Material Safety Data Sheet: Isobutyl Chloride

Identification

Chemical Name: Isobutyl Chloride
Synonyms: 1-Chloro-2-methylpropane, Isobutanol chloride
CAS Number: 513-36-0
EC Number: 208-155-0
Use: Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other organic compounds.
Supplier: Industrial companies often distribute this compound for research, manufacturing, or laboratory work. Labels on containers specify detailed provenance for traceability and emergency communication.
Emergency Numbers: General emergency hotlines must be available on workplace posters, usually provided on containers and supported by the employer's safety management protocols.

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid, Acute toxicity (Oral/Inhalation), Skin and eye irritant
GHS Label Elements: Signal word: Danger, Flammable pictogram, Health hazard pictogram
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or contacted with skin. Causes skin and eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, keep container tightly closed, keep away from sparks/open flames.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, eye contact
Potential Health Effects: Short-term exposure leads to irritation of respiratory tract, skin, eyes. Prolonged or repeated exposure impacts central nervous system, headaches, nausea, possible liver/kidney effects.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Component: Isobutyl Chloride
Chemical Formula: C4H9Cl
Concentration: Typically >98% purity for industrial and laboratory use
Impurities: Traces of hydrochloric acid or isomers possible, generally less than 2% present.
Additives: No stabilizers or inert ingredients found in standard preparations.
Molecular Weight: 92.57 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove affected individuals to fresh air, keep at rest, monitor for signs of respiratory distress, manage with supplemental oxygen if needed, call for medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash exposed skin with plenty of water and soap, do not rub the chemical into the skin, seek medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open, do not allow victim to rub eyes, obtain medical treatment if discomfort or vision changes occur.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical help, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Most Important Symptoms: Burning sensation, coughing, headache, shortness of breath, skin redness, tearing sensation in eyes.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam, avoid water jets on the liquid.
Specific Hazards: Releases toxic and corrosive fumes (hydrogen chloride, phosgene) on combustion, vapor forms explosive mixtures with air.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus and full chemical protective clothing.
Special Instructions: Remove containers from fire zone if possible, cool containers with water spray to prevent rupture, control run-off to prevent environmental contamination.
Explosion Sensitivity: Vapors may travel considerable distances, flash back to sources of ignition.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Evacuate area if spill is significant, ventilate space, use personal protective equipment including gloves, eye protection, respirators in high concentrations.
Spill Response: For small spills, absorb with non-combustible materials like vermiculite or sand, transfer to labeled waste containers for disposal as hazardous waste.
Containment: Prevent entry into drains, waterways, basements. Use barriers or dikes for larger releases.
Decontamination: Clean contaminated surfaces with detergent solution, ventilate until fully dry, manage all cleanup materials as hazardous.
Notification: Report major spills to local regulatory agencies as required.

Handling and Storage

Handling Precautions: Work in chemical fume hoods or well-ventilated areas, avoid inhaling vapors, prevent direct skin and eye contact, ground containers and equipment, use spark-proof tools.
Storage Requirements: Keep in tightly closed containers, store in cool, dry, well-ventilated locations away from strong oxidizing agents, acids, bases, sources of ignition, incompatible chemicals.
Incompatibilities: Avoid mixing with strong bases, strong oxidizers, alkali metals.
Special Storage Considerations: Segregate from foodstuffs and combustible materials, keep out of reach of unauthorized persons, maintain clear labeling of all storage vessels.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV (as of 2024); recommend minimizing all exposures using best industry practice.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, keep levels below vapor threshold.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or face shields, flame-resistant lab coats, suitable respirators in cases of insufficient ventilation.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, arms, and face thoroughly after handling, remove soiled clothing, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area.
Monitoring: Regular air monitoring and leak detection, use of VOC sensors in confined shops.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Colorless, volatile liquid
Odor: Strong, sharp, ether-like
Boiling Point: 68°C (154°F)
Melting Point: -117°C (-179°F)
Flash Point: -10°C (14°F) (closed cup)
Auto-ignition Temperature: 470°C
Flammability: Highly flammable
Vapor Pressure: 148 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 3.2 (air = 1)
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 2.27
Density: 0.86 g/cm³ at 20°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.
Thermal Decomposition: Decomposes on heating to generate toxic gases including hydrogen chloride and phosgene.
Hazardous Reactions: Violent reactions with strong bases, alkali metals, oxidizers.
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid heat, sparks, open flames, static discharge sources.
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizing agents, alkali metals, mercaptans, strong bases.
Polymerization: No reported hazardous polymerization.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 Oral (rat) ~480 mg/kg; irritation of the respiratory tract common with inhalation; skin absorption less toxic but not negligible.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure affects liver, kidneys, central nervous system; animal studies report narcosis, tremors, reduced motor function; insufficient data for carcinogenicity.
Sensitization: Not classified as a skin sensitizer, but repeat contact raises risk of dermatitis.
Signs of Overexposure: Coughing, headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, skin rash, eye irritation.
Other Potential Effects: Defatting of skin on repeated exposure, potential for chemical pneumonitis if inhaled at high levels.

Ecological Information

Acute Ecotoxicity: Short-term toxicity to aquatic life, fish LC50 (96hr): 19 mg/l; invertebrates and algae affected at similar concentrations.
Persistence and Degradability: Readily volatile and degradable by atmospheric processes, though persistence in soil/groundwater can extend with spills.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Moderate log Kow (2.27) indicates potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms.
Mobility: Partly volatile to air, potential for migration into groundwater from spills.
Other Effects: Toxic to aquatic organisms at high concentrations, no identified effects on terrestrial plants at typical exposure levels.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Treat as hazardous, incinerate under controlled conditions in licensed facility.
Product Disposal: Never dispose into sewers or surface waters; keep waste in tightly sealed containers, use hazardous waste labeling, follow local regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers with compatible solvent, render unusable, manage all cleaning rinse and residues as hazardous waste.
Other Precautions: Document disposal actions with manifests per local and national hazardous waste rules.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1127
Proper Shipping Name: Isobutyl Chloride
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labeling Requirements: Flammable liquid and toxic chemical, must display hazard diamonds on containers and transport vehicles.
Special Precautions: Ship in corrosion-resistant containers, segregate from oxidizers, acids, and food cargo; avoid temperature extremes during transit.
Regulatory Information: Subject to national and international transport regulations (DOT, ADR, IMDG, IATA).

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Covered under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.
EPA: Listed as a hazardous air pollutant; requires reporting under SARA Title III in some cases.
TSCA: Listed in the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act inventory.
REACH/EU: Registered under REACH with restrictions for consumer use.
Other Standards: Workplace exposure guidelines set forth by local government authorities, SDS available for all personnel potentially exposed.
Labeling Requirements: Use GHS symbols, keep SDS accessible in all workplaces using this chemical.