2-Pentanol

1Identification

Name

2-Pentanol

IUPAC name

pentan-2-ol

CAS number

6032-29-7 (also reported: 51000-78-3, 50858-14-5, 26184-62-3)

EC number

227-907-6

Molecular formula

C5H12O

Molecular weight

88.15 g/mol

InChIKey

JYVLIDXNZAXMDK-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCC(C)O

PubChem CID

22386

Synonyms

Pentan-2-ol, sec-Amyl alcohol, Methylpropylcarbinol, sec-Pentyl alcohol, 2-Pentyl alcohol, 1-Methyl-1-butanol, Methyl propyl carbinol, 2-Hydroxypentane, Pentanol-2, alpha-Methylbutanol, 1-Methylbutanol, sec-n-Amyl alcohol, Isoamyl alcohol, secondary, DL-2-Pentanol

Recommended uses

• Used as solvent for paints and lacquers and to make drugs; [Hawley] Used to make catalyst systems and methanol; Also used as a solvent for primers and for extracting 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid; [CHEMINFO]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index

Description

• Sec-amyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a strong odor. Moderately toxic by ingestion and vapors may irritate skin and eyes. Vapors are heavier than air.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Pentan-2-ol is a secondary alcohol that is pentane substituted by a hydroxy group at position 2. It has a role as a fragrance, a polar solvent and a plant metabolite. It is a pentanol and a secondary alcohol.
  ChEBI
• 2-pentanol has been reported in Camellia sinensis, Zea mays, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS07

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

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

Health hazards

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Isoamyl alcohol (secondary): 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 (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. CAUTION: Ethanol (UN1170) can burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) 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.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Flammable. Above 33 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• An eye, nose, and throat irritant; [Hawley] An eye and respiratory tract irritant; Narcotic effects; [Merck Index] A skin, eye, nose, and throat irritant; [CAMEO] A skin, eye, nose, and throat irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [CHEMINFO] A skin and eye irritant; [eChemPortal: ERMA] An irritant; Chronic exposure may cause injury to CNS, kidneys, and lungs; [MSDSonline]
  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 Isoamyl alcohol (secondary): 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

• Cough. Sore throat. Headache. Nausea. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Temporary loss of vision.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 5 of the supplier's SDS.

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]: 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

• Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and particulates 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.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Isoamyl alcohol (secondary): 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

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 a…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols, such as SEC-AMYL ALCOHOL, with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Strong oxidizers
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation 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 respiratory tract. If swallowed the substance may cause vomiting and could result in aspiration pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure at high levels could cause lowering of consciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 13 of the supplier's SDS.

14Transport information

UN numbers: UN 1987, UN 1105

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

• 1105 129
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

No specific US regulatory listings found in our sources. Check Section 15 of your supplier's SDS for TSCA, SARA 313, CERCLA, Prop 65 and state listings.

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 22386 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.