Methyl isobutyl carbinol

Synonyms

Methyl amyl alcohol; (+-)-4-Methyl-2-pentanol; 1,3-Dimethylbutanol; 2-Methyl-4-pentanol; 2-Pentanol, 4-methyl-; 3-MIC; 4-Methyl-2-amyl alcohol; 4-Methyl-2-pentyl alcohol; 4-Methylpentanol-2; 4-Metilpentan-2-olo [Italian]; 4-Pentanol, 2-methyl-; Alcohol methyl amylique [French]; Alcool methyl amylique [French]; Isobutylmethylcarbinol; Isobutylmethylmethanol; M.I.B.C.; MAOH; MIBC; MIC; Methyl amyl alcohol; Methyl isobutyl carbinol; Methyl-isobutylkarbinol [Czech]; Methylisobutyl carbinol; Methylisobutylcarbinol; Metilamil alcohol [Italian]; dl-Methylisobutylcarbinol; [ChemIDplus] UN2053

Category

Alcohols (<C12)

Description

Colorless liquid with a mild odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used primarily in the production of additives for anti-wear and corrosion inhibitors; Used secondarily as a flotation agent (copper ores, coal and tar sand mining); Also used as an additive to surface coatings and solvent to improve binder softness; Usually used in closed systems except as a floating agent; [ACGIH, 2020]

Comments

In acute animal studies, high concentrations induce narcosis and anesthesia. [ACGIH] Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC]

Biomedical References

No

20 ppm

40 ppm

25 ppm

20 ppm

400 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Human data: Eye irritation has occurred after exposures to 50 ppm for 15 minutes [Silverman et al. 1946].

2.8 mm Hg

0.01 ppm

Odor Threshold High

1 ppm

LCLo (rat) = 2,000 ppm/4H

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from "Quick Guide: The Electronic NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards"; Flash point = 105 deg F; VP from HSDB;

high ambient temp required

Acute solvent syndrome

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Solvents, acute toxic effect