2-Methylpropanoic acid
Agent Name
2-Methylpropanoic acid
Alternative Name
Isobutyric acid
CAS Number
79-31-2
Formula
C4-H8-O2
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
2-Methylpropionic acid; Acetic acid, dimethyl-; Cenex RP b2; Dimethylacetic acid; Isobutanoic acid; Isobutyric acid (natural); Isopropylformic acid; Kyselina isomaselna [Czech]; Propanoic acid, 2-methyl-; Propionic acid, 2-methyl-; Tenox IBP-2; Tenox IBP-2 Grain Pr.; alpha-Methylpropanoic acid; alpha-Methylpropionic acid; [ChemIDplus] UN2529
Category
Organic Acids
Description
Colorless liquid; [Hawley] Pungent odor, but not as unpleasant as butyric acid; [Merck Index]
Sources/Uses
Used to manufacture esters for flavors and perfumes; as a disinfecting agent; in varnish; for deliming hides; as a tanning agent; as starting material for diisopropyl ketone; as an herbicide; in the manufacture of salts used as textile chemicals, tanning compounds, stabilizers, catalysts, and preservatives; [HSDB] Occurs naturally in food (cheese, milk protein, vinegar, and beer) and in the body as a metabolic product; [CHEMINFO] Has been used as a lactation stimulant in dairy cattle; [REPROTOX]
Comments
A strong skin and eye irritant; Emergency treatment: irritants; [HSDB] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; [ICSC] A corrosive substance; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; Can be absorbed through skin; [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
1.81 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
8 ppm
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = 77 deg C; [Merck Index] Odor threshold from CHEMINFO; VP from ChemIDplus;
NFPA
high ambient temp required
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: