Substance profile
2-Methyl-2-butanol
2-Methyl-2-butanol is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-Methyl-2-butanol is
2-Methyl-2-butanol is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. Its molecular formula is C5H12O and its molecular weight is 88.15 g/mol. It boils at 102 °C, melts at -9.1 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for 2-Methyl-2-butanol
- 2-methylbutan-2-ol
- tert-pentanol
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. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P264, P271, P280, P302, P304, P312, P313, P332, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2-Methyl-2-butanol 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 | 102.4 °C (216.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 87.35 °C (189.2 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Melting point | -9.1 °C (15.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -8.4 °C (16.9 °F) | HMDB | ||
| Density | 0.8096 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| Solubility | Solubility parameter = 20.758 sqrt(MJ/cu m) | HSDB | |
| Sol in 8 part water; miscible with alc, ether, benzene, chloroform, glycerol, oils | HSDB | ||
| Solubility in water: 12.1%wt at 20 °C; 11.0%wt at 25 °C; 10.1%wt at 30 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 9.1133 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 16.7 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 16.8 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | 67 °C (152.6 °F) | CLOSED CUP | HSDB |
| 19.44 °C (67 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 19 °C (66.2 °F) | Haz-Map | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 819 °C (1506.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 9 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 272 °C (521.6 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2-Methyl-2-butanol
Storage conditions
KEEP TIGHTLY CLOSED & PROTECTED FROM LIGHT.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Forms explosive mixture with air. Contact with strong oxidizers and hydrogen trisulfide may cause fire and explosions. Incompatible with strong acids. Violent reaction with alkaline earth metals forming hydrogen, a flammable gas. /Amyl alcohols/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-Methyl-2-butanol in the storage compatibility matrix →