Common Name: 2-Methyl-1,3-Butadiene
Chemical Formula: C5H8
Molecular Weight: 68.12 g/mol
Physical State: Colorless gas or liquid at higher pressures
Odor: Sharp, sweet, and gasoline-like
Synonyms: Isoprene
Classification: Flammable gas, Health hazard (may cause cancer, suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child)
Hazard Symbols: Flame, Health hazard
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact
Acute Effects: Irritation of respiratory tract, dizziness, headaches
Chronic Effects: Carcinogenicity concerns, may impact liver after repeated exposure
Warning: Highly flammable, easily forms explosive mixtures with air
Substance: 2-Methyl-1,3-Butadiene
CAS Number: 78-79-5
Concentration: Above 99% for pure manufacture
Impurities: Trace organic compounds, moisture, inhibitors (such as tert-butylcatechol)
Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air, keep at rest, seek immediate medical attention in case of breathing difficulty
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash area with soap and water, consult medical care for persistent pain
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, see health professional
Ingestion: Unlikely due to volatile nature, but immediate medical help required if swallowed
Notes for Responders: Take precautions for personal safety, use protective equipment
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam
Unsuitable Media: Water jets may disperse the product, increasing fire risk
Special Hazards: Vapors are heavier than air, can travel to distant ignition sources, combustion yields carbon monoxide and other toxic gases
Special Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Guidance: Approach from upwind, keep containers cool with water spray, evacuate area if large fire
Personal Protection: Use gloves, chemical splash goggles, flame-retardant clothing
Evacuation: Clear area of unnecessary personnel, ventilate affected area
Spill Handling: Stop leak if safe, prevent entry into drains or confined spaces, absorb liquid on inert material (e.g., sand)
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release to the environment, notify relevant authorities in case of significant spill
Cleanup: Collect spilled liquid in suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations
Handling: Work with proper grounding to avoid static accumulation, use in well-ventilated facilities, avoid direct contact
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled steel cylinders or tanks at cool temperatures, away from sunlight and ignition sources
Incompatibles: Oxidizers, acids, alkalis, free radical initiators
Advice for Working Staff: Use explosion-proof equipment, follow strict transfer protocols, maintain routine checks for leaks
Occupational Exposure Limits: Refer to national or industrial limits, for isoprene: often 10 ppm (time-weighted average)
Engineering Controls: Enclosed process systems, local exhaust ventilation, gas detection alarms
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical resistant gloves, safety goggles, flame-retardant workwear, vapor respirator if ventilation weak
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, launder contaminated clothing before reuse
Monitoring: Regular air sampling strongly recommended in active zones
Appearance: Colorless, volatile liquid under pressure, gas at room temperature
Boiling Point: 34°C
Melting Point: -146°C
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
Density: About 0.681 g/cm³ (liquid)
Flash Point: -48°C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: Roughly 220°C
Explosion Limits: Lower: 1.5%, Upper: 11.5% (by volume in air)
Odor Threshold: 0.14-0.2 ppm
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling, highly reactive toward oxidizers
Reactivity: Polymerizes violently under heat, light, or in the presence of peroxides without stabilizer (like tert-butylcatechol)
Hazardous Reactions: May form explosive peroxides, incompatible with oxidizing agents
Decomposition Products: Emits toxic fumes (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide) under fire conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sources of ignition, direct sunlight, absence of inhibitors
Acute Toxicity: Central nervous system effects with high concentrations, can produce narcosis
Inhalation: Drowsiness, respiratory irritation, headache possible
Skin & Eye: Can cause irritation, not strongly absorbed through skin
Chronic Exposure:** Animal studies suggest possible carcinogenicity, some evidence for reproductive effects
Sensitization: Not considered a strong sensitizer
Further Hazards: Suspected link to some blood cancers under prolonged exposure
Accumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation, will volatilize rapidly from water and soil
Aquatic Toxicity: Moderate concern for aquatic life, significant spills could inhibit oxygen transfer in water bodies
Degradability: Readily biodegradable by natural processes (photodegradation, microbial activity)
Mobility: High volatility means movement through air is more likely than through soil
Further Risks: Ozone-forming potential in air; strict controls recommended near sensitive waterways
Waste Disposal: Incineration in specialized chemical facilities
Waste Identification: Considered hazardous waste in most global regulations
Contaminated Containers: Clean with inert gas before recycling or disposal, label clearly before transfer
Recommended Methods: Do not pour into drains or allow to evaporate in enclosed spaces
Shipping Classification: Flammable gas, regulated for road, rail, air, and marine transport
Packaging: Approved pressure-rated containers, check for integrity before shipment
Labeling: Clear hazard markings, correct placarding required for all vehicles
Special Instructions: Separate from food, strong oxidizers, and uncontrolled ignition sources during transit
Potential Incidents: Leak detection and gas segregation protocols improve safety substantially
Global Control: Subject to safety regulations under many national and regional frameworks
Workplace Laws: Mandatory training and exposure monitoring for workers handling this material
Environmental Regulations: Reporting required for large releases, particularly in air and water protection zones
Labelling Rules: Clear hazard pictograms, risk and safety phrases as per chemical safety legislation
Permit Requirement: Use and storage above certain volumes may require prior approval from competent authorities
