Substance profile
2,2-dimethylpropane
2,2-dimethylpropane is a colorless gas or very volatile liquid with a gasoline-like odor.
01 · Identification
What 2,2-dimethylpropane is
2,2-dimethylpropane is a colorless gas or very volatile liquid with a gasoline-like odor. Its molecular formula is C5H12 and its molecular weight is 72.15 g/mol. It boils at 9.5 °C, melts at -16.4 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 4th degree.
Other names for 2,2-dimethylpropane
- neopentane
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 |
|---|---|
| H220 | Extremely flammable gas. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P273, P391, P403, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2,2-dimethylpropane 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 | 9.5 °C (49.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| 9.5 °C (49.1 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | -16.37 °C (2.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -16.6 °C (2.1 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 0.2377 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 0.591 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.5852 g/cm³ | at 25 °C, at 760 mmHg | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethyl alcohol, ethyl ether, carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| Solubility in water: none | ICSC | ||
| In water, 33.2 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 1100 mmHg | at 21 °C | HSDB |
| 1095 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 1290 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -7 °C (19.4 °F) | below this value | HSDB |
| Autoignition temperature | 450 °C (842 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.4 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 1.3 % by volume | ICSC | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 7.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.5 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 400.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor threshold from ACGIH | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 160.6 °C (321.1 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2,2-dimethylpropane
Storage conditions
Store and handle in accordance with all current regulations and standards. Subject to storage regulations: U.S. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.101. Grounding and bonding required. Keep separated from incompatible substances.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts with strong oxidizers, causing fire and explosion hazard. Attaks some plastics, rubbers, and coatings.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
2,2-DIMETHYLPROPANE may be incompatible with strong oxidizing agents like nitric acid. Charring may occur followed by ignition of unreacted hydrocarbon and other nearby combustibles. In other settings, mostly unreactive. Not affected by aqueous solutions of acids, alkalis, most oxidizing agents, and most reducing agents. Burns exothermically if heated sufficiently or when ignited in the presence of air, oxygen or strong oxidizing agents to produce carbon dioxide and water.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2,2-dimethylpropane in the storage compatibility matrix →