Product Name: 1-Butanol
Synonyms: n-Butanol, Butyl alcohol, n-Butyl alcohol, 1-Butyl alcohol
Chemical Formula: C4H10O
Molecular Weight: 74.12 g/mol
CAS Number: 71-36-3
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, solvent, industrial use for coatings, chemical synthesis
Supplier Details: Chemical manufacturers and suppliers offer 1-Butanol for both laboratory and industrial applications, giving users access to SDS through their platforms; local representatives handle regional supply and emergency advice
Emergency Contact: 24-hour emergency phone numbers are listed on container labels and supply documentation for spills, fire, and exposure incidents
Classification: Flammable liquid (category 3), acute toxicity (oral, category 4), skin irritation (category 2), serious eye damage (category 2A), specific target organ toxicity – single exposure, narcotic effects (category 3)
Label Elements: Flammable pictogram, exclamation mark symbol
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame; use explosion-proof equipment; avoid breathing vapor; wash hands thoroughly; use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; in case of fire, use CO2, powder, or foam extinguishers
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation of vapor can cause headache, dizziness, respiratory irritation; skin contact leads to redness, drying; ingestion brings nausea, abdominal pain, possible central nervous system effects; eye exposure results in pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision
Chemical Name: 1-Butanol
Concentration: 98%–100%
Impurities/Stabilizing Additives: May contain trace water, methyl isobutyl ketone, aldehydes, depending on manufacturing source
CAS Number: 71-36-3
EC Number: 200-751-6
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, keep them quiet and warm, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, medical attention is needed for persistent symptoms like headache, dizziness, or respiratory discomfort
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water, do not use solvents, seek medical attention if skin irritation or redness develops
Eye Contact: Rinse opened eye for 15 minutes using clean water, lift eyelids occasionally, remove contact lenses, medical help recommended in case of continued pain or impaired vision
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth thoroughly, give water if person is conscious, immediate medical assessment required due to risk of aspiration and central nervous system depression
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Headache, drowsiness, confusion, respiratory distress, skin and eye irritation, risk of aspiration with coughing, chest pain
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, foam, CO2, sand; never use water jets due to risk of fire spread
Specific Hazards: Highly flammable vapor can travel along surfaces and ignite remotely, combustion produces toxic gases like carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear to prevent skin and respiratory contact
Advice for Firefighters: Evacuate area, contain run-off, cool storage vessels with water spray from safe distance, avoid inhaling combustion products
Explosion Risk: Mixtures with air can explode in confined spaces; vapor is denser than air and settles in low areas, sometimes traveling far from the source
Personal Precautions: Clear area, use protective equipment including gloves, splash goggles, flame-resistant lab coat, avoid vapor breathing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to drains, surface water, soil; inform authorities about large spills
Containment and Cleanup: Use non-sparking tools to collect liquid; soak up with inert material like sand or vermiculite; place waste in secure chemical disposal container; ventilate area thoroughly
Decontamination: Wash spill site with water and mild detergent after material removal to minimize residue; check that ventilation is adequate before resuming normal operations
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas to avoid vapor accumulation; ground and bond containers during transfer; keep away from ignition sources, sparks, and static discharge; open containers slowly; avoid personal contact and inhalation of fumes; do not eat, drink, or smoke during use; after work, remove protective equipment and wash hands
Storage: Store in tightly closed, labeled containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated places, away from direct sunlight; keep away from heat, oxidizers, acids, and sources of ignition; use approved flammable liquid storage cabinets
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkali metals; reactive with agents that promote rapid polymerization or combustion
Packaging: Approved metal or HDPE containers, securely sealed, stored upright; ensure no leaks
Special Precautions: Avoid generating aerosols, never use pressure to empty drums, regular inspection for leaks and damage is practical
Control Parameters: Occupation exposure limit (OSHA PEL): 100 ppm (300 mg/m³); ACGIH TLV: 20 ppm TWA
Engineering Controls: Mechanically forced fume hoods, explosion-proof local exhaust ventilation, closed handling systems for bulk operations
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles with side shields, chemical-resistant gloves (e.g. nitrile or neoprene), lab coat or overalls, anti-static footwear
Respiratory Protection: Air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges, or supplied-air system if handling large volumes
Workplace Hygiene: Change contaminated clothing, never touch eyes or face with dirty gloves, routine handwashing after contact always necessary
Environmental Protection: Scrubbers and filters on exhaust to limit airborne emissions; routine monitoring for vapor levels in storage and work areas
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Strong characteristic alcohol odor, mildly sweet
Odor Threshold: 0.21 ppm
pH: Neutral
Melting Point: -89°C (-128°F)
Boiling Point: 117°C (243°F)
Flash Point: 35°C (95°F) (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: 0.44 (compared to n-butyl acetate=1)
Flammability: Flammable
Upper/Lower Flammability or Explosive Limits: Lower: 1.4% / Upper: 11.2% (by volume in air)
Vapor Pressure: 6 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 2.6 (air=1)
Relative Density: 0.81 at 20°C (water=1)
Solubility: Moderate (73 g/L at 20°C in water), miscible with most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): 0.88
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 340°C (644°F)
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: 2.95 mPa·s at 20°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions; decomposes at elevated temperatures
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizers generating fire or explosion risk; reacts with acid chlorides, alkali metals; possible formation of toxic gases on combustion
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, contact with incompatible substances
Materials to Avoid: Chromium trioxide, perchloric acid, sulfuric acid, strong bases, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sometimes butyraldehyde or other volatile organic compounds formed under fire conditions
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 790 mg/kg; Inhalation LC50 (rat, 4h): 8000 ppm; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): 3400 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Causes moderate irritation by direct contact, defatting dermatitis with long-term exposure
Eye Irritation: Causes severe irritation, redness, possible burning or temporary visual impairment
Respiratory Effects: Short-term inhalation causes headache, drowsiness, lightheadedness, incoordination; high concentrations suppress central nervous system
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may lead to liver and kidney effects, dermatitis, potential central nervous system depression
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity: Negative in Ames test and other standard lab studies
Reproductive Toxicity: No reliable evidence for human reproductive toxicity at occupational exposure levels
Ecotoxicity: Acute aquatic toxicity: LC50 (96h, fish): 1,200–1,500 mg/L; EC50 (48h, daphnia): 1,890 mg/L
Aquatic Impact: Slightly hazardous for aquatic organisms at high concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Rapidly biodegradable (over 80% degradation in 28 days in OECD 301 test)
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low – log Kow 0.88 means limited chance for buildup in organisms
Mobility in Soil: High; will move through soil, may leach into groundwater in quantities
Other Adverse Effects: Volatile, can evaporate to atmosphere; breakdown products like butyric acid are easily managed in treatment plants
Precautions: Prevent large spills from directly entering waterways, notify environmental response teams if release exceeds local regulatory threshold
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect liquid residues in sealed, labelled chemical waste drums; dispose via licensed hazardous waste contractor
Disposal of Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse drums with compatible solvent, send to drum reconditioner or authorized waste handler
Incineration: Preferred method for large-quantity disposal, in compliance with local emission controls
Neutralization: Small amounts can be diluted with copious water and discharged only if approved by local authorities and only if water treatment plant can handle it
Regulatory Considerations: Assign the right waste category code (EU: 14 06 03 or equivalent in other jurisdictions), strict documentation and record-keeping avoid violations
Precautions: Don’t pour into surface water, soil, or public drains; consult local, regional, and national laws prior to any disposal action
UN Number: UN 1120
Proper Shipping Name: Butanols
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (flammable liquids)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Flammable liquid symbol required on containers
Special Provisions: Containers must be fully sealed, upright, and secure against tipping; driver must have documentation and emergency instructions
Marine Transport: IMDG code compliant packaging for ocean freight; marine pollutant label not required, but spill response plan essential
Air Transport: IATA rules require approved packaging, clear hazard declarations, and emergency handling procedures
Inland Transport: National road and rail regulations for dangerous goods apply; avoid temperature extremes and rough handling in transit
Chemical Inventories: Listed in the EU REACH, U.S. TSCA, Canadian DSL/NDSL, Australian AICS, Japanese ENCS, Chinese IECSC, and other national chemical inventories
OSHA Compliance: 1-Butanol classified as hazardous, requires labeling, safety training, and robust storage protocols
EPA Regulations: Recognized under CERCLA for reportable quantity on release (5000 lbs); included on SARA Title III Section 313 list
WHMIS (Canada): B2 (flammable liquid), D2B (toxic) category
EU GHS/CLP: Classification as per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP/GHS): flammable liquid, acute toxicity, skin and eye irritant
International Transport: ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA hazard classification aligns with national rules
Other Guidelines: Storage, workplace exposure, and emergency planning standards referenced in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and workplace health bodies worldwide