75-85-4

Amyl alcohol is produced during the fermentation of grains, potatoes, and beets. It is also produced during the acid hydrolysis of petroleum fraction. Amyl alcohol is widely used in industry. For example, in the manufacturing of lacquers, paints, varnishes, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber, explosives, hydraulic fl uids, for the extraction of fats, is also used in the petroleum refi nery industries

A clear, colorless liquid with an odor of camphor. Flash point 70°F. Density 0.81 g/cm3. Slightly soluble in water.

TERT-AMYL ALCOHOL(75-85-4) attacks plastics [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 236]. Reacts violently with acetyl bromide [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. They are readily obtained by reacting hypochlorous acid and alcohols either in aqueous solution or mixed aqueous-carbon tetrachloride solutions. Chlorine plus alcohols would similarly yield alkyl hypochlorites. They decompose in the cold and explode on exposure to sunlight or heat. Tertiary hypochlorites are less unstable than secondary or primary hypochlorites [NFPA 491 M, 1991]. Base-catalysed reactions of isocyanates with alcohols should be carried out in inert solvents. Such reactions in the absence of solvents often occur with explosive violence [Wischmeyer 1969].

Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Inhalation of the vapors of amyl alcohol causes tearing, pain, redness, swelling, irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract and of thskin. Acute and long-term exposure to amyl alcohol causes nausea, vomiting, headache, vertigo, and muscular weakness. Vomiting may cause aspiration into the lungs, resulting in chemical pneumonia. After a prolonged period of exposure to amyl alcohol, workers develop dizziness, double vision, shortness of breath, delirium, and related narcotic effects. In severe cases, inhalation leads to pulmonary edema, kidney injury, effects on the heart and becomes fatal. Occupational workers with pre-existing skin disorders, eye problems, or impaired liver, kidney, or respiratory function, may be more susceptible to the effects of amyl alcohol.

Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.

(n-isomer); Suspected reprotoxic hazard, Primary irritant (w/o allergic reaction), (iso-, primary): Possible risk of forming tumors, Primary irritant (w/o allergic reaction), (sec-, active primary-, and other isomers) Primary irritant (w/o allergic reaction). Used as a solvent in organic synthesis and synthetic flavoring, pharmaceuticals, corrosion inhibitors; making plastics and other chemicals; as a flotation agent. The (n-isomer) is used in preparation of oil additives, plasticizers, synthetic lubricants, and as a solvent.

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 ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

Skin contact contributes significantly to overall exposure. If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

UN2811 Pentanols, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3- Flammable liquid. UN1987 Alcohols, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.

Forms an explosive mixture with air. Contact with strong oxidizers and hydrogen trisulfide may cause fire and explosions. Incompatible with strong acids. Violent reaction with alkaline earth metals forming hydrogen, a flammable gas.

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.

Pharmaceutic aid (solvent).

ChEBI: A tertiary alcohol that is propan-1-ol in which both of the hydrogens at position 1 have been replaced by methyl groups.

tert-Amyl alcohol is prepared by hydrating 2-methyl-2- butenes. It can also be prepared by reducing pivalic acid.

Flammable, dangerous fire risk.

Reflux it with K2CO3, CaH2, CaO or sodium, then fractionally distil. The near-dry alcohol is further dried by refluxing with Mg activated with iodine, as described for ethanol. Further purification is possible using fractional crystallisation and zone refining at <-10o or preparative gas chromatography. [Beilstein 1 IV 1668.]