2-Methyl-1-butanol

Synonyms

1-Butanol, 2-methyl-; 2-Methyl butanol-1; 2-Methyl-n-butanol; 2-Methylbutanol; 2-Methylbutyl alcohol; Active amyl alcohol; Active primary amyl alcohol; Primary active amyl alcohol; dl-sec-Butyl carbinol; sec-Butylcarbinol; [ChemIDplus] UN1105

Category

Alcohols (<C12)

Description

Colorless liquid; [Hawley]

Sources/Uses

Used as a solvent; for organic synthesis (introduction of active amyl group); in lubricants, plasticizers, and additives for oils and paints; as a frothing agent in ore flotation; as a chemical intermediate; [HSDB] Used to manufacture liquid crystals, plant protection agents, and fragrances; to catalyze polymerization of caprolactam; and to extract crude oil; [CHEMINFO]

Comments

A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause CNS effects; "Swallowing the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs with the risk of chemical pneumonitis. The liquid defats the skin." [ICSC] Safe when used as a flavoring agent; [JECFA] In oral lethal dose studies, animals have ataxia and prostration; [OECD SIDS] An irritant; Effects in high-dose animal studies include spastic paralysis with/without sensory change; [MSDSonline]

Biomedical References

20 ppm

3.12 mm Hg

0.121 ppm

Odor Threshold High

0.23 ppm

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 50 deg C; [Merck Index] Odor threshold from CHEMINFO; The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Amyl alcohols." VP from ChemIDplus;

high ambient temp required

100 ppm

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:

• Metal Extraction and Refining
• Painting (Solvents)
• Petroleum Production and Refining