2,2-Dimethylbutane
Agent Name
2,2-Dimethylbutane
Alternative Name
Neohexane
CAS Number
75-83-2
Formula
C6-H14
Major Category
Solvents
Synonyms
2,2-Dimethylbutane; Butane, 2,2-dimethyl-; Neohexane; [ChemIDplus] Branched hexane isomers; [ACGIH TLVs and BEIs]
Category
Aliphatics, Saturated (<C12)
Description
Colorless liquid with mild gasoline-like odor; [ACGIH]
Sources/Uses
Used as solvent (vegetable oils, glues, coatings, and paints); Occur in gasoline, rubber solvent, and petroleum ether; [ACGIH] Used as a high-octane fuel and an intermediate for synthesis of organic chemicals; [Hawley]
Comments
After exposure to hexane for 10 minutes, humans experience no effect at 2000 ppm and dizziness or giddiness at 5000 ppm. Like other solvents, hexane isomers are CNS depressants and cardiac sensitizers. Isomers other than n-hexane have the same TLV-TWA. These other isomers include 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, 2-methyl pentane, and 3-methyl pentane. [ACGIH] Branched hexanes are less toxic than n-hexane. Cardiac sensitization occurs in dogs inhaling neohexane at 100,000-250,000 ppm. [CHEMINFO]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
200 ppm
MAK
500 ppm
Vapor Pressure
319 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
VP from ChemIDplus;
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Animal
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: