Substance profile
2-methylpropan-1-ol
2-methylpropan-1-ol is colorless, oily liquid with a sweet, musty odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-methylpropan-1-ol is
2-methylpropan-1-ol is colorless, oily liquid with a sweet, musty odor. Its molecular formula is C4H10O and its molecular weight is 74.12 g/mol. It boils at 108 °C, melts at -108 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for 2-methylpropan-1-ol
- iso-butanol
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 |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H336 | May cause drowsiness or dizziness. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P264, P280, P302, P305, P310, P313, P332, P338, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2-methylpropan-1-ol 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 | 108 °C (226.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 108.33 °C (227 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 107.22 °C (225 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -108 °C (-162.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| -107.78 °C (-162 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 0.8 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.8018 g/cm³ | at 24 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.802 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Solubility in water at 20 °C: 8.5 wt% | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| In water, 66.5-90.9 g/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 8.5X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 9 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 10 mmHg | at 21.72 °C | CAMEO | |
| 10.4 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 28 °C (82.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 27.78 °C (82 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 415 °C (779 °F) | HSDB | |
| 426.67 °C (800 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.2 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| 1.7 % by volume | ICSC | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 10.9 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| Vapor density | 2.56 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.55 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| Odor threshold | 40 ppm | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.66 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor Threshold High: 40.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 274.63 °C (526.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Isobutyl alcohol will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2-methylpropan-1-ol
Storage conditions
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
Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fires & explosions.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ISOBUTANOL is an alcohol. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides. This chemical is incompatible with strong oxidizers. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-methylpropan-1-ol in the storage compatibility matrix →