1-Butanol

1Identification

Name

1-Butanol

IUPAC name

butan-1-ol

CAS number

71-36-3 (also reported: 35296-72-1)

EC number

200-751-6

Molecular formula

C4H10O

Molecular weight

74.12 g/mol

InChIKey

LRHPLDYGYMQRHN-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCCO

PubChem CID

263

Synonyms

1-butanol, Butan-1-ol, n-butanol, Butyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, Propylcarbinol, 1-hydroxybutane, Butyl hydroxide, Methylolpropane, Propylmethanol, Butyric alcohol, Hemostyp, n-Butan-1-ol, 1-Butyl alcohol

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: n-Butyl Alcohol
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used as a solvent and chemical intermediate; [ACGIH]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Plasticizers Flotation agent Intermediate Adhesion/cohesion promoter Paint additives and coating additives not described by other categories Defoamer Cleaning agent Plasticizer Catalyst Diluent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Stabilizing agent Surfactant (surface active agent) Chemical reaction regulator Flavoring and nutrient Solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture) Solvent Conductive agent Dispersing agent Other
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Dispersing agent Solvent Surfactant (surface active agent) Fuel Diluent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Catalyst Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENTFood Additives -> EXTRACTION_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index · Cosmetics -> Denaturant; Solvent

Description

• N-butyl alcohol is a colorless liquid. Used in organic chemical synthesis, plasticizers, detergents, etc.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Butan-1-ol is a primary alcohol that is butane in which a hydrogen of one of the methyl groups is substituted by a hydroxy group. It it produced in small amounts in humans by the gut microbes. It has a role as a protic solvent, a mouse metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a primary alcohol, a short-chain primary fatty alcohol and an alkyl alcohol.
  ChEBI
• butan-1-ol has been reported in Lucensosergia lucens, Zea mays, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS05, GHS07

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

7 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 3 - Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Materials produce hazardous atmospheres with air under almost all ambient temperatures or, though unaffected by ambient temperatures, are readily ignited under almost all conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Anesthesia, nausea, headache, dizziness, irritation of respiratory passages. Mildly irritating to the skin and eyes. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · 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 asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 129 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible / Noxious)]: 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 the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (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 will float on water. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · 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 the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). · Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. · Those substances designated with a (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 will float on water.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Flammable. Above 29 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [ICSC]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for n-Butyl alcohol: 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.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (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.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Headache. Dizziness. Drowsiness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Dry skin.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Burns.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: carbon oxides...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: wear self contained breathing appartus for fire fighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use water spray to cool unopened containers
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Toxic gases and vapors (such as carbon monoxide) may be released in a fire involving butyl alcohol.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• 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)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• 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.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES. Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapours accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapours can accumulate in low areas.; Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.;
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Waste water treatment: Activated carbon: absorbability: 0.107 g/g C, 53% reduction, influent: 1,000 mg/L, effl: 466 mg/L; Reverse osmosis: 41.3% rejection from a 0.01 M soln; Stabilization pond design: toxicity correction factor: 2.0 at 4,000 mg/L influent; Anaerobic lagoon: 22 lb Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)/day/1,000 cu ft: influent: 170 mg/L, effluent: 75 mg/L; 48 lb COD/day/1,000 cu ft: influent: 170 mg/L, effluent: 80 mg/L
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and aluminium. Store only in original container. See Chemical Dangers.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for n-Butyl alcohol: 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 (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F). Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Handle with gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Breakthough times are less (usually significantly less) than one hour as reported by two or more testers, for natural rubber.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• For neoprene, nitrile rubber, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the breakthrough times are greater than one hr as reported by two or more testers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH Up to 1250 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) Up to 1400 ppm: (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 = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and 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 u…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• N-BUTYL ALCOHOL attacks plastics. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 236]. Mixtures with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide can cause explosions. May form explosive butyl hypochlorite by reacting with hypochlorous acid. May form butyl explosive butyl hypochlorite with chlorine.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Butanol, used as a solvent in an autoclave preparation at 100 °C, severely attacked the aluminum gasket, liberating hydrogen which caused a sharp rise in pressure. Other alcohols would behave similarly ... .
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire and explosion.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers, strong mineral acids, alkali metals, halogens.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Target organs

• Nervous
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
• Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is corrosive to the eyes. The substance is irritating to the skin. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness. If swallowed the substance easily enters the airways and could result in aspiration pneumonitis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

• n-Butyl alcohol's production and use as a solvent in surface coatings, varnishes, resins, waxes and gums and in the manufacture of various butyl compounds may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. n-Butyl alcohol occurs as a product of fermentation of carbohydrates in alcoholic beverages and has been detected in the volatiles of various foods. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 7 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates n-butyl alcohol will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase n-butyl alcohol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals;
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) /4-8 wk juvenile, length 1.1-3.1 cm, Conditions: freshwater, static, 18-22 °C, dissolved oxygen >4.0 mg/L/; Concentration: 1940 mg/L for 24, 48, 72, 96 hr /formulation/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (water flea); Conditions: /freshwater, static/; Concentration: 2337 mg/L for 24 hr; Effect: lost ability to swim
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (water flea); Conditions: /freshwater, static/; Concentration: 1983 mg/L for 48 hr; Effect: lost ability to swim
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste numbers U031 and F003, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1120

Shipping name

• UN 1120; Butanols
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 3; Butanols
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Butanols
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1120
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Class 3 Flammable and combustible liquid (49 eCFR § 173.120)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1120 129
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. n-Butyl alcohol is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues of n-butanol are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: solvent, co solvent.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• U031; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when n-butyl alcohol, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• n-Butyl alcohol may be used in inks for marking food supplements in tablet form, gum, and confectionery. Restriction: No residue.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 263 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.