Substance profile
1,2-Epoxybutane
1,2-Epoxybutane is a colorless liquid with a disagreeable odor.
01 · Identification
What 1,2-Epoxybutane is
1,2-Epoxybutane is a colorless liquid with a disagreeable odor. Its molecular formula is C4H8O and its molecular weight is 72.11 g/mol. It boils at 63.4 °C, melts at -150 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P305, P308, P312, P313, P330, P332, P337, P338, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1,2-Epoxybutane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 63.4 °C (146.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| 62.78 °C (145 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 63.3 °C (145.9 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -150 °C (-238 °F) | HSDB | |
| -60 °C (-76 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.83 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.8297 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.826 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | In water, 59 g/L at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| In water, 95.5 g/L at 25 °C (OECD Method 105) | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 8.68 g/100 g water at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 170 mmHg | at 24 °C | HSDB |
| 141.012 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 180 mmHg | at 25 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Flash point | -21.67 °C (-7 °F) | HSDB | |
| -12.22 °C (10 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -22 °C (-7.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 438.89 °C (822 °F) | HSDB | |
| 515 °C (959 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 370 °C (698 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.7 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 1.5 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 19 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 18.3 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Vapor density | 2.49 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.2 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 0.07 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor Threshold High: 0.71 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| [ICSC] Odor threshold low (absolute perception limit), and high (recognition) from CHEMINFO | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1,2-Epoxybutane
Storage conditions
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carfully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Epoxides, such as 1,2-BUTYLENE OXIDE, are highly reactive. They polymerize in the presence of catalysts or when heated. Contact with anhydrous metal halides; amino, hydroxyl and carboxyl functions; inorganic acids and charcoal may cause polymerization. These polymerization reactions can be violent. Compounds in this group react with acids, bases, and oxidizing and reducing agents. They react, possibly violently with water in the presence of acid and other catalysts.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,2-Epoxybutane in the storage compatibility matrix →