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Chemical Name: 2-Methyl-2-butanol
Synonyms: tert-Amyl alcohol, t-Amyl alcohol
Chemical Formula: C5H12O
CAS Number: 75-85-4
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Alcoholic, faintly sweet
Common Use: Laboratory solvent, intermediate, specialty organic synthesis
GHS Classification: Flammable liquids – Category 3; Serious eye irritation – Category 2A; Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure – Category 3
Label Elements: Flame and exclamation mark pictograms
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor; May cause drowsiness or dizziness; Causes serious eye irritation
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Effects: Dizziness, headache, drowsiness, eye redness, irritation
Chronic Effects: Prolonged inhalation can cause central nervous system depression; skin contact with liquid over long periods dries and cracks skin
Main Ingredient: 2-Methyl-2-butanol, purity commonly >98%
Impurities: Trace amounts of related alcohols and water, based on manufacturing process
Formula Weight: 88.15 g/mol
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep at rest, monitor for difficulty breathing
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, seek immediate medical advice; do not induce vomiting
Medical Attentions / Special Treatment: Central nervous system depressants may require supportive treatment
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam
Specific Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, heavier than air, may travel along surfaces; combustion releases irritating vapors
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters
Thermal Decomposition: Produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly harmful organic vapors
Personal Precautions: Evacuate spill area, wear protective equipment such as gloves and goggles, ensure ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off into drains, soil, and waterways
Containment and Clean-Up: Absorb liquid with inert material (sand, vermiculite), collect in labeled waste containers, ventilate area
Handling Practices: Avoid breathing vapors, prevent skin and eye contact, use only with adequate ventilation, ground containers
Storage Conditions: Store tightly sealed in cool, dry place away from heat, sparks, open flames; segregate from oxidizers and acids
Incompatible Products: Strong acids, oxidizing and reducing agents
Special Precautions: Store in well-ventilated area, use proper grounding and bonding
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust, general ventilation, fume hood for large-scale work
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, lab coat, appropriate respirator for significant vapors
Occupational Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL established; ACGIH recommends TWA limits close to 100 ppm for similar tertiary alcohols; exposure monitoring reduces workplace risk
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Colorless
Odor: Sweet, alcoholic
Boiling Point: About 102–104°C
Melting Point: About 77°C
Flash Point: Around 39°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature
Solubility: Miscible with water
Density: About 0.81 g/cm3
Partition Coefficient: Log Pow ~1.1 (moderate hydrophobicity)
Other: Volatile organic compound, vapor heavier than air
Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Exothermic reaction with strong oxidizers or acids
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating organic fumes on combustion
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers, reducing agents, alkali metals; these can increase risk of violent reaction
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flame, sparks, incompatible materials
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 2088 mg/kg (literature data); higher doses depress central nervous system
Irritation: Causes severe eye irritation, mild to moderate skin irritation
Sensitization: Not classified as a sensitizer
Long-Term Effects: Repeated high exposure may cause liver or kidney effects, most people recover with proper medical support
Other Risks: Inhalation can impair coordination and cause headaches, nausea
Environmental Impact: Biodegradable in water and soil under aerobic conditions
Aquatic Toxicity: Fish LC50 (96 hr): above 100 mg/L; considered low acute aquatic toxicity
Mobility: Volatile, mobile in environment due to water solubility and vapor pressure
Potential for Bioaccumulation: Low, based on partition coefficient and rapid biodegradation
Waste Management: Collect as hazardous organic waste
Recommended Disposal Methods: Incinerate with proper flue gas control or deliver to licensed facility
Do Not: Dump into drains, natural waterways, or ordinary landfill
Best Practices: Triple-rinse disposable containers, remove to hazardous waste recovery
UN Number: UN1105
Proper Shipping Name: Alcohols, n.o.s. (2-Methyl-2-butanol)
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid
Packing Group: III
Additional Hazards: Transport in tightly sealed drums, protect from heat, open flames, or static
International Inventory Status: Listed in REACH, TSCA chemical lists
GHS Labeling: Standards harmonized for flammable, irritant substances
Worker Protection Regulations: Covered under OSHA laboratory standard and chemical hygiene rules; eye and face protection must be available; training on safe handling required
Community Right to Know: Included on hazardous chemical lists, safety plans apply in workplaces and schools using this substance
Special Restrictions: Regulations on flammable storage, hazardous substance reporting at certain quantities
