Product Name: Methyl Isovalerate
CAS Number: 108-12-3
Synonyms: Methyl 3-methylbutanoate
Molecular Formula: C6H12O2
Molecular Weight: 116.16 g/mol
Recommended Use: Flavoring agent, fragrance component, research chemical
Manufacturer/Supplier: Commercial chemical suppliers, laboratory distributors
Contact Information: Manufacturer’s emergency contact phone and address, available on most supplier sheets
Classification: Flammable liquid, eye irritant
Label Elements: Signal word: Warning; Flame and exclamation mark pictograms
Hazard Statements: Liquid and vapor ignite easily; may cause mild to moderate eye irritation; inhalation causes mild discomfort in sensitive individuals
Precautionary Statements: Avoid heat, sparks, open flames; use protective equipment to prevent exposure; ventilate area when using the material
Other Hazards: Prolonged or repeated exposure causes skin dryness
Chemical Name: Methyl Isovalerate
Percent: 99% or higher (technical grade)
Impurities: Minor traces of isovaleric acid and methanol in some batches
Formula: C6H12O2
Common Additives: Some suppliers add BHT as a stabilizing antioxidant, present at less than 0.05%
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air; check for continued breathing; seek medical advice if symptoms linger (dizziness, headache)
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water; seek medical help if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; call medical support for persistent symptoms
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; consult a physician if swallowed in quantity
Most Symptoms: Short-term exposure causes mild throat, eye, skin irritation
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsafe Methods: Do not use water stream, as it may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Forms flammable vapor-air mixtures; vapor heavier than air spreads along surfaces and may reach ignition source
Protective Equipment: Wear fire-resistant clothing, full face mask, self-contained breathing apparatus
Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly irritating organic vapors
Firefighting Techniques: Cool containers with water spray to prevent rupture due to heat
Personal Precautions: Remove ignition sources; evacuate unnecessary personnel
Protective Equipment: Wear gloves, goggles, chemical-resistant clothing
Environmental Notices: Prevent entry to sewers, soil, water sources
Cleanup Procedures: Absorb with inert material (sand, diatomaceous earth); sweep up and place in proper closed chemical waste containers for approved disposal
Ventilation: Open windows, use exhaust fans, air movement to minimize vapor concentrations
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas; ground and bond containers to prevent static; keep container tightly closed when not in use; avoid breathing vapors
Storage: Store in tightly sealed container, in a cool, flame-proof location; keep away from sources of ignition and incompatible substances
Separation: Segregate from oxidizing agents, acids, bases
Hygiene: Wash hands after working with this material; no eating, drinking, or smoking in storage and handling area
Container Materials: Stainless steel, polyethylene, high-resistance plastic
Occupational Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV established; handle with caution as similar esters may carry exposure recommendations
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust; fume hood for large volume work
Personal Protective Equipment: Splash goggles, nitrile or butyl rubber gloves, lab coat, chemical-resistant apron
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirator for organic vapors if ventilation lacks
Environmental Controls: Use barriers and spill trays to minimize accidental releases
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Fruity, sweet aroma (often likened to apple or grape)
Odor Threshold: Detectable at low concentrations
pH: Not relevant (non-aqueous)
Melting Point: About -90°C
Boiling Point: 130-134°C
Flash Point: 32-36°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Moderate, comparable to many esters
Flammability: Flammable liquid
Vapor Pressure: Approx. 7 mm Hg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 4 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.872-0.878 g/mL at 20°C
Solubility: Negligible in water; soluble in ethanol, ether, many organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 1.78
Auto-ignition Temperature: 400°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not detailed in most literature
Viscosity: Low viscosity, similar to light oils
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard handling and storage
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Vapor-air mixtures may explode if ignited
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, static electricity, direct sunlight
Hazardous Decomposition Products: CO, CO₂, organic acids
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) approximately 7500 mg/kg
Irritation: Mild eye and skin irritation possible with direct exposure
Sensitization: Not known to provoke allergic response in most people
Chronic Effects: No long-term studies available; related esters have no known serious chronic effects
Target Organs: Respiratory and digestive tracts (through inhalation, ingestion)
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No data available
Other Effects: Overexposure to vapor may cause minor central nervous system depression
Eco-toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life at likely concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable, breaks down in most environmental conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low, does not persist in organism tissues
Mobility in Soil: Expected to have moderate mobility due to limited water solubility
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills may harm aquatic organisms indirectly by oxygen depletion if released to water bodies
Waste Disposal: Incinerate at approved chemical incineration facility; follow local regulations
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse and dispose of empty containers in compliance with official guidelines
Precautions: Do not allow spills to enter drains or environment; consult state or municipal hazardous waste authorities
Recycling: Not usually practiced for this compound
UN Number: UN3272
Proper Shipping Name: Esters, n.o.s. (contains Methyl Isovalerate)
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Flammable liquid
Special Precautions: Ship in well-sealed, approved containers; keep away from oxidizers and sources of ignition
Transport Regulations: Subject to IATA, IMDG, DOT regulatory controls
US Federal Regulations: Listed on TSCA Inventory; not a reportable quantity for CERCLA; not listed as hazardous air pollutant
State Regulations: California Prop 65: Not listed
International Regulations: EINECS No. 203-559-0; complies with REACH registration for supplied volumes
Workplace Classification: Not classed as highly hazardous chemical under US OSHA
Other Regulatory Data: Not controlled as a narcotic, precursor, or explosive in major regulatory regimes; general chemical control applies