Material Safety Data Sheet: Alpha-Propylene Glycol 1-Butyl Ether

Identification

Product Name: Alpha-Propylene Glycol 1-Butyl Ether
Trade Names: Often found under various proprietary names used by chemical suppliers
Chemical Family: Glycol ethers
Chemical Formula: C7H16O2
Molecular Weight: 132.20 g/mol
CAS Number: 5131-66-8
Recommended Use: Solvent for coatings, cleaners, inks, and chemical synthesis
Supplier Identification: Detailed company address, phone number, and emergency contact

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Flammable liquid, causes skin and eye irritation, may be harmful if swallowed
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor, may cause irritation to skin and eyes, inhalation can trigger headache or dizziness, ingestion can bring gastrointestinal distress
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gear, avoid open flames, use in well-ventilated areas, wash thoroughly after handling, keep away from children
NFPA Rating: Health: 2, Flammability: 2, Reactivity: 0
Symptoms of Exposure: Redness, itching, cough, drowsiness, upset stomach

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Alpha-Propylene Glycol 1-Butyl Ether
CAS Number: 5131-66-8
Concentration: 98–100%
Impurities: May contain trace amounts of higher glycol ethers
Additives: None typically present in pure grade

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep at rest, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical help if symptoms continue
Skin Contact: Immediately flush with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, consult medical personnel if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, keep eyelids open, continue washing; prompt medical attention improves outcomes
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, no attempt to induce vomiting unless directed by medical staff, give water if victim is conscious, get prompt medical care
Note to Physicians: Treat symptomatically, monitor for respiratory distress or CNS depression due to exposure

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray in large quantities
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet (may spread fire)
Specific Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, combustion can produce carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, containers may rupture on heating
Firefighter Protection: Use positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Firefighting Instructions: Cool containers exposed to fire, isolate area if possible, avoid inhaling fumes

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, eliminate ignition sources, use proper protective equipment
Methods for Containment: Absorb with inert material (sand, earth), prevent runoff to waterways
Clean-Up Methods: Shovel soaked material into suitable waste containers, ventilate area, wash spillage with plenty of water
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge into drains, surface water, or soil, notify authorities if significant quantities enter surface waters

Handling and Storage

Handling: Keep container tightly closed, ground all equipment, handle in well-ventilated area, avoid ingestion or contact with skin and eyes
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from heat, sparks, or open flames, store in original containers, prevent static electricity buildup
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizers
Safe Transfer Methods: Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Workplace limits are often not established but recommended not to exceed 50 ppm (vapor)
Engineering Controls: Ensure local exhaust ventilation at points of vapor generation
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves made of nitrile or PVC, chemical splash goggles, impermeable clothing
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator if vapor levels are high or ventilation is insufficient
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after use, remove contaminated clothing, shower after handling large volumes

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild ether-like
Odor Threshold: Low, but varies by sensitivity
pH: Not applicable (neutral liquid)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: -80°C
Boiling Point: 171–175°C
Flash Point: 68°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Slower than butyl acetate
Flammability: Flammable
Vapor Pressure: 2 mm Hg at 20°C
Vapor Density: Approx. 4.5 (air = 1)
Solubility: Miscible in water and many organic solvents
Partition Coefficient: log Kow ~ 1.0
Decomposition Temperature: Above 215°C
Viscosity: Approx. 2.5 mPa·s at 20°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, excessive moisture, direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids/bases, alkali metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible aldehydes on thermal decomposition
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: No polymerization, but can react violently with oxidizers

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral/rat) ~ 3300 mg/kg, LD50 (dermal/rabbit) > 2000 mg/kg, moderate toxicity
Skin Irritation: Causes irritation with possible dermatitis on prolonged contact
Eye Irritation: May cause transient pain and redness
Respiratory Irritation: Vapors may cause cough and mild CNS effects
Chronic Effects: High doses in animals can harm liver and kidneys, rare in typical use
Cancer: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Sensitization: Not reported commonly

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: LC50 (fish, 96 hours): 560–1000 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, log Kow suggests low potential
Mobility in Soil: High mobility, dissolves into groundwater if spilled
Other Environmental Hazards: Large quantities may disturb surface water oxygen balance

Disposal Considerations

Waste Generation: Collect and store in a closed, labelled container
Recommended Disposal: Send to a licensed chemical waste contractor, incinerate if permitted
Disposal of Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, follow regulations for mixed waste
Sewage Disposal: Never discharge to drains or natural waters
Regulatory Requirements: Comply with local, regional, and national rules

Transport Information

UN Number: 3082
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s. (contains alpha-propylene glycol 1-butyl ether)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances)
Packing Group: III
Labeling: Environmentally hazardous, flammable
Special Precautions: Ensure container integrity, avoid vibration or heat during transit
Transport Provisions: Follow ADR, DOT, IMDG, and IATA regulations

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Regulated as hazardous
TSCA Inventory: Listed in the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting under Sections 311/312 (Fire hazard, Immediate health hazard)
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
EU Classification: Hazard statements per CLP, GHS-(Flammable liquid, Eye irritation, Skin irritation)
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as D2B (Toxic materials; causes irritation), B3 (Combustible liquid)
Reach Registration: Required for import/manufacturing in EU above certain quantities
California Prop 65: Not listed