Product Name: 4-Methyl-2-Pentanone
Synonyms: Methyl isobutyl ketone, MIBK
Chemical Formula: C6H12O
Molecular Weight: 100.16 g/mol
CAS Number: 108-10-1
Recommended Use: Solvent in manufacturing, coatings, adhesives, and cleaning agents
Supplier: Multiple international chemical producers
Emergency Contact: Regional Poison Control Numbers, Chemtrec: 1-800-424-9300 (US)
Manufacturer Contact: See product label or purchase documentation for specific information
Classification (GHS): Flammable liquid, category 2; Acute toxicity (dermal), category 4; Eye irritation, category 2; Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure), category 3; Aspiration hazard, category 2
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; may cause drowsiness or dizziness; causes serious eye irritation; harmful in contact with skin or if inhaled; may cause damage to central nervous system
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation Mark, Health Hazard
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames; use explosion-proof devices; avoid breathing vapors; wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection; use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area; wash hands after handling
Chemical Name: 4-Methyl-2-Pentanone
Purity: Typically 98-100%
CAS Number: 108-10-1
Impurities: May contain trace quantities of water and related ketones, depending on manufacturing process
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Get medical advice if irritation or symptoms develop.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Provide artificial respiration if breathing stops. Keep person warm and at rest. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional. Seek prompt medical attention.
Symptoms: Irritation to eyes, nose, throat, dizziness, headache, nausea, central nervous system effects such as confusion or drowsiness
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray (only for cooling containers)
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet
Hazards During Fire: Vapors are heavier than air and may travel; flashback possible. Thermal decomposition creates toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and flammable vapors.
Protection for Firefighters: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus needed; remain upwind. Cool containers with water even after fire is out. Isolate hazard area and deny entry if possible.
Explosion Risk: Containers may rupture due to pressure buildup if exposed to heat or flame
Personal Precautions: Evacuate non-essential personnel; wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, respiratory protection if airborne concentrations exceed recommended limits
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, waterways, or confined areas. Notify authorities if large spill reaches water
Methods for Cleanup: Eliminate ignition sources. Contain spilled material with inert absorbent (sand, earth). Place material in containers for disposal according to local regulations. Wash spill area with water after removal. Use explosion-proof equipment during cleanup. Ventilate affected area thoroughly after spill removal
Precautions for Handling: Only use in areas with effective ventilation. Avoid inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Wear recommended protective equipment. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. Prevent buildup of electrostatic charges by grounding and bonding during transfer.
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location, away from sunlight, ignition sources and incompatible materials (acids, oxidizers). Use approved storage containers and keep tightly sealed. Store below 30°C for extended shelf-life.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, halogens
Special Packaging Requirements: Use containers designed and tested for flammable solvents
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 100 ppm (410 mg/m3); ACGIH TLV: 50 ppm (205 mg/m3) TWA; NIOSH REL: 100 ppm (410 mg/m3) TWA
Engineering Controls: Exhaust ventilation to maintain airborne levels below occupational exposure limits. Closed systems preferred. Explosion-proof electrical equipment. Local mechanical ventilation where vapors can accumulate.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, butyl rubber); splash-proof safety goggles; impervious clothing; face shield in high-risk situations. Use respiratory equipment (NIOSH-approved organic vapor cartridge respirator) during high exposure or inadequate ventilation.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink or smoke during use; ensure eyewash stations and emergency showers are accessible
Appearance: Colorless, clear liquid
Odor: Distinctive ketone-like, sweet odor
Odor Threshold: 1-5 ppm
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: -84°C
Boiling Point: Approximately 117°C
Flash Point: 14°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: 1.2 (n-butyl acetate=1)
Flammability: Flammable liquid
Vapor Pressure: 16 mm Hg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 3.5 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.80 at 20°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (1.9 g/100 ml at 20°C); miscible with most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): log Pow = 1.31
Auto-ignition Temperature: 460°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not established
Viscosity: 0.61 mPa·s at 20°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; avoid sources of ignition, excessive heat, open flame
Reactivity: Can react with strong oxidizers (peroxides, nitric acid) causing fire or explosion. Reacts vigorously with strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, other unidentified organic compounds
Hazardous Polymerization: Not known to occur
Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with acids, oxidizers, chlorine, bromine
Conditions to Avoid: Heating, open flame, direct sunlight, static electricity, conditions causing container rupture
Acute Toxicity: Oral (rat) LD50: 2080 mg/kg; Dermal (rabbit) LD50: 16000 mg/kg; Inhalation (rat) LC50, 4 hours: 2000 ppm
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, eye and respiratory irritation, narcosis
Chronic Effects: Repeated skin exposure may cause dermatitis. High exposures may affect central nervous system or liver over time.
Carcinogenicity: Classified by ACGIH as Group A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans)
Mutagenicity: Studies show no clear evidence
Reproductive Effects: Some animal evidence affecting fertility at high doses.
Sensitization: Not considered a skin sensitizer
Other Data: Not listed by NTP or known to cause birth defects in humans at occupational exposures
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life at high concentrations. LC50 (fish, 96h): 505 mg/L (Pimephales promelas); EC50 (Daphnia, 48h): 170 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately biodegradable in water and soil. Expected to be removed in a wastewater treatment facility by volatilization and biodegradation
Bioaccumulation: Low potential based on octanol-water partition coefficient
Mobility in Soil: High mobility; may leach into groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Volatilizes to atmosphere and contributes to smog formation under sunlight through photochemical reactions
Disposal Methods: Avoid release to environment. Mix waste with compatible combustible solvent and incinerate in chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse container thoroughly. Dispose containers as hazardous waste per federal, state, and local requirements.
Special Precautions: Do not dump into drains, surface water, or soil. Disposal must align with all applicable regulations. Consult licensed waste disposal companies for details.
Waste Code: U161 (RCRA hazardous waste)
UN Number: UN1245
Proper Shipping Name: Methyl isobutyl ketone
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: Flammable Liquid, Marine Pollutant
Transport in Bulk (IMDG): Category: Y
Special Precautions: Keep containers upright; protect from physical damage. Secure against movement and away from incompatible cargo. Emergency response guide: ERG 129
DOT, IATA, IMDG Shipping Regulations: In compliance with all major modal requirements for flammable solvents
Federal Regulations: TSCA listed; RCRA hazardous waste U161; SARA 302/304: Not listed for emergency planning or release notification; SARA 311/312: Fire hazard, acute/ chronic health hazard; SARA 313: Subject to reporting
OSHA Status: Regulated substance for occupational exposure
State Regulations: California Prop 65: Listed as a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer
International Regulations: EINECS (EU): 203-550-1. WHMIS Classification (Canada): B2, D2B.
Inventory Status: Compliant with US (TSCA), EU (REACH), Canada (DSL), Australia (AICS), and other global chemical inventories.
Other Requirements: Product SDS required for workplace handling. Fire code and hazardous materials storage regulations applicable in many jurisdictions. Always check local, state, and federal requirements before use, disposal, or transport.