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Isoamyl alcohol (primary)

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Synonyms & Trade Names
Fermentation amyl alcohol, Fusel oil, Isobutyl carbinol, Isopentyl alcohol, 3-Methyl-1-butanol, Primary isoamyl alcohol
CAS No.
123-51-3
RTECS No.
EL5425000
DOT ID & Guide
1105 129
Formula
(CH₃)₂CHCH₂CH₂OH
Conversion
1 ppm = 3.61 mg/m3
IDLH
500 ppm
See: 123513
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 100 ppm (360 mg/m3) ST 125 ppm (450 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL
TWA 100 ppm (360 mg/m3) See Appendix G
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1402 , 1405
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a disagreeable odor.
Molecular Weight
88.2
Boiling Point
270°F
Freezing Point
-179°F
Solubility
(57°F): 2%
Vapor Pressure
28 mmHg
Ionization Potential
?
Specific Gravity
(57°F): 0.81
Flash Point
109°F
Upper Explosive Limit
(212°F): 9.0%
Lower Explosive Limit
1.2%
Class II Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 100°F and below 140°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; headache, dizziness; cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; skin cracking; In Animals: narcosis
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

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
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0798
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health