2,3-Dimethylbutane

Synonyms

1,1,2,2-Tetramethylethane; Biisopropyl; Butane, 2,3-dimethyl-; Diisopropyl; [ChemIDplus] UN2457

Category

Aliphatics, Saturated (<C12)

Description

Colorless liquid with an odor of petroleum; [CAMEO]

Sources/Uses

Used in high-octane fuel and to make other organic chemicals; [Hawley] Used as solvent (vegetable oils, glues, coatings, and paints); Occur in gasoline, rubber solvent, and petroleum ether; [ACGIH]

Comments

Causes narcosis in mice at 30,000 ppm in 30-60 minutes; Unlike n-Hexane, it is not converted in the body into metabolites that cause peripheral neuropathy. Use the lower TLV of n-Hexane when commercial preparations contain >5% n-Hexane. [ACGIH] Danger: fire and explosion; [Hawley] A skin and eye irritant; [CAMEO] An irritant; Effects in high-dose animal studies include changes in kidney tubules; [MSDSonline]

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

500 ppm

1000 ppm

500 ppm

235 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = -29 deg C; [HSDB] Occupational exposure levels are for "Hexane, other isomers." VP from ChemIDplus;

may ignite at ambient temp

Acute solvent syndrome

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)