Substance profile
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol is a colorless liq with a mild odor.
01 · Identification
What 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol is
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol is a colorless liq with a mild odor. Its molecular formula is C6H14O and its molecular weight is 102.17 g/mol. It boils at 133 °C, melts at -90 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as flammable agents - 2nd degree.
Other names for 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol
- 4-methylpentan-2-ol
- methyl isobutyl carbinol
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.
03 · Physical and chemical properties
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol 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 | 133 °C (271.4 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 132.78 °C (271 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 131.78 °C (269.2 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -90 °C (-130 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 0.81 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.8075 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.807 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | SOL IN ALC & ETHER. | HSDB | |
| MISCIBLE WITH MOST COMMON ORG SOLVENTS. | HSDB | ||
| Water solubility of 1.64X10+4 mg/kg (experimental). | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 3 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 2.8 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 40.56 °C (105 °F) | HSDB | |
| 41.11 °C (106 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1 % by volume | NIOSH | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 5.5 % by volume | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 3.5 (air = 1) | ICSC | |
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 0.01 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor Threshold High: 1.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor threshold from "Quick Guide: The Electronic NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards" | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol
Incompatible materials
Strong oxidizers.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METHYL ISOBUTYL CARBINOL 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.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol in the storage compatibility matrix →