Substance profile
Isobutyl nitrite
Isobutyl nitrite is a colorless liquid.
01 · Identification
What Isobutyl nitrite is
Isobutyl nitrite is a colorless liquid. Its molecular formula is C4H9NO2 and its molecular weight is 103.12 g/mol. It boils at 67 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
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. |
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P304, P308, P312, P313, P330, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Isobutyl nitrite 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 | 67 °C (152.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 67.22 °C (153 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Density | 0.87 g/cm³ | at 22 °C | HSDB |
| 0.87 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| 0.87 g/cm³ | at 22.22 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Solubility in water: very poor | ICSC | |
| less than 1 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992) | at 18.89 °C | CAMEO | |
| SLIGHTLY SOLUBLE AND GRADUALLY DECOMPOSED BY WATER; MISCIBLE WITH ALCOHOL | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 10 mmHg | OSHA | |
| 10 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 9.7508 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | -23.33 °C (-10 °F) | CAMEO | |
| -21 °C (-5.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.2 % by volume | ICSC | |
| 1.2 % by volume | at 21.11 °C | CAMEO | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 26.9 % by volume | ICSC | |
| 26.9 % by volume | at 21.11 °C | CAMEO | |
| Vapor density | 1 (air = 1) | CAMEO | |
| 3.56 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Isobutyl nitrite
Reactivity
An oxidizing agent but can serve as a reducing agent. May begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation if mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides, nitrides, ammonium salts, cyanides, and many fuels.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Isobutyl nitrite in the storage compatibility matrix →