Skip to content

Safety data summary

Neopentyl glycol

  • CAS 126-30-7
  • C5H12O2
  • EC 204-781-0
  • UN 2811
  • Danger

Neopentyl glycol (CAS 126-30-7) is a chemical substance with the molecular formula C5H12O2 and a molecular weight of 104.15 g/mol. Based on GHS classifications notified to ECHA, it carries the signal word “Danger” and is classified as corrosive. Its label shows the Corrosion and Exclamation Mark pictograms. Key hazard statements include H315 (causes skin irritation), H318 (causes serious eye damage), and H319 (causes serious eye irritation).

Hazards at a glance

  • H315Causes skin irritation · 21.1% of notifications
  • H318Causes serious eye damage · 74.9% of notifications
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation · 22% of notifications

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) — aggregated from 1,013 company reports

This is a reference summary, not a manufacturer SDS. Classifications differ between suppliers, concentrations and mixtures. Always use the SDS that came with your product. Have one you want explained? Upload it to the AI SDS analyzer.

1Identification

Name
Neopentyl glycol
IUPAC name
2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diol
CAS number
126-30-7
EC number
204-781-0
Molecular formula
C5H12O2
Molecular weight
104.15 g/mol
InChIKey
SLCVBVWXLSEKPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES
CC(C)(CO)CO
PubChem CID
31344
Synonyms
Neopentyl glycol, 2,2-Dimethylpropane-1,3-diol, 2,2-DIMETHYL-1,3-PROPANEDIOL, Dimethylolpropane, Neopentanediol, Neopentylene glycol, 1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-, Neopentylglycol, Neol, Dimethyltrimethylene glycol, Hydroxypivalyl alcohol, 2,2-Dimethyltrimethylene glycol, Nexcoat 600, 2,2-Dimethyl-1,3 propanediol

Recommended uses

  • Used to make plasticizers and polyesters and as modifier of alkyd resins; [Merck Index] Used in chemical synthesis and in the polymers industry; [IUCLID] Used to make large scale and fine chemicals, rubber products, plastic products, textiles, leather, fur, wood and wood products, pulp-paper and paper products, non-metallic mineral products (i.e. plasters and cement), in printing and reproduction of recorded media, building and construction work, scientific research and development, and consumer construction chemicals; [ECHA REACH Registrations]
    Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry] Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry] Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry] Fur Dressing and Dyeing [Category: Industry]
    Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • In the manufacture of plasticizers, polyesters, as modifier of alkyd resins.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Intermediate Stabilizing agent Filler Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Monomers
    EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Plasticizer Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Intermediate
    EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Solvents · Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern

Description

  • 2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diol is a white crystalline solid. Melting point 130 °C.
    CAMEO Chemicals
  • Neopentyl glycol is a propane-1,3-diol carrying two methyl groups at position 2.
    ChEBI

2Hazard identification

Signal word
Danger
Pictograms
GHS05, GHS07
Classification source
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

CodeStatement
P264Wash hands [and ...] thoroughly after handling.
P264+P265Wash hands [and ...] thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/...
P302+P352IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of water/...
P305+P351+P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do - continue rinsing.
P305+P354+P338IF IN EYES: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P321Specific treatment (see ... on this label).
P332+P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
P337+P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
P362+P364Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.

Other reported classifications

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

SourceSignalHazard codes
Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)DangerH318

NFPA 704 rating

  • 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

  • May be harmful by ingestion or skin absorption. Causes eye and skin irritation. Material is irritating to mucous membrane and upper respiratory tract. INHALATION: Call for medical aid. Remove to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. (USCG, 1999)
    CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

  • Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Emits toxic fumes under fire condition. (USCG, 1999)
    CAMEO Chemicals
  • Combustible. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
    ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

  • An eye and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC] Effects to male liver and kidney but no reproductive or developmental toxicity observed in oral study of rats; [JECDB] An irritant; May cause smarting and reddening of skin if spilled and allowed to remain on clothes; High vapor concentrations may cause mild smarting of eyes and respiratory system; [CHRIS] A severe eye irritant that may cause injury; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
    Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

SubstanceCASECFormula
Neopentyl glycol126-30-7204-781-0C5H12O2

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

  • EYES: Flush with copious amounts of water. SKIN: Wash with soap and copious amounts of water. (USCG, 1999)
    CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

  • Cough.
    ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
  • Redness.
    ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
  • Redness. Pain.
    ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

  • Water or foam may cause frothing.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

  • Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

  • Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. 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: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. Remove gas with fine water spray.
    ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
  • ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES; Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

  • Separated from oxidants. Dry.
    ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
  • Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Hygroscopic.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

  • Self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber boots, and heavy rubber gloves. (USCG, 1999)
    CAMEO Chemicals
  • Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

Molecular weight104.15 g/mol
Physical description
2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diol is a white crystalline solid. Melting point 130 °C. CAMEO Chemicals
Liquid; Dry Powder; Liquid; Dry Powder; Other Solid; Large Crystals; CBI EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
Color / form
Needles from benzene Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Crystalline solid Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Odor
Sweetish Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Boiling point
406.4 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999) CAMEO Chemicals
207 °C Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
210 °C ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Melting point
260.6 °F (USCG, 1999) CAMEO Chemicals
129.3 °C Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
127 °C ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Flash point
225 °F (USCG, 1999) CAMEO Chemicals
265 °F (129 °C) (open cup) Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
107 °C ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Autoignition temperature
730 °F (USCG, 1999) CAMEO Chemicals
750 °F (399 °C) Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Density / specific gravity
1.1 g/cu cm Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
1.1 g/cm³ ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Vapor density
3.6 (Air =1) Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Relative vapor density (air = 1): 3.6 ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Vapor pressure
0.22 [mmHg] Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
1.27X10-2 mm Hg at 25 °C Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Solubility
In water, 83 g/100 mL at 20 °C Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Solubility in water approximately 65% wet weight Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Soluble in water Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
log Kow (LogP)
log Kow = 0.12 Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
-0.84 ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Decomposition
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Explosive / flammable limits
1.37 % at 300.2 °F (USCG, 1999) CAMEO Chemicals
18.8 % at 350.6 °F (USCG, 1999) CAMEO Chemicals

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

  • 2,2-DIMETHYLPROPANE-1,3-DIOL may generate toxic gases in combination of with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. Reacts with inorganic acids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Converted to aldehydes or acids by oxidizing agents. May initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
    CAMEO Chemicals
  • Soluble in water.
    CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

  • Can react with oxidizing matrials.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

  • Stable under recommended storage conditions.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

  • The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.
    ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Short-term exposure effects

  • The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract.
    ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

  • Neopentyl glycol's production and use in the production of plasticizers and polyesters and as a modifier of alkyd resins may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 1.27X10-2 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates neopentyl glycol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase neopentyl glycol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 44 hours. Neopentyl glycol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

  • SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Product: Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
    Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 2811

DOT label

  • Poison
    CAMEO Chemicals

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 31344 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.

Frequently asked questions about Neopentyl glycol

What is the CAS number for Neopentyl glycol?

The CAS Registry Number for Neopentyl glycol is 126-30-7. Its EC (EINECS) number is 204-781-0. It is transported under UN 2811.

Is Neopentyl glycol hazardous?

Yes. Neopentyl glycol is classified under GHS with the signal word “Danger”. Hazard statements: H315: Causes skin irritation; H318: Causes serious eye damage; H319: Causes serious eye irritation.

Is Neopentyl glycol flammable?

Neopentyl glycol is not classified as flammable under its primary GHS classification, but a flash point of 225 °F (USCG, 1999) has been reported, so it can burn under some conditions.

Which GHS pictograms apply to Neopentyl glycol?

Neopentyl glycol labels carry GHS05 (Corrosion) and GHS07 (Exclamation Mark).

What PPE is needed when handling Neopentyl glycol?

Self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber boots, and heavy rubber gloves. (USCG, 1999)

What is the first aid for Neopentyl glycol exposure?

EYES: Flush with copious amounts of water. SKIN: Wash with soap and copious amounts of water. (USCG, 1999)

How should Neopentyl glycol be stored?

Separated from oxidants. Dry.