(+-)-2-Butanol

1Identification

Name

(+-)-2-Butanol

IUPAC name

butan-2-ol

CAS number

78-92-2 (also reported: 15892-23-6)

EC number

201-158-5

Molecular formula

C4H10O

Molecular weight

74.12 g/mol

InChIKey

BTANRVKWQNVYAZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCC(C)O

PubChem CID

6568

Synonyms

2-Butanol, Butan-2-ol, sec-Butanol, SEC-BUTYL ALCOHOL, 2-Butyl alcohol, Butylene hydrate, 1-Methyl-1-propanol, Methyl ethyl carbinol, 1-Methylpropyl alcohol, Ethyl methyl carbinol, Butanol secondaire, Butanol-2, 1-Methyl propanol, Methylethylcarbinol

Recommended uses

• Used as a solvent, paint remover, and cleaner; also used to manufacture other organic compounds; [ACGIH]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• For Sec-butyl alcohol (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 001502) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Intermediate Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Solvent Wetting agent (non-aqueous) Lubricating agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Dispersing agent Solvent Wetting agent (non-aqueous)
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENTFood Additives -> EXTRACTION_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• Sec-butyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with an alcohol odor. Flash point below 0 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Soluble in water. Moderately irritates the eyes and skin. Prolonged and repeated contact may cause defatting and drying of the skin. Vapors may irritate the nose, throat and respiratory tract. May be harmful by ingestion.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Butan-2-ol is a secondary alcohol that is butane substituted by a hydroxy group at position 2. It derives from a hydride of a butane.
  ChEBI
• 2-butanol has been reported in Camellia sinensis, Tuber melanosporum, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS07

Classification source

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

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

8 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

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for sec-Butyl alcohol: Exposure Routes: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact Symptoms: Irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; narcosis Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

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
• Flammable. Above 24 °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 sec-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 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

• Headache. Dizziness. Drowsiness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Dry skin.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• WATER SPRAY, ALCOHOL FOAM, CARBON DIOXIDE, DRY CHEMICAL
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

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

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. 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)
• 1. REMOVE ALL IGNITION SOURCES. 2. VENTILATE AREA OF SPILL OR LEAK. 3. FOR SMALL QUANTITIES ABSORB ON PAPER TOWELS. EVAPORATE IN SAFE PLACE (SUCH AS FUME HOOD). ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR EVAPORATING VAPORS TO ... CLEAR HOOD DUCTWORK. BURN PAPER IN SUITABLE LOCATION AWAY FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. LARGE QUANTITIES CAN BE COLLECTED AND ATOMIZED IN A SUITABLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and aluminium.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ... STORE IN PLACES THAT ARE COOL ... PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION ... LOCATE ... STORAGE AREA WELL AWAY FROM AREAS OF FIRE HAZARD ... KEEP ... FROM POWERFUL OXIDIZING AGENTS ... EXPLOSIVES, OR MATERIALS WHICH REACT WITH AIR OR MOISTURE TO EVOLVE HEAT.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for sec-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
• If the use of respirators is necessary, the only respirators permitted are those that have been approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (formerly Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration) or by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. ... Employees should be provided with and required to use, impervious clothing, gloves, face shields (eight inch minimum), and other appropriate protective clothing necessary to prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact with liquid sec-butyl alcohol. ... Employees should be provided with and required to use splash proof safety goggles where liquid sec-butyl alcohol may contact the eyes.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH Up to 1000 ppm: (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)* (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator* Up to 2000 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)* (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 self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Emergency or planned ent…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Attacks plastics. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 236]. Acetyl bromide reacts violently with alcohols or water (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.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fires and ... explosions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 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. /Butanol/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers, organic peroxides, perchloric & permonosulfuric acids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• FEASIBLE AUTO OXIDATION BY ATMOSPHERIC OXYGEN TO FORM PEROXIDES & PEROXY CMPD
  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, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Target organs

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

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness. If swallowed the substance may cause vomiting 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

• sec-Butyl alcohol's production and use as a solvent for many natural resins, an ingredient in paint removers and industrial cleaners and as a chemical intermediate in the production of methyl ethyl ketone may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. sec-Butyl alcohol is an aroma component of apples and pears and is also found in poultry manure. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 18.3 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates sec-butyl alcohol will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase sec-butyl alcohol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals;
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• LD50 Carassius auratus (Goldfish) 4300 mg/l/24 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnows) 3670 g/l/96 hr (95% confidence limit 3380-3990 g/l); age 30 days old, water hardness 43.6 mg/l (CaCO3), temp 24.4 °C, pH 7.82, dissolved oxygen 7.5 mg/l, alkalinity 41.4 mg/l (CaCO3) /Type of bioassay not specified/ /dl-2-Butanol/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Toxicity Threshold (Cell Multiplication Inhibition Test) Entosiphon sulcatum (protozoa) 1280 mg/l
  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 SIMILAR MATERIAL & DISPOSING IN SECURED SANITARY LANDFILL. 2. BY ATOMIZING IN SUITABLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• s-Butyl alcohol is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1120

Shipping name

• UN 1120; Butanols
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 3.2; Butanols
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

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. s-Butyl alcohol is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, use, and exposure to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2-butanol is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption, as long as 1) the quantity added to food does not exceed the amount reasonably required to accomplish its intended physical, nutritive, or other technical effect in food, and 2) when intended for use in or on food it is of appropriate food grade and is prepared and handled as a food ingredient.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 6568 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.