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Chemical Datasheet

ISOBUTYL NITRITE

3 - Flammable liquid 6.1 - Poison

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 542-56-3   (ISOBUTYL NITRITE)
  • 1992
  • Flammable Liquid
  • Poison
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none
  • ISOBUTYL NITRITE
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Clear colorless to pale yellow liquid. Boiling point 154.4°F (68°C).

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water. Slowly decomposes in water.
Fire Hazard
This chemical is flammable. (NTP, 1992)
Health Hazard
SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound may include headache, dizziness and tachycardia. Other symptoms include carboxyhemoglobinemia, fall in blood pressure and change in heart rate.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: When heated to decomposition this compound emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides. (NTP, 1992)
Reactivity Profile
An oxidizing agent but can serve as a reducing agent. May begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation if mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides, nitrides, ammonium salts, cyanides, and many fuels.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 131 Polymerizable warning [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)
Non-Fire Response
SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION. Then, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with 60-70% ethanol followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should protect this chemical from exposure to light. Keep the container tightly closed under an inert atmosphere, and store it in an explosion-proof refrigerator. STORE AWAY FROM SOURCES OF IGNITION. (NTP, 1992)
Protective Clothing
RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: When working with this chemical, wear a NIOSH-approved full face chemical cartridge respirator equipped with the appropriate organic vapor cartridges. If that is not available, a half face respirator similarly equipped plus airtight goggles can be substituted. However, please note that half face respirators provide a substantially lower level of protection than do full face respirators.

RECOMMENDED GLOVE MATERIALS: If this chemical makes direct contact with your gloves, or if a tear, puncture or hole develops, replace them at once.

Glove Type Model Number Thickness Bkthru Time
Viton North F-091 0.41 mm 18 min
Butyl Rubber North B-174 0.69 mm 75 min
Nitrile Edmont 37-155 0.61 mm 91 min
PVA Edmont 29-250 0.53 mm 19 min
PVC Edmont 34-100 0.15 mm 2 min (NTP, 1992)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Volatile chemicals have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • C4H9NO2
Flash Point: -10°F (NTP, 1992)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 1.2 % at 70°F (NTP, 1992)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 26.9 % at 70°F (NTP, 1992)
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: data unavailable
Vapor Pressure: 10 mmHg at 68°F ; 17.80 mmHg at 86°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): greater than 1 (NTP, 1992)
Specific Gravity: 0.87 at 72°F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float
Boiling Point: 153°F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight: 103.12 (NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 66°F (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

No PAC information available.

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

No regulatory information available.

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names