2-methyl-2-butanol

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

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

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

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 1.8% (11 of 610) of reports.

H225 (98.2%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H312 (21.3%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

H315 (98.2%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H318 (21.3%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H332 (98.2%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335 (98.2%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H336 (20.7%): May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P321, P332+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 610 reports by companies from 28 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 11 of 610 reports by companies.

There are 27 notifications provided by 599 of 610 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

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.

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

H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]

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

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

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+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, 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)

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

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: Wash skin with soap and water. In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin. (ERG, 2024)

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

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. Do not use dry chemical extinguishers to control fires involving nitromethane (UN1261) or nitroethane (UN2842).

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped or safely confined. 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, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. /Amyl alcohols/

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)

Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Establish forced ventilation to keep levels below explosive limit. Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, peat, carbon, or similar material and deposit in sealed containers. It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection or your regional office of the federal EPA for specific recommendations. If employees are required to clean up spills, they must be properly trained and equipped. OSHA 1910.120(q) may be applicable. /Amyl alcohols/

The objective of this study was to operate a novel, field-scale, aerobic bioreactor and assess its performance in the ex situ treatment of groundwater contaminated with gasoline from a leaking underground storage tank in Pascoag, RI. The groundwater contained elevated concentrations of MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether), TBA (tert-butyl alcohol), TBF (tert-butyl formate), BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene isomers), and other gasoline additives (tert-amyl methyl ether, di-isopropyl ether, tert-amyl alcohol, methanol, and acetone). The bioreactor was a gravity-flow membrane-based system called a Biomass Concentrator Reactor (BCR) designed to retain all biomass within the reactor. It was operated for six months at an influent flow rate that ultimately reached 5 gpm. The goal was to achieve a removal of all contaminants to <5 ug/L, which is the California Drinking Water advisory for MTBE. The concentration of TBA, an MTBE biodegradation byproduct, was consistently lower than that of MTBE. The other daughter compound detected in the influent, TBF, was degraded to concentrations below the detection limit of 0.02 ug/L. BTEX were consistently degraded to significantly lower levels in the effluent throughout the duration of the study (<1 ug/L). A similar high removal efficiency of the other gasoline oxygenates present in the groundwater (TAME, DIPE, and TAA) was also achieved. ...

Environmental considerations-land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, or commercial sorbents. /Amyl alcohols/

Environmental considerations-water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Remove trapped material with suction hoses. /Amyl alcohols/

Environmental considerations-air spill Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors. /Amyl alcohols, combustible liquid/

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Incineration /SRP: with appropriate emissions controls/. /Amyl alcohols/

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. /Amyl alcohols/

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and waterg. /Amyl alcohols/

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.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

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)

Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Before entering a confined space where amyl alcohols may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and hydrogen trifluoride since violent reactions occur. Metal containers involving the transfer of this chemical should be grounded and bonded. Where possible, automatically pump liquid from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of this chemical. Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. /Amyl alcohols/

KEEP TIGHTLY CLOSED & PROTECTED FROM LIGHT.

20.0 [ppm]

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

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

Wear solvent resistant gloves and clothing to prevent any reasonable probability of skin contact. ACGIH and safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers recommend polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, neoprene, butyl rubber, neoprene + styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polyurethane, SBR, and SBR/neoprene as protective materials. All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available for work each day, and put on before work. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical. Wear splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield unless full face-piece respiratory protection is worn. Employees should wash immediately with soap when skin is wet or contaminated. Remove nonimpervious clothing immediately if wet or contaminated. Provide emergency showers and eyewash. /Amyl alcohols/

Tert-amyl alcohol appears as a clear, colorless liquid with an odor of camphor. Slightly soluble in water.

Colorless liquid with an odor of camphor; [Hawley]

Colorless liquid

Characteristic odor

Camphor odor

Burning taste

102.4 °C at 760 mm Hg

Binary azeotrope with 27.5% (wt) water with boiling point 87.35 °C

67 °F (NFPA, 2010)

67 °C (CLOSED CUP)

Solubility in water: 12.1%wt at 20 °C; 11.0%wt at 25 °C; 10.1%wt at 30 °C

Solubility parameter = 20.758 sqrt(MJ/cu m)

Sol in 8 part water; miscible with alc, ether, benzene, chloroform, glycerol, oils

Very soluble in acetone

In water, 99,100 mg/L at 25 °C

110 mg/mL at 25 °C

0.8096 at 20 °C/4 °C

16.8 [mmHg]

Vapor pressure = 1.215 kPa (9.113 mm Hg) at 20 °C

16.7 mm Hg at 25 °C

log Kow = 0.89

Henry's Law constant = 1.38X10-5 atm-cu m/mol

SENSITIVE TO LIGHT

3.79 centipoise at 25 °C

789.45 kcal/mol at 25 °C

40.11 kJ/mol at boiling point

Solution neutral to litmus

22.77 dyne/cm at 20 °C; 21.89 dyne/cm at 30 °C

Index of refraction: 1.4052 at 20 °C/4 °C

Wt/gal: 6.76 lb

Specific heat at 20 deg K = 3.15 J/g-deg K

Heat of fusion = 90.71 kcal/mol at 25 °C

Dielectric constant = 5.78 at 25 °C

Boiling point

Chemical shift

Diamagnetic susceptibility

Dielectric constant

Excess enthalpy

Fusion temperature

Heat of solution

Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Alcohols and Polyols

Highly Flammable

TERT-AMYL ALCOHOL attacks plastics [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 236]. Reacts violently with acetyl bromide [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. Mixtures of alcohols with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide can cause explosions. Example: an explosion will occur if dimethylbenzylcarbinol is added to 90% hydrogen peroxide then acidified with concentrated sulfuric acid. Mixtures of ethyl alcohol with concentrated hydrogen peroxide form powerful explosives. Mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and 1-phenyl-2-methyl propyl alcohol tend to explode if acidified with 70% sulfuric acid [Chem. Eng. News 45(43):73 1967; J, Org. Chem. 28:1893 1963]. Alkyl hypochlorites are violently explosive. They are readily obtained by reacting hypochlorous acid and alcohols either in aqueous solution or mixed aqueous-carbon tetrachloride solutions. Chlorine plus alcohols would similarly yield alkyl hypochlorites. They decompose in the cold and explode on exposure to sunlight or heat. Tertiary hypochlorites are less unstable than secondary or primary hypochlorites [NFPA 491 M, 1991]. Base-catalysed reactions of isocyanates with alcohols should be carried out in inert solvents. Such reactions in the absence of solvents often occur with explosive violence [Wischmeyer 1969].

Forms explosive mixture with air. Contact with strong oxidizers and hydrogen trisulfide may cause fire and explosions. Incompatible with strong acids. Violent reaction with alkaline earth metals forming hydrogen, a flammable gas. /Amyl alcohols/

tert-Amyl alcohol

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

tert-Amyl Alcohol

PDF Document

Inadequate information to assess carcinogenic potential

SCREEN Current

LCLo (rat) = 5,700 ppm/6h

LD50 Rat oral 1.0-2.0 g/kg

LD50 Rabbit oral 2.0 g/kg

LD50 Mouse iv 0.61 g/kg

LD50 Rabbit dermal 1.72 g/kg

2-Methyl-2-butanol (4.1 mmol/kg) induced a behavioral intoxication in rats (male, Sprague-Dawley, 160 to 300 g) at 8 min after the intraperitoneal administration of the pentanol. The intoxication was scored on a scale of 0 to 4, where 3 = 'very little or no recovery of righting reflex, heavy sedation, no spontaneous locomotor activity, flaccid muscles, absence of pelvic and abdominal elevation' and 2 = 'heavy sedation, pronounced motor coordination and sluggish movement, limbs extended away from the body'. After 2-methyl-2-butanol alone the intoxication was scored as approximately 2.9. The prior administration of the imidazobenzodiazepine Ro15-4513 (5 min before the alcohol) partially reversed the intoxication by 2-methyl-2-butanol and the score decreased to approximately 1.8. The Ro15-4513 was more effective at reducing the intoxication after treatment with ethanol than after treatment with the pentanol.

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Higher alcohols (>3 carbons) and related compounds/

Basic Treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Higher alcohols (>3 carbons) and related compounds/

Advanced Treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques, with a bag-valve-mask device, may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia (decreased LOC, tachycardia, pallor, dilated pupils, diaphoresis, and/or dextrose strip or glucometer readings below 50 mg) and administer 50% dextrose if necessary ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Higher alcohols (>3 carbons) and related compounds/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ All /amyl alcohols/ are appreciably irritating to the eyes and capable of causing transient corneal opacity. All are somewhat irritating to the uncovered skin when exposures are repeated and severely irritating when confined to the skin. All can be absorbed through the skin of animals in toxic amts when exposures are severe. High conc of vapor are irritating to the mucous membranes and typically cause central nervous system effects and death by respiratory failure. /Amyl alcohols/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ No effects upon the nerves of the skin of men, and no local wheal formation, erythema, or hyperemia were observed ... following the application of tert-amyl alcohol to the skin.

/CASE REPORTS/ The ingestion of 27 g of 2-methyl-2-butanol (amylene hydrate) by an adult female resulted in unconsciousness within 0.5 hr, marked signs of intoxication through the following day, and complete recovery after 14 days. Ingestion of 18 g of 2-methyl-2-butanol by an adult resulted in unconsciousness, a deep sleep lasting more than one day, and a slow recovery. The administration of an enema of approximately 29 g of 2-methyl-2-butanol to an adult male resulted in death after 53 hr, but the case was complicated by concurrent pneumonia in the patient.

/CASE REPORTS/ A neurasthenic brewery manager who inhaled the vapors (primary active amyl and isoamyl isomers) from fermentation vats exhibited ... /CNS/ stimulation, insomnia, and chromatopsia. /Amyl alcohols/

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for 2-METHYL-2-BUTANOL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... the /CNS depressant/ action in rabbits of a series of amyl alcohols decreases in the order of secondary, tertiary, and primary. The /CNS depressant/ dose 50 of tert-amyl alcohol in rabbits was found to be 8 mmol or 0.7 g/kg. From increasing amt of 2-methyl-2-butanol ... required to /depress the CNS of/ a dog in successive experiments, evidence of habituation (tolerance) was obtained. Similar observations upon rabbit yielded no such evidence.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In rabbits after oral administration, the toxicity (measured as a lethal dosage within 24 hr) of 2-methyl-2-butanol was greater than the toxicity of 2-pentanol or of 3-methyl-1-butanol. In contrast, after oral administration to rabbits, the toxicity (measured as the ED50 for central nervous system depression, of 2-methyl-2-butanol was less than that of 2-pentanol but was equal to or marginally greater than that of 3-methyl-1-butanol. The toxicities (measured as either lethal dosage or ED50) of 2-methyl-2-butanol (tertiary pentanol) were greater than the toxicities of tertiary butanol.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... For the rabbit, the oral toxicity decreases in the following order: tertiary, secondary, and primary. /Amyl alcohols/

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ tert-Amyl alcohol is markedly irritating to the rabbit eye. When instilled undiluted it caused pain, moderate conjunctival irritation with swelling of the lids, moderate to severe corneal cloudiness, and moderate iritis. Healing was complete 14 days postexposure but not after 7 days.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for 2-METHYL-2-BUTANOL (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

2-Methyl-2-butanol (CAS # 75-85-4) was evaluated for subchronic inhalation toxicity. Groups of 10 CD-1 mice per sex were exposed 6 hrs/day, 5 days/week to 0, 50, 225 and 1000 ppm of test substance for 59-61 exposures in 87 days. No treatment related effects were observed at any concentrations. The no observable effect level (NOEL) is 1000 ppm.

2-Methyl-2-butanol (CAS # 75-85-4) was evaluated for subchronic inhalation toxicity. Groups of 10 Fischer 344 rats per sex were exposed 6 hrs/day, 5 days/week to 0, 50, 225 and 1000 ppm of test substance for 59-61 exposures in 87 days. Toxic effects included lacrimation at 1000 ppm and in female rats at 225 ppm. The central nervous system (CNS) and liver were identified as target organs. Visible, but reversible motor impairment attributed to CNS depression was observed in female rats exposed to 1000 ppm. Liver toxicity consisted of increased absolute and relative liver weights in male rats exposed to 1000 ppm. The no observable effect level (NOEL) is 225 ppm.

2-Methyl-2-butanol (CAS # 75-85-4) was evaluated for subchronic inhalation toxicity. The test substance was administered to 4 male beagle dogs exposed 6 hrs/day, 5 days/week to 0, 50, 225 and 1000 ppm for 59-61 exposures in 87 days. Toxic effects at 1000 ppm included signs of intoxication following the initial exposure with increasing tolerance to the following exposures. The dogs were unable to stand and one had a pronounced stagger following the initial exposure. The central nervous system (CNS) and liver were identified as target organs. Visible, but reversible motor impairment attributed to CNS depression was observed. Liver toxicity consisted of increased absolute and relative liver weights in dogs exposed to 1000 and 225 ppm. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was increased in dogs exposed to 1000 ppm. Microscopic examination of the tissues found cytoplasmic inclusions in the livers of one dog exposed to 1000, 225, and 50 ppm.

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea); Conditions: freshwater, static, pH 8; Concentration: 3185 mg/L for 24 hr; Effect: behavior, equilibrium

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea, age < or =24 hr); Conditions: freshwater, static, 20-22 °C, pH 7.6-7.7, hardness 16 degrees hardness (dH); Concentration: 4030 mg/L for 24 hr

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ 2-Methyl-2-butanol induced /CNS depression/ in tadpoles at 58 mM (lowest active concentration) and also induced /CNS depression/ in isolated frog heart at 182 mM (lowest active concentration). In a similar study, the threshold /CNS depressant/ concentrations in tadpoles was 55 mM for 2-methyl-2-butanol.

8.20e+01

3.40e+02

3.10e+00

1.30e+01

6.30e+00

4.00e+00

1.30e-03

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea); Conditions: freshwater, static, pH 8; Concentration: 3185 mg/L for 24 hr; Effect: behavior, equilibrium

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea, age < or =24 hr); Conditions: freshwater, static, 20-22 °C, pH 7.6-7.7, hardness 16 degrees hardness (dH); Concentration: 4030 mg/L for 24 hr

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ 2-Methyl-2-butanol induced /CNS depression/ in tadpoles at 58 mM (lowest active concentration) and also induced /CNS depression/ in isolated frog heart at 182 mM (lowest active concentration). In a similar study, the threshold /CNS depressant/ concentrations in tadpoles was 55 mM for 2-methyl-2-butanol.

8.20e+01

3.40e+02

3.10e+00

1.30e+01

6.30e+00

4.00e+00

1.30e-03

3.00e-03

Volatile

1.37e+04

2.50e+02

1.00e+03

9.40e+00

3.90e+01

1.90e+01

2-Methyl-2-butanol's production and use as a solvent for resins, floatation agent, and in organic synthesis may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. 2-Methyl-2-butanol has been identified as a volatile in cassava and fried bacon suggesting that it may be a naturally-occurring chemical. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 16.7 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 2-methyl-2-butanol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-methyl-2-butanol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3.3 days. 2-Methyl-2-butanol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, 2-methyl-2-butanol is expected to have high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 73. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.38X10-5 atm-cu m/mole. 2-Methyl-2-butanol may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. 2-Methyl-2-butanol is expected to be resistant to biodegradation in soil and water based on results from several screening studies. 2-Methyl-2-butanol contains a tertiary structure which is expected to decrease its biodegradability. If released into water, 2-methyl-2-butanol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc value. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 2 and 22 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process as alcohols are stable under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to 2-methyl-2-butanol may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 2-methyl-2-butanol is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to 2-methyl-2-butanol via ingestion of food and drinking water, and dermal contact with this compound and other products containing 2-methyl-2-butanol. (SRC)

2-Methyl-2-butanol has been identified as a volatile in cassava(1) and fried bacon(2) suggesting that it may be a naturally-occurring chemical(SRC).

2-Methyl-2-butanol's production and use as a solvent for resins (1), floatation agent, and in organic synthesis(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 73(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.89(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 2-methyl-2-butanol is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 2-methyl-2-butanol from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 1.38X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(4). 2-Methyl-2-butanol is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 16.7 mm Hg(5). 2-Methyl-2-butanol is expected to be resistant to biodegradation in soil(SRC) based on results from several screening studies (6-9). 2-Methyl-2-butanol contains a tertiary structure which is expected to decrease its biodegradability(10).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 73(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.89(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 2-methyl-2-butanol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.38X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 2 and 22 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(6), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). 2-Methyl-2-butanol is expected to be resistant to biodegradation in water(SRC) based on results from several screening studies (7-10). 2-Methyl-2-butanol contains a tertiary structure which is expected to decrease its biodegradability(11).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 2-methyl-2-butanol, which has a vapor pressure of 16.7 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-methyl-2-butanol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3.3 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 4.9X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). 2-Methyl-2-butanol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

AEROBIC: In a test reported to be similar to a standard BOD test, 2-methyl-2-butanol at a concentration of 2 mg carbon/L was not biodegraded over a 30-day period by a sewage inoculum(1). 2-Methyl-2-butanol at 100 ppm was not biodegraded in two 5-day BOD tests using either an acclimated activated sludge inoculum or a domestic sewage inoculum(2). In a 5-day respirometric dilution test, 2-methyl-2-butanol was not degraded(3). In Warburg respirometer tests using activated sludge inoculum from three different treatment plants, 2-methyl-2-butanol at 500 mg/L was slowly biodegraded with a mean value of 3.7% theoretical BOD in 24 hours(4). 2-Methyl-2-butanol at an initial concentration of 219 mg/L was slowly mineralized by a mixed culture, enriched from a petroleum refinery wastewater activated sludge in the presence of tert-amyl methyl ether, with a mu max(or maximum growth rate) of 0.057 per hour(5). These studies indicate that 2-methyl-2-butanol will be resistant to biodegradation as would be expected due to its tertiary branched structure(6).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of 2-methyl-2-butanol with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 4.9X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 3.3 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). 2-Methyl-2-butanol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment as alcohols are stable under environmental conditions(2). 2-Methyl-2-butanol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3) and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for 2-methyl-2-butanol(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.89(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Koc of 2-methyl-2-butanol is estimated as 73(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.89(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that 2-methyl-2-butanol is expected to have high mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for 2-methyl-2-butanol is 1.38X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that 2-methyl-2-butanol is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 2 days(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 22 days(SRC). 2-Methyl-2-butanol's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). 2-Methyl-2-butanol is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 16.7 mm Hg(3).

DRINKING WATER: 2-Methyl-2-butanol has been identified in drinking water concentrates from tap water in New Orleans, LA(1). The water was from the Mississippi River.

2-Methyl-2-butanol was identified in final effluent from an oil refinery in Lockport, IL(1). It was present in trench leachate at the Maxey Flats, KY and West Valley, NY radioactive waste disposal sites(2). It was tentatively identified in the effluent of a sewage treatment works in Luton, England that fed into the River Lee(3).

2-Methyl-2-butanol has been identified as a volatile in cassava(1) and fried bacon(2).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 57 workers are potentially exposed to 2-methyl-2-butanol in the US(1). Occupational exposure to 2-methyl-2-butanol may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 2-methyl-2-butanol is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to 2-methyl-2-butanol via ingestion of food and drinking water, and dermal contact with this compound and other products containing 2-methyl-2-butanol(SRC).

The urine of Finnish gasoline road-tanker drivers involved in loading and unloading 95- and 98-octane unleaded gasoline contained 2-methyl-2-butanol, a metabolite of methyl tert-amyl ether, at concentrations of 40 nmol/L (first urine after the work shift) and 20 nmol/L (next morning sample)(1). 2-Methyl-2-butanol was not detected in either blood or urine samples of gasoline road-tanker drivers collected in either October 1994 (n=13, urine; n=14, blood) or August 1995 (n=20, blood and urine samples; limit of quantitation <100 nmol/L)(2).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Incineration /SRP: with appropriate emissions controls/. /Amyl alcohols/

Flammable Liquid