1-METHYLBUTYL ACETATE

Chemical Properties

All isomers of amyl acetate are highly flammable, colorless to yellow, watery liquids.

Physical properties

Clear, colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Odor threshold concentration is 2.0 ppb (quoted, Amoore and Hautala, 1983).

Occurrence

Reportedly present in over 50 products including apple, apple juice, grape (muscat), apricot, banana, cherry, guava, melon, peach, blackberry, pear, strawberry, nectarine, potato, tomato, cocoa liquor, and vinegar.

Uses

Solvent for nitrocellulose and ethyl cellulose, cements, coated paper, lacquers, leather finishes, nail enamels, plastic wood, textile sizing, and print- ing compounds.

Preparation

Prepared from alcohols using acetic acid as an acetylating agent and clays as catalysts (patented process).

General Description

Colorless to yellow watery liquid with a weak odor of bananas. Floats on water. Produces irritating vapor.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Slightly water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

1-METHYLBUTYL ACETATE is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. 1-METHYLBUTYL ACETATE is incompatible with the following: Nitrates; strong oxidizers, alkalis & acids .

Hazard

Flammable, moderate fire risk. Toxic. Upper respiratory tract irritant.

Health Hazard

INHALATION AND INGESTION: Irritates the mucous membrane, depresses the central nervous system, and is a narcotic. Damage to kidney, liver, and lung can occur. Ingestion may irritate gastro-intestinal tract. EYES: Irritation. Skin: Irritation.

Safety Profile

Mildly toxic by inhalation. Human systemic effects by inhalation: conjunctiva irritation. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame; can react with oxidizing materials. Moderately explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame. To fight fire, use alcohol foam, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Potential Exposure

(n-isomer): Primary irritant (w/o allergic reaction), (sec-isomer) Human Data. Amyl acetates are used as industrial solvents and in the manufacturing and dry-cleaning industry; making artificial fruit-flavoring agents; cements, coated papers, lacquers; in medications as an inflammatory agent; pet repellents, insecticides and miticide. Many other uses.

Environmental Fate

Chemical/Physical. Slowly hydrolyzes in water forming acetic acid and 2-pentanol.

Shipping

UN1993 Flammable liquids, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

Vapors may form explosive mixture with air. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides, nitrates. May soften certain plastics.

Waste Disposal

Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed. In accordance with 40CFR165, follow recommendations for the disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Must be disposed properly by following package label directions or by contacting your local or federal environmental control agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office.

Raw materials

Preparation Products