Isoprene
Agent Name
Isoprene
CAS Number
78-79-5
Formula
C5-H8
Major Category
Plastics & Rubber
Synonyms
1,3-Butadiene, 2-methyl-; 2-Methyl-1,3-butadiene; 2-Methylbutadiene; 2-Methyldivinyl; 3-Methyl-1,3-butadiene; Isopentadiene; beta-Methylbivinyl; UN1218; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Other Monomers
Description
Colorless liquid with a mild, aromatic odor; [HSDB]
Sources/Uses
Used as a monomer to manufacture polyisoprene and butyl rubber; [HSDB]
Comments
An irritant to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes; Causes CNS depression at high concentrations; [HSDB] If left on clothes, may cause reddening of skin; [CHRIS] Can affect the CNS, resulting in respiratory depression; [ICSC] Human volunteers complain of slight upper respiratory tract irritation when exposed to 57 ppm; [AIHA] Isoprene, stabilized (UN1218) has warning of explosive polymerization; [ERG 2016]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
MAK
3 ppm
Vapor Pressure
550 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 180,000 mg/m3/4H
Explosive Polymerization
Yes
Explanatory Notes
VP from ChemIDplus;
NFPA
burn readily
ERPG-1
5 ppm
ERPG-2
1,000 ppm
ERPG-3
4,000 ppm
WEEL
2 ppm
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
NTP Carcinogen
Anticipated human carcinogen
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: