Chemical Name: 3-Pentanol SYNONYMS: Pentan-3-ol, sec-Propylcarbinol Molecular Formula: C5H12O CAS Number: 584-02-1 Physical State: Liquid at room temperature, colorless, faint alcohol-like odor Common Uses: Used in organic synthesis, laboratories, sometimes found as a solvent
GHS Classification: Eye irritation, skin irritation, may cause drowsiness or dizziness if inhaled Main Hazards: Breathing high concentrations irritates the nose and throat, direct skin or eye contact causes discomfort, vapor heavier than air Pictograms: Exclamation mark (for irritant effects) Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, work in well-ventilated spaces, use appropriate personal protection Possible Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation
Component: 3-Pentanol Concentration: Typically appears in pure substance form for lab and synthesis use No known major impurities
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, watch for breathing difficulty, seek medical help if dizziness does not go away Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove any contaminated clothing Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with clean water for several minutes, lift eyelids, get attention if pain or redness persists Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, get medical attention immediately if large amounts swallowed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide Fire Hazards: Vapors catch fire easily especially above normal room temperature, may release toxic fumes if burned Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear Special Considerations: Water spray can help keep containers cool in fire
Personal Precautions: Use gloves and goggles, avoid breathing vapors, ventilate area Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering waterways or drains Cleanup Methods: Mop up with inert absorbent (like sand or vermiculite), collect in closed containers for disposal, wash spill area after removal
Handling: Keep containers tightly closed, avoid spills and splashes, use under chemical fume hood or with local exhaust Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and incompatible substances like strong oxidizers
Engineering Controls: Laboratories should use fume hoods, good general ventilation helps Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, gloves, laboratory coat; use of respirator if vapor levels get high Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits for 3-pentanol itself, but similar alcohols warrant caution
Appearance: Colorless liquid Odor: Alcohol-like Melting Point: About -52°C Boiling Point: Roughly 115°C Solubility: Miscible with water and organic solvents Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature Density: Close to 0.81 g/cm³ Flash Point: Around 35°C Auto-ignition Temperature: Not easily reached in normal lab use
Chemical Stability: Stable at ambient temperatures Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, acids, or alkali metals Hazardous Decomposition: Can form irritating and toxic gases in fire—carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, strong oxidizing conditions
Likely Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion Acute Effects: Inhalation causes headache, dizziness, throat irritation; ingestion brings nausea and vomiting Chronic Exposure: Sustained high exposure rare outside manufacturing, causes nervous system symptoms over long periods LD50 (oral, rat): About 1870 mg/kg Irritation: Known to irritate eyes and skin Carcinogenicity: No current evidence links 3-pentanol to cancer in humans or animals Sensitization: Not documented as a skin or respiratory sensitizer
Environmental Fate: Breaks down in air and water fairly quickly, yet can still be toxic to aquatic life at high concentrations Persistence: Not persistent in most environmental conditions Bioaccumulation: Not expected Potential Effects: High concentrations may harm fish or small aquatic organisms in case of spill
Disposal Methods: Collect in suitable containers, treat as hazardous organic waste Never pour down drain or throw in regular trash Follow local, state, national regulations for hazardous chemical disposal
UN Number: UN1105 (assigned for alcohols, n.o.s.) Transport Hazard Class: Flammable liquid Packing Group: III (for lower danger substances) Shipping Considerations: Keep in tightly sealed containers, avoid heat and ignition on transit, follow dangerous goods guidelines for shipping
Labeling Requirements: Needs proper GHS-style labeling in workplaces TSCA: Listed Other Regulations: Not subject to special FDA or EPA controls in small lab use, check local ordinances, workplace chemical use plans Workplace Safety: OSHA guidelines for flammable organic liquids apply, with mandatory training and spill response plans for larger users