tearing, discomfort
Ingestion: Upset stomach, nausea, possible central nervous system effects like drowsiness and lack of coordination
Long-term exposure: No strong data on cancer or birth defect risk, but not recommended for chronic exposure
Aquatic toxicity: Can be moderately toxic to aquatic life if large quantities reach water bodies
Mobility: Moves readily through soil and water due to its solubility, presenting a risk of groundwater contamination
Persistence: Tends to break down relatively quickly through natural degradation processes in air and water
Disposal method: Send waste and residues to a licensed hazardous waste facility
Disposal of containers: Triple rinse, puncture, and recycle or dispose of per local/state regulations
Do not: Pour into drains, sewers, or surface waters
UN number: Classified for transport as a flammable liquid
Packing group: Standard for liquids of moderate hazard
Proper shipping name: Isobutanol or Isobutyl Alcohol
Hazard label: Flammable liquid
Special precautions: Store and transport with strict attention to leak prevention and separation from incompatible substances
Environmental controls: Falls under hazardous material storage and use regulations in many regions
Reporting: Larger spills or emissions often require notification to local authorities
Worker protection rules: Mandates adequate ventilation, exposure monitoring, and personal protective equipment for those handling the liquid
Labelling rules: Product containers should have clear hazard warnings and instructions in accordance with recognized global standards
