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Chemical Name: 2,2-Dimethylbutane
Other Names: Neohexane
Molecular Formula: C6H14
CAS Number: 75-83-2
Physical State: Colorless liquid with a gasoline-like smell
Common Uses: Blending in fuels, organic synthesis, and as a reference material in laboratories
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid, Category 2
Health Risks: Breathing the vapors causes lightheadedness, drowsiness, and headaches. Prolonged or repeated skin contact could lead to irritation. Eyes react quickly to contact, with discomfort and watering. Swallowing brings nausea and vomiting.
Fire and Explosion: Liquid and vapor catch fire quickly at room temperature. Vapors build up easily in enclosed spaces, and even small sparks or static charge provide enough energy to set it off.
Main Component: 2,2-Dimethylbutane (over 99 percent by weight)
Impurities: Trace levels of other saturated hydrocarbons may show up, but rarely in amounts significant enough to change the hazards.
Inhalation: Move anyone affected by fumes to fresh air. If breathing grows difficult, trained responders give oxygen. If symptoms stick around, seek medical help.
Skin Contact: Rinse affected skin with running water and soap. Remove clothing splashed with the liquid, as the chemical soaks through fabric. If spots remain irritated, medical attention is needed.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently under cool water for at least 15 minutes. Contact lenses sometimes worsen the response and are best removed fast. Following up with a doctor ensures no lasting injury.
Swallowing: Do not try to make anyone vomit. Offer small amounts of water and get professional medical help immediately.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, CO2 or dry chemical for fires. Water spray helps cool surfaces, but a full stream risks spreading the liquid.
Hazards During Fire: Vapors heavier than air run along the ground and find ignition sources at unexpected distances. Decomposition under high heat gives off carbon monoxide.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full gear and self-contained breathing apparatus, since smoke contains toxic gases.
Personal Precautions: Avoid direct breathing, skin or eye contact—wear goggles, gloves, and a respirator. Shut off sources of ignition right away. Ventilate the area before going in.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent liquid from running into drains or waterways. A spill on soil risks rapid evaporation, but spread still needs cleaning.
Clean-up Methods: Use absorbents such as sand or inert materials. Scoop into labeled containers for disposal. Wash spill site with plenty of water after initial cleanup.
Handling: Always work in well-ventilated spaces. Keep away from sparks and open flames. Ground all containers and equipment, since static charge has set off fires in chemical facilities.
Storage: Store in tightly closed drums in a cool, dry spot with good airflow. Fireproof storage is not just a best practice—regulations sometimes demand it for good reason. Keep far from oxidizers and acids since mixing risks a dangerous reaction.
Threshold Limit Values: Occupational Limits for similar hydrocarbons are low—consult workplace standards for updated numbers.
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods and forced ventilation sharply cut the risk in labs and mixing rooms. Whatever the job, good air movement takes priority.
Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves and splash goggles give reliable coverage for hands and eyes. In many plant environments, flame-retardant lab coats add a layer of safety.
Respiratory Protection: If vapors build up, a NIOSH-certified respirator with organic vapor cartridges covers the lungs.
Appearance: Colorless, clear liquid
Odor: Faint gasoline smell
Boiling Point: About 79°C
Flash Point: Around -10°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature, pushing up the risk of vapor build-up
Solubility: Little to no solubility in water, but mixes well with other hydrocarbons
Density: Lower than water
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under normal temperatures and handling—a reason it's popular as a reference fuel. Intense heat, fire, or strong oxidizers prompt rapid breakdown.
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizers, acids, halogens turn routine storage into a risk. Rubber and plastic lines sometimes degrade or fail after long contact.
Decomposition: Burns to give carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and non-combusted hydrocarbons that threaten responders and bystanders alike.
Likely Effects: Breathing moderate levels causes headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness—effects farmworkers, plant operators, and lab staff notice quickly. High doses spark confusion, may depress the nervous system and can even stop breathing. Liquid on skin causes mild irritation, especially after long exposure.
Chronic Effects: There’s little sign of cancer or birth defect worries from typical uses. Staying away from regular, prolonged overexposure keeps the odds of trouble low.
Environmental Risks: Volatility means spills disappear fast, but that doesn't erase the problem. Vapors move through air, posing fire risks and threatening air quality. In water, floating film starves aquatic life of oxygen and damages sensitive species.
Persistence: Most of the spilled chemical evaporates, but breakdown can linger in soil and runoff, especially where spills add up.
Preferred Methods: Take leftover or spilled material to licensed hazardous waste handlers. Burning only works in specialized incinerators designed for volatile organics. Never tip into storm drains, sewers, or natural bodies of water.
Container Disposal: Rinsed, empty drums still pose a vapor risk and need venting before crushing or cutting.
UN Number: 1167
Shipping Name: 2,2-Dimethylbutane, Flammable Liquid
Packing Group: II
Hazards in Transit: Tanks and drums need labeling and proper venting. Drivers and handlers follow strict fire and emergency plans, especially on long hauls through hot or enclosed routes.
Relevant Laws: Safety data and handling fall under local hazardous materials regulations, along with requirements set by agencies governing workplace and environmental safety. Careful labeling shows clear risk, and training for staff covers flammability, handling, and exposure controls. Storage sites usually face inspection, and regulators expect up-to-date documentation and emergency plans.
