Substance profile
Propan-1-ol
Propan-1-ol is a colorless liquid with a similar to ethanol odor.
01 · Identification
What Propan-1-ol is
Propan-1-ol is a colorless liquid with a similar to ethanol odor. Its molecular formula is C3H8O and its molecular weight is 60.1 g/mol. It boils at 97.2 °C, melts at -127 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Propan-1-ol
- n-propanol
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. |
| H336 | May cause drowsiness or dizziness. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P280, P305, P310, P338, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Propan-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 | 97.2 °C (207 °F) | HSDB | |
| 97.22 °C (207 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 97.22 °C (207 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -127 °C (-196.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -126.67 °C (-196 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -126.22 °C (-195.2 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.81 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.8053 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.2734 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | MISCIBLE WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL | HSDB | |
| > 10% acetone | HSDB | ||
| > 10% benzene | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 15 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 44.98 mmHg | CAMEO | ||
| 21 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 23 °C (73.4 °F) | closed cup | HSDB |
| 22 °C (71.6 °F) | open cup | HSDB | |
| 22.22 °C (72 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 412.78 °C (775 °F) | HSDB | |
| 371.11 °C (700 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 371 °C (699.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 2.1 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 13.7 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 13.5 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Vapor density | 2.1 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | 30 ppm | HSDB | |
| 9.00 mg/l (liquid) (detection in water, purity of sample not specified) | HSDB | ||
| 9.00X10-3 mg/l (gas) (detection in air, purity of sample not specified) | HSDB | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 263.7 °C (506.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Propyl 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 Propan-1-ol
Storage conditions
Keep containers closed, store in cool, well ventilated place away from ignition sources.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Ignition occurs when potassium tert-butoxide reacts with ... n-propanol ...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
N-PROPANOL reacts with alkali metal, nitrides and strong reducing agents to give flammable and/or toxic gases. Reacts with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Converted by oxidizing agents to propanal or propionic acid. May initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Propan-1-ol in the storage compatibility matrix →