Chemical Name: 2-Aminoisobutyric acid
Synonyms: α,α-Dimethylglycine, AIB, 2-Methylalanine
Chemical Formula: C4H9NO2
Molecular Weight: 103.12 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder, sometimes off-white with age or exposure to light
Odor: Odorless in most lab settings
Recommended Use: Intermediate for peptide synthesis, research applications, specialty chemical manufacturing
Hazard Classification: Generally considered non-hazardous for normal laboratory and industrial handling, based on available peer-reviewed data
Labeling: No GHS signal word assigned, but safe practices recommend a warning about dust inhalation and skin/eye contact
Risk Phrases: Moderately irritating to eyes and skin with prolonged exposure, can cause mild respiratory discomfort in powder form
Exposure Routes: Skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, accidental ingestion
Main Ingredient: 2-Aminoisobutyric acid, purity levels often above 98% when purchased from reputable suppliers
Impurities: Trace amounts of water, minor organic byproducts from synthesis
Mixtures: Usually handled as a pure substance in labs, with mixtures only formed in downstream experimentation or blending
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with clean, running water for at least 10 minutes
Skin Contact: Wash contaminated area with soap and plenty of water
Inhalation: Remove from dusty area to fresh air; encourage slow, deep breathing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink extra water to dilute if conscious, seek medical attention for discomfort
Note to Medical Personnel: Treat symptomatically; no specific antidote reported in clinical literature
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, or foam
Unsuitable Media: Direct high-pressure water may cause powder to disperse
Fire Hazards: Combustion forms carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides, both irritating and toxic
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need standard turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Personal Precautions: Avoid creating or inhaling dust; ventilate area if possible
Spill Cleanup: Gather dry spills with a brush and dustpan; avoid sweeping aggressively to minimize airborne particles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, soil, or waterways to avoid localized chemical exposure
Handling: Handle with gloves to avoid skin contact, work in a well-ventilated spot to keep dust exposure down
Storage: Store in a tightly sealed, labeled container, away from moisture and direct sunlight; keep at ambient temperature for stability
Incompatible Substances: Strong oxidizers, acids, and bases can react and degrade substance integrity
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation recommended for large-scale or repeated handling
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves, safety goggles, lab coat
Respiratory Protection: Use a dust mask or respirator in settings with powder-handling or poor ventilation
State: Solid, crystalline
Color: White
Melting Point: Range commonly reported between 295°C and 299°C (decomposes at higher temps)
Boiling Point: Not applicable; decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
pH (aqueous solution): Around 6
Odor: Odorless
Density: 1.24 g/cm³ (approximate, varies by batch)
Chemical Stability: Stable in ambient, dry environments
Decomposition: Produces ammonia-like odors and irritants at high temperatures
Hazardous Reactions: No violent reactions recorded with common reagents when standard procedures are followed
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, powerful oxidizers
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity data for animal and human exposure; high doses may induce mild digestive or respiratory upset
Eye and Skin Irritation: Known to cause mild irritation with prolonged or repeated exposure
Chronic Effects: Insufficient evidence for long-term issues in routine laboratory settings
Sensitization: Little to no observed sensitization in animal studies
Carcinogenicity: Not considered carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Environmental Impact: Biodegradable in soil and water; significant impact unlikely except in very large accidental releases
Persistence: Breaks down by microbial action; unlikely to bioaccumulate
Aquatic Toxicity: No strong data for toxicity toward typical aquatic organisms at routine lab discharge levels
Waste Handling: Collect waste in labeled, sealed container
Disposal: Dispose through chemical waste collection service; avoid release to sewage or natural water bodies
Regulatory Status: Not classified as hazardous waste under most major chemical regulations, yet responsible disposal matters
Transport Classification: Not regulated as dangerous good by land, air, or water carriers
Packing Requirements: Keep container intact, sealed, and clearly labeled
Special Precautions: Prevent spillage or accidental mixing with reactive goods; store upright and secure
Inventory Status: Listed in key chemical inventories (such as TSCA and REACH), reflecting global acceptance in research and manufacturing
SDS Requirements: Must accompany shipments for employee right-to-know compliance in regulated industries
Labeling Obligations: Minimal under standard hazard categorization, but safe labeling to indicate amino acid content builds confidence and helps trace accidental releases