Isoamyl Alcohol

H226 (99.2%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]

H302 (17.7%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H315 (69.5%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H318 (10.3%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H319 (70.4%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H332 (80.5%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335 (82.6%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 2589 reports by companies from 47 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H226 (52.2%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]

H315 (47.8%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (47.8%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H332 (100%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335 (100%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 115 reports by companies from 4 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P330, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H303: May be harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H313: May be harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P317, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P319, P321, P337+P317, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give nothing to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Isoamyl alcohol (primary):

Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: WATER FLUSH PROMPTLY - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.

Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2024)

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: Water flush promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Fire Extinguishing Agents: Water spray, dry chemical, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide. (USCG, 1999)

Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Use water, powder, "alcohol" foam or carbon tetrachloride. Water spray is effective for cooling fire-exposed containers, dispersing spills before burning, and protection from heat those persons engaged to stop leakage during the fire.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, carbon dioxide or dry chemical.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]:

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

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)

Personal protection: protective clothing, safety goggles and filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable non-plastic containers as far as possible. Absorb liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.

1. Remove all ignition sources. 2. Ventilate area of spill or leak. 3. For small quantities, absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in a safe place (such as a fume hood). Allow sufficient time for evaporating vapors to completely clear the hood ductwork. Burn the paper in a suitable location away from combustible materials. ... Isoamyl alcohol should not be allowed to enter a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion.

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

Spray into the furnace. Incineration will become easier by mixing with a more flammable solvent.

1. By absorbing it in vermiculite, dry sand, earth or a similar material and disposing in a secured sanitary landfill. 2. By atomizing in a suitable combustion chamber.

SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for ISOAMYL ALCOHOL (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and reducing agents.

IN GENERAL, MATERIALS WHICH ARE TOXIC AS STORED OR WHICH CAN DECOMP INTO TOXIC COMPONENTS ... SHOULD BE STORED IN A COOL, WELL-VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF DIRECT RAYS OF THE SUN, AWAY FROM AREAS OF HIGH FIRE HAZARD, & SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED ... INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS SHOULD BE ISOLATED FROM EACH OTHER.

Remove source of ignition. Keep containers closed. Store in prescribed, controllable places.

4452.0 [ppm]

20.0 [ppm]

40 [ppm]

83 [ppm]

500 [ppm]

100 ppm (360 mg/m³)

125 ppm (450 mg/m³)

TWA 100 ppm (360 mg/m3) ST 125 ppm (450 mg/m3)

100.0 [ppm]

TWA 100 ppm (360 mg/m3) See Appendix G

500 ppm (NIOSH, 2024)

500.0 [ppm]

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: An oral dose of 24.3 grams has been lethal for adults [Gosselin et al. 1984]. [Note: An oral dose of 24.3 grams is equivalent to a worker being exposed to 4,000 ppm for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.]

See: 123513

125.0 [ppm]

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 100 ppm; 15 min Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL): 125 ppm.

100 ppm as TWA; 125 ppm as STEL.

100 ppm [1990]

125 ppm [1990]

A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C.

The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The substance is irritating to the respiratory tract. The substance is mildly irritating to the skin. Ingestion could cause effects on the central nervous system. If swallowed the substance may cause vomiting and could result in aspiration pneumonitis.

The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Isoamyl alcohol (primary):

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 500 ppm. Respirator Class(es): Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous flow mode. Eye protection needed. Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s). Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister. Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s). Eye protection needed. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece.

Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Emergency or planned entry into unknown concn or IDLH conditions: Respirator Class(es): Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece and operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode.

Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Escape from suddenly occurring respiratory hazards: Respirator Class(es): Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece.

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 500 ppm:

(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode

(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)

(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister

(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)

(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece

Isoamyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a mild, choking alcohol odor. Less dense than water, soluble in water. Hence floats on water. Produces an irritating vapor. (USCG, 1999)

Dry Powder; Liquid

Colorless liquid with a disagreeable odor; [NIOSH]

COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Colourless to pale yellow liquid

Colorless liquid with a disagreeable odor.

OILY, CLEAR LIQ

Colorless liquid.

CHARACTERISTIC, DISAGREEABLE ODOR

Disagreeable odor.

PUNGENT, REPULSIVE TASTE

270 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)

132.5 °C

131.00 to 133.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg

131.1 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-179 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

-117.2 °C

114 °F (USCG, 1999)

109 °F (43 °C) (Closed cup)

42 °C c.c.

2 % at 57 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

MISCIBLE WITH ALC, ETHER, BENZENE, CHLOROFORM, PETROLEUM ETHER, GLACIAL ACETIC ACID, OILS

VERY SOL IN ACETONE

Water solubility = 2.67X10+4 mg/l @ 25 °C

26.7 mg/mL at 25 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml: 2.5 (moderate)

Soluble in ethanol, water and most organic solvents

(in ethanol)

(57 °F): 2%

0.81 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

0.813 @ 15 °C/4 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 0.8

0.807 - 0.813

0.81 at 68 °F

0.8104 @ 20°C

(57 °F): 0.81

3.04 (AIR=1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 3.0

28 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)

2.37 [mmHg]

Highly flammable. Water soluble.

Alcohols and Polyols

Highly Flammable

ISOAMYL ALCOHOL attacks plastics [Handling Chemicals Safely, 1980. p. 236]. Mixtures with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide may cause explosions. Mixing with hypochlorous acid in water or water/carbon tetrachloride solution can generate isoamyl hypochlorites, which may explode, particularly on exposure to sunlight or heat. Mixing with chlorine would also yield isoamyl hypochlorites [NFPA 491 M, 1991]. Base-catalysed reactions with isocyanates can occur with explosive violence [Wischmeyer,1969].

Strong oxidizers.

Interaction /of pentanol and hydrogen trisulfide/ is explosively violent. /Pentanol/

Strong oxidizers

Isoamyl alcohol

B: Compounds that form peroxides on concentration (distillation/evaporation)

48 samples had 0->1000 ppm peroxide; age 0.5-30 yrs (isoamyl alcohol); 2 samples had 100 ppm peroxide; age > 1 yr (isopentyl alcohol) ; 7 samples had 10-30 ppm peroxide; age > 1 yr (3-Methyl-1-butanol alcohol)

See Bretherick's for discussions regarding the peroxide-forming abilities of primary alcohols and the potential contributions to incidents.

Mirafzal, G. A. et al., J. Chem. Educ., 1988, 65(9), A226–229

J. Chem. Educ., 1990, 67(9), A23

Hobson,L.A.etal.,Chem.Eng.News,2000,78(51),2

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation.

Dry skin. Redness.

Redness. Pain.

Abdominal pain. Headache. Drowsiness. Weakness. Nausea. Vomiting. Unconsciousness.

irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; headache, dizziness; cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; skin cracking; In Animals: narcosis

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

LD50 Rat oral 1,300 mg/kg

LD50 Rabbit skin 3,970 mg/kg

LD50 Rat (90-120 g) oral 65.0 mmol/kg (7.07 ml/kg). /From table/

LD50 Rabbit oral 3.4 g/kg

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether isopentanol, the most abundant hiqher chain alcohol in alcoholic beverages, contributes to induction of different forms of hepatic p450s associated with consumption of these beverages. Induction of p450 by isopentanol alone and in combination with ethanol in cultured chick and rat hepatocytes. The forms of induced p450 were identified both enzymaticaly and immunochemically. In cultured chick hepatocytes, both isopentanol and ethanol induced p450 2E, but combined treatment with these alcohols had no greater effect than treatment with ethanol alone. In cultured rat hepatocytes, isopentanol alone did not induce p450 2E or 2B1/2 and had no effect on the ethanol mediated induction of p450 2E. However, isopentanol combined with ethanol caused a synergistic induction of p450 2B1/2 in cultered rat hepatocytes and an additive to synergistic induction of p450 2H1/2 in cultered chick hepatocytes.

Employees should be screened for history of certain medical conditions which might place the employee at increased risk from isoamyl alcohol exposure. /These include/ skin disease ... liver disease ... kidney disease ... /and/ chronic respiratory disease. ... Any employee developing the above-listed conditions should be referred for further medical examination.

Symptoms: Irritation of eyes, mucous membranes and nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness; faintness and fatal by long-time exposure to high concentration.

Short-term Exposure: ... Double vision, deafness, delerium, and death may occur. Coma, sugar in the urine, and blood changes have also been reported.

The ingestion of 50-100 ml of isoamyl alcohol in humans resulted in weakness, pain, burning sensation in the chest and stomach, nausea, headache; CNS depression and sleep within 10-15 min; terminal coma, and death within 1 hr to 6 days due to asphyxiation.

The exposure of human skin to 3-methyl-1-butanol for 5 min induced erythema in 100% of the 12 human subjects over the subsequent 60 min.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for ISOAMYL ALCOHOL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Upon absorption by any route, CNS depression is a major manifestation of toxicity.

RATS TREATED ORALLY & SC WITH ISOAMYL ALC ONCE OR TWICE WEEKLY FROM 10 WK OF AGE UNTIL DEATH (495-643 DAYS) SHOWED LIVER CARCINOMAS & SARCOMAS, SPLEEN SARCOMAS, & PROVENTRICULAR CARCINOMAS & MYELOID LEUKEMIA.

RATS WERE GIVEN DAILY DOSES OF 150, 500 OR 1000 MG ISOAMYL ALC/KG BODY WT FOR 17 WK. NO EFFECTS ASSOC WITH TREATMENT IN RESULTS OF HEMATOLOGICAL EXAM, SERUM ANALYSES, URINARY CELL COUNTS, RENAL CONCN TESTS OR ORGAN WT.

3-Methyl-1-butanol inhibits the cytochrome p450-dependent mixed function oxidases, specifically aniline hydroxylase, in suspensions of rat liver microsomes.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for ISOAMYL ALCOHOL (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Persons with pre-existing skin disorders may be more susceptible to the effects of this agent. ... In persons with impaired pulmonary function, expecially those with obstructive airway diseases, the breathing of isoamyl alcohol might cause exacerbation of symptoms due to its irritant properties.

Isopentanol is a naturally occurring substance that is released to the environment by plants, microorganisms, and from animal wastes. It may also be released during its manufacture, transport, disposal and use as a solvent, extracting agent, additive, photographic chemical, chemical intermediate in the production of herbicides and pharmaceuticals, in the synthesis of flavors and fragrances, and during the fermentation of sugars and starches. If released on soil, it should readily volatilize as well as leach. Based upon results from biodegradation studies with surface water and ground water, biodegradation in soil should be rapid. If released in water, it should also be lost by evaporation. Biodegradation should also be rapid. Isopentanol's volatilization half-life from a model river is estimated to be 2.55 days. It biodegrades in water with half-lives ranging from 6.1 days in harbor water from Lake Superior to 15 days in groundwater. Isopentanol would not be expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organism. In the atmosphere, isopentanol will be removed by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals. The half-life for this reaction is estimated to be 2.0 days. Workers may be exposed to isopentanol via inhalation and dermal contact. The general public is exposed to isopentanol in a variety of foods, including fruit, nuts, and meat. People may also be exposed to isopentanol in indoor air, especially from exhaled air from smokers. (SRC)

Isopentanol is a plant volatile(2-6) and is also emitted from animal wastes(2,7) and by microorganisms(2). Isopentanol is the principal component of fusel oil, a by-product of alcoholic fermentation of starches and sugars(1).

CONSTITUTES MAJOR PORTION OF FUSEL OIL; ALSO KNOWN AS FERMENTATION AMYL ALCOHOL. ... IDENTIFIED AS ESTER AMONG CONSTITUENTS OF ROMAN CAMOMILE OIL, & IN SEVERAL ESSENTIAL OILS ... ALSO IN AROMAS OF STRAWBERRY & RASPBERRY; IDENTIFIED IN RUM.

Isopentanol may be released to the environment during its manufacture, transport, disposal and use as a solvent, extracting agent, additive, photographic chemical, chemical intermediate in the production of herbicides and pharmaceuticals, and in the synthesis of flavors and fragrances(1,4). It is also a fermentation product of sugars and starches and may be released during fermentation(2-3). Isopentanol is also released during petroleum manufacture and storage and from wood pulping(3).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: In view of isopentanol's relatively high vapor pressure, 2.37 mm Hg at 25 °C(1), moderate Henry's Law constant, 1.41X10-5 atm-cu m/mol(2), and low adsorptivity to soil, isopentanol would be expected to volatilize from dry and moist soil(SRC). It is highly mobile in soil and should leach. Isopentanol is readily biodegraded in screening tests as well as in water grab sample tests and therefore would be expected to biodegrade in soil. (SRC)

AQUATIC FATE: If released in water, isopentanol will be lost by volatilization. The volatilization half-life of isopentanol from a model river estimated from its Henry's Law constant, 1.41X10-5 atm-cu m/mol(1), is 2.55 days(2). It should also biodegrade. The half-life of isopentanol in groundwater, river water and Lake Superior harbor water in Minnesota were 15, 11, and 6.1 days, respectively(3). Isopentanol would not be expected to adsorb to sediment or bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms.

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Isopentanol will react with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere. The rate constant estimated for this reaction is 7.8X10-12 cu cm/molec-sec(1). Assuming a hydroxyl radical concn of 5X10+5 radicals/cu cm, the half-life of isopentanol in the atmosphere will be 2.0 days(SRC).

Isopentanol is readily biodegraded in aerobic screening tests using sewage or activated sludge inocula(1-5). In one screening study utilizing a sewage seed, 75% and 100% of the isopentanol degraded within 4.5 and 6 days, respectively(1). In another, the half-life of isopentanol was 2.4 days(2). Five day BOD values ranged from 49% to 77% of theoretical(3-5). In a semi-continuous activated sludge treatment plant simulation, a 47% BOD reduction was achieved in 8 hr(3). The half-lives of isopentanol in ground water, Lester River, MN river water and Lake Superior harbor water were 15, 11, and 6.1 days, respectively(6). Isopentanol was >75% mineralized when incubated for 8 weeks in an anaerobic reactor using a 10% sludge inoculum from a secondary digester(7). The mean removal rate of isopentanol from a semi-pilot scale anaerobic lagoon was 32% in 20 days(8).

Isopentanol reacts with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere with an estimated rate constant of 7.8X10-12 cu cm/molec-sec(1). Assuming a hydroxyl radical concn of 5X10+5 radicals/cu cm, the half-life of isopentanol in the atmosphere will be 2.0 days(SRC). Isopentanol exhibits moderate photochemical reactivity in smog chamber tests(2).

The BCF for isopentanol estimated from isopentanol's octanol/water partition coefficient, log 1.42(1), using a recommended regression equation is 7(2). Such a low BCF would indicate that isopentanol would not bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms(SRC).

The Koc for isopentanol estimated from its water solubility, 26.7 mg/L(1), using recommended regression equations are 720(2) and 679(4). However, the chemicals used in developing these equations were mainly pesticides and their structures are not similar to isopentanol. The Koc for isopentanol estimated from molecular structure is 4(3). This should be a reasonable estimate for the Koc because it is close to the experimental value for the structurally similar chemical, 1-pentanol, 1.6(6). According to a suggested classification scheme(5), the estimated Kocs based on molecular structure suggests that isopentanol is very highly mobile in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for isopentanol is 1.41X10-5 atm-cu m/mol(1). Using this value for the Henry's Law constant, one can estimate that the volatilization half-life of isopentanol in a model river 1 m deep flowing at 1 m/s with a wind speed of 3 m/s is 2.55 days(2). Similarly, the half-life of isopentanol in a model lake 1 m deep with a 0.05 m/s current and a 0.5 m/s wind is 21 days(2). In view of isopentanol's relatively high vapor pressure, 2.37 mm Hg at 25 °C(3) and moderate Henry's Law constant and low adsorptivity to soil, isopentanol would be expected to volatilize from dry and moist soil(SRC).

Isopentanol has been identified in drinking water(1). No concns were reported.

In an analysis of 455 wastewater samples from 35 industrial categories, isopentanol was only identified in 1 sample from the synfuels industry(2). In a comprehensive survey of wastewater from 4000 industrial and publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) sponsored by the Effluent Guidelines Division of the U.S. EPA, isopentanol was identified in discharges of the following industrial category (positive occurrences, median concn in ppb): synfuels (7; 39.8), publicly owned treatment works (1; 176.7). The highest effluent concn was in a publically-owned treatment works at 177 ppb(3). The mean and range of isopentanol emissions from four whiskey fermentation vats was 0.166 and 0.141-0.183 g per cu m of grain input, respectively(1). The maximum concn of isopentanol in the vat gas was about 9 mg/cu m and occurred 40 hr into the process(1).

Isopentanol is a naturally occurring substance that is released to the environment by plants, microorganisms, and from animal wastes. It may also be released during its manufacture, transport, disposal and use as a solvent, extracting agent, additive, photographic chemical, chemical intermediate in the production of herbicides and pharmaceuticals, in the synthesis of flavors and fragrances, and during the fermentation of sugars and starches. If released on soil, it should readily volatilize as well as leach. Based upon results from biodegradation studies with surface water and ground water, biodegradation in soil should be rapid. If released in water, it should also be lost by evaporation. Biodegradation should also be rapid. Isopentanol's volatilization half-life from a model river is estimated to be 2.55 days. It biodegrades in water with half-lives ranging from 6.1 days in harbor water from Lake Superior to 15 days in groundwater. Isopentanol would not be expected to bioconcentrate in aquatic organism. In the atmosphere, isopentanol will be removed by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals. The half-life for this reaction is estimated to be 2.0 days. Workers may be exposed to isopentanol via inhalation and dermal contact. The general public is exposed to isopentanol in a variety of foods, including fruit, nuts, and meat. People may also be exposed to isopentanol in indoor air, especially from exhaled air from smokers. (SRC)

Isopentanol is a plant volatile(2-6) and is also emitted from animal wastes(2,7) and by microorganisms(2). Isopentanol is the principal component of fusel oil, a by-product of alcoholic fermentation of starches and sugars(1).

CONSTITUTES MAJOR PORTION OF FUSEL OIL; ALSO KNOWN AS FERMENTATION AMYL ALCOHOL. ... IDENTIFIED AS ESTER AMONG CONSTITUENTS OF ROMAN CAMOMILE OIL, & IN SEVERAL ESSENTIAL OILS ... ALSO IN AROMAS OF STRAWBERRY & RASPBERRY; IDENTIFIED IN RUM.

Isopentanol may be released to the environment during its manufacture, transport, disposal and use as a solvent, extracting agent, additive, photographic chemical, chemical intermediate in the production of herbicides and pharmaceuticals, and in the synthesis of flavors and fragrances(1,4). It is also a fermentation product of sugars and starches and may be released during fermentation(2-3). Isopentanol is also released during petroleum manufacture and storage and from wood pulping(3).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: In view of isopentanol's relatively high vapor pressure, 2.37 mm Hg at 25 °C(1), moderate Henry's Law constant, 1.41X10-5 atm-cu m/mol(2), and low adsorptivity to soil, isopentanol would be expected to volatilize from dry and moist soil(SRC). It is highly mobile in soil and should leach. Isopentanol is readily biodegraded in screening tests as well as in water grab sample tests and therefore would be expected to biodegrade in soil. (SRC)

AQUATIC FATE: If released in water, isopentanol will be lost by volatilization. The volatilization half-life of isopentanol from a model river estimated from its Henry's Law constant, 1.41X10-5 atm-cu m/mol(1), is 2.55 days(2). It should also biodegrade. The half-life of isopentanol in groundwater, river water and Lake Superior harbor water in Minnesota were 15, 11, and 6.1 days, respectively(3). Isopentanol would not be expected to adsorb to sediment or bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms.

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Isopentanol will react with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere. The rate constant estimated for this reaction is 7.8X10-12 cu cm/molec-sec(1). Assuming a hydroxyl radical concn of 5X10+5 radicals/cu cm, the half-life of isopentanol in the atmosphere will be 2.0 days(SRC).

Isopentanol is readily biodegraded in aerobic screening tests using sewage or activated sludge inocula(1-5). In one screening study utilizing a sewage seed, 75% and 100% of the isopentanol degraded within 4.5 and 6 days, respectively(1). In another, the half-life of isopentanol was 2.4 days(2). Five day BOD values ranged from 49% to 77% of theoretical(3-5). In a semi-continuous activated sludge treatment plant simulation, a 47% BOD reduction was achieved in 8 hr(3). The half-lives of isopentanol in ground water, Lester River, MN river water and Lake Superior harbor water were 15, 11, and 6.1 days, respectively(6). Isopentanol was >75% mineralized when incubated for 8 weeks in an anaerobic reactor using a 10% sludge inoculum from a secondary digester(7). The mean removal rate of isopentanol from a semi-pilot scale anaerobic lagoon was 32% in 20 days(8).

Isopentanol reacts with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere with an estimated rate constant of 7.8X10-12 cu cm/molec-sec(1). Assuming a hydroxyl radical concn of 5X10+5 radicals/cu cm, the half-life of isopentanol in the atmosphere will be 2.0 days(SRC). Isopentanol exhibits moderate photochemical reactivity in smog chamber tests(2).

The BCF for isopentanol estimated from isopentanol's octanol/water partition coefficient, log 1.42(1), using a recommended regression equation is 7(2). Such a low BCF would indicate that isopentanol would not bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms(SRC).

The Koc for isopentanol estimated from its water solubility, 26.7 mg/L(1), using recommended regression equations are 720(2) and 679(4). However, the chemicals used in developing these equations were mainly pesticides and their structures are not similar to isopentanol. The Koc for isopentanol estimated from molecular structure is 4(3). This should be a reasonable estimate for the Koc because it is close to the experimental value for the structurally similar chemical, 1-pentanol, 1.6(6). According to a suggested classification scheme(5), the estimated Kocs based on molecular structure suggests that isopentanol is very highly mobile in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for isopentanol is 1.41X10-5 atm-cu m/mol(1). Using this value for the Henry's Law constant, one can estimate that the volatilization half-life of isopentanol in a model river 1 m deep flowing at 1 m/s with a wind speed of 3 m/s is 2.55 days(2). Similarly, the half-life of isopentanol in a model lake 1 m deep with a 0.05 m/s current and a 0.5 m/s wind is 21 days(2). In view of isopentanol's relatively high vapor pressure, 2.37 mm Hg at 25 °C(3) and moderate Henry's Law constant and low adsorptivity to soil, isopentanol would be expected to volatilize from dry and moist soil(SRC).

Isopentanol has been identified in drinking water(1). No concns were reported.

In an analysis of 455 wastewater samples from 35 industrial categories, isopentanol was only identified in 1 sample from the synfuels industry(2). In a comprehensive survey of wastewater from 4000 industrial and publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) sponsored by the Effluent Guidelines Division of the U.S. EPA, isopentanol was identified in discharges of the following industrial category (positive occurrences, median concn in ppb): synfuels (7; 39.8), publicly owned treatment works (1; 176.7). The highest effluent concn was in a publically-owned treatment works at 177 ppb(3). The mean and range of isopentanol emissions from four whiskey fermentation vats was 0.166 and 0.141-0.183 g per cu m of grain input, respectively(1). The maximum concn of isopentanol in the vat gas was about 9 mg/cu m and occurred 40 hr into the process(1).

INDOOR AIR: In a 1985-1986 study of VOC's in the air of 500 West German homes, the mean and range of isopentanol concns were 1 and <1.0 to 10 ug/cu m, respectively(1).

Isopentanol has been identified, but not quantified, in peanut oil(1), blue cheese(2) and a cheese made in the French Alps(3), filberts(4), beer(5), wine(7), meat(8-9), chickpeas(10), oranges(11), bananas(12), Concord grapes(13), and nectarines(6). Eighty proof whiskey contained 154.4 mg/L of isopentanol(14).

The concn of isopentanol in mussels collected at the Oarai Coast in Ibaraki, Japan in July 1985 was 0.03 ppm(1). The volatile components were separated from the tissue by freeze vacuum distillation.

The average concn of isopentanol in fusel oil, a by-product of alcoholic fermentation of starches and sugars is 60-65%(1). The concn of isopentanol in the volatile fraction of fresh poultry manure was 0.398 ppm(2). The concn of isopentanol was 4.01 ppm and not detectable in manure samples that had been incubated for 9 and 28 days, respectively, at 27-28 °C under nearly anaerobic conditions(2). In a study in which 29 samples of printer's inks from different European manufacturers were analyzed, isopentanol was found in only one sample at a concn of 0.3%(3).

Workers may be exposed to isopentanol via inhalation and dermal contact. The general public is exposed to isopentanol in a variety of foods, including fruit, nuts, and meat, and in indoor air. (SRC)

In a study in which the exhaled breaths of 26 smokers and 43 non-smokers were analyzed, 16% of the breaths of non-smokers and 77% of that of smokers contained isopentanol(1). In an earlier study of components of expired air of 8 male volunteers, three of the eight contained isopentanol and were expired at 2.6, 0.002, and 0.11 ug/hr(2). Two of these subjects were smokers(2). The isopentanol was believed to be of metabolic origin(2). As part of EPA's National Human Adipose Tissue Survey, 46 composite adipose fat samples were analyzed. Eighty-three percent of these samples contained isopentanol ranging from 1.51 to 14.82 ppm(3).

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

Spray into the furnace. Incineration will become easier by mixing with a more flammable solvent.

1. By absorbing it in vermiculite, dry sand, earth or a similar material and disposing in a secured sanitary landfill. 2. By atomizing in a suitable combustion chamber.

/GUIDE 129: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (POLAR/WATER-MISCIBLE/NOXIOUS)/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water. /Pentanols/

/GUIDE 129: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (POLAR/WATER-MISCIBLE/NOXIOUS)/ Health: May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution. /Pentanols/

/GUIDE 129: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (POLAR/WATER-MISCIBLE/NOXIOUS)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Pentanols/

/GUIDE 129: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (POLAR/WATER-MISCIBLE/NOXIOUS)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. /Pentanols/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for ISOAMYL ALCOHOL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1105; Isoamyl alcohol

IMO 3.3; Isoamyl alcohol

49 093 01; Amyl alcohols

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Flammable Liquid

Symbol: Xn; R: 10-20-37-66; S: (2)-46; Note: C

UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: III