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Chemical Name: 3-Methyl-1-Butanol
Synonyms: Isoamyl alcohol, Isopentyl alcohol
CAS Number: 123-51-3
EC Number: 204-633-5
Recommended Use: Used as a solvent, raw material in flavors, fragrances, and in chemical synthesis
Supplier Information: Manufacturers and distributors list emergency telephone numbers, business location, and point of contact for safety questions
Emergency Phone: Local or national poison control centers, regional workplace hazard agencies
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Acute toxicity (Category 4, oral and inhalation), Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure (Category 3)
Label Elements: Pictograms show flammable, exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor. Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, open flames, sparks. Avoid inhaling vapors. Wear protective gloves, eye protection.
Substance: 3-Methyl-1-Butanol
Purity: Typically over 98%
Impurities: Trace amounts of higher alcohols or residual solvents possible depending on source
Molecular Formula: C5H12O
Molecular Weight: 88.15 g/mol
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest, consult a doctor if symptoms persist (drowsiness, headache, respiratory irritation).
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water or shower. Seek medical advice for irritation or persistent skin changes.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Get medical attention for persistent discomfort.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Seek medical help immediately, describe exposure and symptoms.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Water spray can cool exposed containers but may not extinguish burning liquid.
Unsuitable Media: Avoid direct water jet, can cause spattering and spread fire.
Specific Hazards: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Fire produces toxic fumes, including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus, flame-resistant clothing, and avoid inhalation of combustion products.
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, eliminate ignition sources, use personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles. Avoid breathing vapors.
Environmental Precautions: Keep out of drains, surface water, and soil. Notify local regulatory authorities in event of major spill.
Clean-up Methods: Absorb spillage with non-combustible absorbents like sand or vermiculite. Collect for disposal in properly labeled containers. Flush any residue with water, ensuring contaminated water does not enter environment.
Precautions for Safe Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not breathe vapor, mist, or aerosol. Ground and bond containers when transferring to reduce static discharge risk. Wash hands after use.
Storage Requirements: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Keep container tightly closed. Segregate from oxidizers, acids, and strong bases. Use containers made from compatible materials, such as glass or certain plastics.
Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limit (TWA) values often set at 100 ppm (360 mg/m³). Always check national and local limits.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure to minimize exposure. Provide eyewash stations and emergency showers in areas of use.
Personal Protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile recommended), tight-fitting goggles, and suitable protective clothing. Respiratory protection used when ventilation inadequate, such as NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirators. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Strong, characteristic, somewhat unpleasant
Odor Threshold: Low, often detectable at less than 1 ppm
pH: Not applicable (neutral compound)
Melting Point: -117°C
Boiling Point: 131°C
Flash Point: 43°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Moderate compared to ethyl alcohol
Flammability: Flammable liquid
Vapor Pressure: 3 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3 (air=1)
Relative Density: 0.81 (water=1)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water. Miscible with alcohols, ethers, some hydrocarbons.
Partition Coefficient: Log Pow 1.2–1.5
Decomposition Temperature: Data unavailable
Viscosity: Low, flows readily at room temperature
Chemical Stability: Material remains stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases, and some plastics.
Hazardous Reactions: Exothermic reactions possible with oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition: Burning or decomposition may generate carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating fumes.
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to heat, sparks, open flame, static electricity discharge.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) ~ 3700 mg/kg; inhalation may cause respiratory irritation, drowsiness, or dizziness.
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure causes dermatitis, central nervous system effects.
Symptoms: Headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, skin redness, blurred vision after significant exposure.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: Limited data; not known to cause reproductive harm.
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates at high concentrations. EC50 (Daphnia magna 48h): ~ 150 mg/L.
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable, breaks down within a few weeks under typical environmental conditions.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low, based on low partition coefficient.
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile, evaporates readily from water and soil. Not likely to persist in environment when used responsibly.
Disposal Methods: Incinerate in designated facilities or dispose under local hazardous waste regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple-rinse containers before recycling or disposal. Do not reuse packaging for food or water.
Regulatory Disposal Classification: Consider as hazardous waste under resource conservation and recovery rules.
UN Number: UN 1105
UN Proper Shipping Name: Isoamyl Alcohol
Transport Hazard Classes: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Labeling Requirement: Flammable liquid symbol, proper handling instructions
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Follow standard procedures for flammable liquids. Secure upright. Ensure proper ventilation in transport vehicles.
Occupational Safety: Listed by OSHA hazardous chemicals inventory.
Environmental Compliance: Regulated under EPA Clean Water Act when released to the environment and listed for reporting under SARA Title III.
Workplace Controls: Covered under local workplace hazardous material regulations for handling and exposure.
International Regulations: Subject to EU REACH and CLP regulations. Registered under EINECS/ELINCS.
Labeling and Chemical Inventory Requirements: Included in TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) inventory in the US. Country-specific chemical lists may differ.
