n-Butyl ether
Agent Name
n-Butyl ether
CAS Number
142-96-1
Formula
C8-H18-O
Major Category
Solvents
Synonyms
1,1'-Oxybis(butane); 1-Butoxybutane; Butane, 1,1'-oxybis-; Butyl ether; Butyl oxide; Di-n-butyl ether; Dibutyl ether; Dibutyl oxide; Ether butylique [French]; n-Dibutyl ether; [ChemIDplus] UN1149
Category
Ethers (<C12)
Description
Colorless liquid with a mild ethereal odor; [Hawley]
Sources/Uses
Used as solvent (hydrocarbons, resins, fats, oils, organic acids, alkaloids, esters, and gums), extracting agent , intermediate, reaction medium, and in plutonium separation processes; [HSDB]
Comments
May form explosive peroxides; [Hawley] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May have effects on CNS and liver; Defats the skin; [ICSC] A skin and eye irritant; [eChemPortal: ERMA] An irritant; Effects in high-dose animal studies include general anesthesia and fatty liver degeneration; [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
6.01 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 4,000 ppm/4h
Explanatory Notes
Odor threshold high = 0.37 mg/m3, low = 2.50 mg/m3; [HSDB] The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Dibutyl ethers." VP from ChemIDplus;
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: