1-Propanol

1Identification

Name

1-Propanol

IUPAC name

propan-1-ol

CAS number

71-23-8

EC number

200-746-9

Molecular formula

C3H8O

Molecular weight

60.1 g/mol

InChIKey

BDERNNFJNOPAEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCO

PubChem CID

1031

Synonyms

1-propanol, propanol, Propyl alcohol, Propan-1-ol, n-propanol, n-Propyl alcohol, ethylcarbinol, optal, osmosol extra, Propylic alcohol, Propanol-1, 1-Propyl alcohol, n-Propan-1-ol, Propanole

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Propyl Alcohol
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used as a solvent, antiseptic, and chemical intermediate; [ACGIH] Used as a solvent in inks, pesticides, and lacquers; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Metal Degreasing [Category: Clean] Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint] Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean] Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Cleaning agent Dye Defoamer Intermediate Pigment Other Insulators Dispersing agent Solvent Heat transferring agent Fuel Processing aids not otherwise specified
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Solvent Dispersing agent Fuel Semiconductor and photovoltaic agent Processing aids not otherwise specified Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Stabilizing agent Cleaning agent Dye Defoamer Pigment
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Solvents · Safer Chemical Classes -> Green half-circle - The chemical is expected to be of low concern · Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENTFood Additives -> CARRIER_SOLVENT; EXTRACTION_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• N-propanol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a sharp musty odor like rubbing alcohol. Flash point 53-77 °F. Autoignites at 700 °F. Vapors are heavier than air and mildly irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Density approximately 6.5 lb / gal. Used in making cosmetics, skin and hair preparations, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, lacquer formulations, dye solutions, antifreezes, rubbing alcohols, soaps, window cleaners, acetone and other chemicals and products.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Propan-1-ol is the parent member of the class of propan-1-ols that is propane in which a hydrogen of one of the methyl groups is replaced by a hydroxy group. It has a role as a metabolite and a protic solvent. It is a short-chain primary fatty alcohol and a member of propan-1-ols.
  ChEBI
• A colorless liquid made by oxidation of aliphatic hydrocarbons that is used as a solvent and chemical intermediate.
  DrugBank

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

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

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  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

• Contact with eyes is extremely irritating and may cause burns. Vapors irritate nose and throat. In high concentrations, may cause nausea, dizziness, headache, and stupor. (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)
• Highly flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with strong acids or strong oxidants.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• A mucous membrane irritant similar to isopropyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol produces narcosis in animals inhaling high concentrations. It causes severe liver injury in chronic feeding studies of laboratory animals. [ACGIH] Irritating to the eyes; 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-Propyl 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 - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water. Where there is evidence of skin irritation, 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.
  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 - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water. Where there is evidence of skin irritation, 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

• Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Weakness. Incoordination. Confusion.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Aspiration hazard! Abdominal pain. Sore throat. Vomiting. See Inhalation.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• To fight fire use alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• /During/ fire fighting self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode /should be worn./
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Toxic gases and vapors (such as carbon monoxide) may be released in a fire involving propyl 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

• Remove all ignition sources. Consult an expert! Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and particulates adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Absorb on paper. Evaporate on a glass or iron dish in hood. Burn the paper.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Countermeasures recommended for treating spills: activated charcoal, biological treatment agent, gelling agent, absorbing agent, dispersing agent.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants and strong acids. Well closed. Fireproof. Cool. Ventilation along the floor.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep containers closed, store in cool, well ventilated place away from ignition sources.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for n-Propyl 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
• Employees should be provided with & required to use impervious clothing ... & other appropriate clothing necessary to prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact with liquid propyl alcohol. ... Employees should be provided with & required to use splash proof safety goggles where liquid propyl alcohol may contact the eyes.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear rubber gloves, face shield, overalls ... .
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Breakthrough times greater than one hour reported by (normally) two or more testers for neoprene and nitrile rubber. Some data (usually from immersion tests) suggesting breakthrough times greater than one hour are not likely for natural rubber. No data for butyl rubber, neoprene /styrene-butadiene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol and viton. Some data suggesting breakthrough times of approximated an hour or more for polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH/OSHA Up to 800 ppm: (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)* (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with 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 = 10) Any supplied-air respirator* (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus 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 tha…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• N-PROPANOL reacts with alkali metal, nitrides and strong reducing agents to give flammable and/or toxic gases. Reacts with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Converted by oxidizing agents to propanal or propionic acid. May initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents (NIOSH, 2024).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Water soluble.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Ignition occurs when potassium tert-butoxide reacts with ... n-propanol ...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fires and explosions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, by ingestion and through the skin.
  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

• Eyes, skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure at high levels could cause unconsciousness. 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-Propanol's production and use as a solvent, chemical intermediate, ruminant feed supplement, and flavor and fragrance in foods may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. n-Propanol occurs in nature as a result of emissions from animal wastes, microbes (by metabolism processes), plants (by fermentation and spoilage), volcanos, insect venom, and fusel oils. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 21 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates n-propanol will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase n-propanol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is 2.9 days.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• LC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnows) 4.48 g/l/96 hr (95% confidence limit 4.10-4.88 g/l); age 30 days old, water hardness 47.0 mg/l (CaCO3), temp 27.7 °C, pH 7.40, dissolved oxygen 5.4 mg/l, alkalinity 43.0 mg/l (CaCO3), tank vol: 1.0 l, additions: 36 vol/day (flow-through bioassay)
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50 Ambystoma mexicanum (Mexican axolotl) 4000 mg/l/48 hr (3-4 wk after hatching) /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50 Clawed toads 4000 mg/l/48 hr (3-4 wk after hatching) /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• 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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1. By absorbing it in vermiculite, dry sand, earth or a similar material and disposing in an ... /approved/ sanitary landfill. 2. By atomizing in a suitable combustion chamber.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for n-propanol: Biological treatment.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1274

Shipping name

• UN 1274; Propyl alcohol
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• UN 1274; Propanol
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• n-Propanol or Propyl alcohol, normal
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1274
  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: II
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1274 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-Propyl 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-propanol are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a solvent or cosolvent 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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• n-Propanol is exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a solvent for blended emulsifiers in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Propyl alcohol is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and 2) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 1031 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.