Material Safety Data Sheet for Butanal

Identification

Product Name: Butanal
Synonyms: n-Butyraldehyde, 1-Butanal
Chemical Formula: C4H8O
CAS Number: 123-72-8
Manufacturer: Refer to local supplier or manufacturer documentation
Use of Substance: Intermediate in organic synthesis, production of plastics, solvents, and pharmaceuticals
Contact Information: Available through chemical supplier, includes emergency contact numbers

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Flammable liquid, acute toxicity (inhalation, oral, dermal), skin and eye irritant
GHS Label Elements: Flame, Exclamation Mark
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, harmful if swallowed, causes skin and serious eye irritation, may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from ignition sources, avoid breathing vapors, use protective clothing, wash exposed areas, store in well-ventilated location
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Butanal
Concentration: Over 95% (varies by supplier)
Impurities: Minor byproducts may include isobutyraldehyde and trace alcohols
Other Ingredients: None considered hazardous at crude manufacturing levels

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical help if symptoms like difficulty breathing or dizziness continue
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing, continue to rinse skin, seek medical attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open; call a physician right away
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth, call emergency services; do not give liquids to unconscious individuals
Note to Physicians: Treat symptomatically based on patient’s condition; monitor respiratory and cardiac function as necessary

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, water spray (to cool containers, not for direct extinguishing)
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jets may spread the fire
Fire Hazards: Vapor can form explosive mixtures with air; containers may explode under heat
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating gases or vapors
Special Procedures: Keep combustibles away, contain run-off to prevent entry into waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, avoid inhalation, wear protective equipment (gloves, goggles, respirator)
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow to enter water systems, sewers, soil; notify authorities as applicable
Containment: Prevent spread with inert absorbent materials (sand, earth, vermiculite), stop leak if safe
Cleanup: Collect absorbed material in suitable containers for disposal, wash spill site after material removal
Decontamination: Dispose of used cleanup materials according to local regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated space, ground containers to prevent static discharge, avoid sources of ignition, avoid inhaling vapors or mist, use with proper personal protective equipment
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after use, do not eat, drink or smoke when handling chemical; remove contaminated clothing before entering eating areas
Storage Conditions: Keep tightly closed in original container, store in cool, dry well-ventilated area away from incompatible chemicals like oxidizers
Storage Incompatibilities: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, sources of ignition or heat, direct sunlight

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 25 ppm (8-hr), OSHA PEL: 50 ppm (8-hr)
Engineering Controls: Use explosion-proof ventilation, local exhaust; ensure eyewash and safety shower are nearby
Respiratory Protection: Approved respirator if ventilation inadequate, especially in confined areas
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, full body protection
Environmental Controls: Prevent vapor or mist release, minimize run-off into drains

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Odor: Pungent, suffocating
Molecular Weight: 72.11 g/mol
Boiling Point: 74.8°C
Melting Point: -96°C
Flash Point: -7°C (closed cup)
Flammability: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
Vapor Pressure: 70 mm Hg at 20°C
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water, miscible with most organic solvents
Vapor Density: 2.5 (air = 1)
Density: 0.8 g/cm³ (20°C)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 190°C
Explosive Limits: 1.4%–11.2% (vol % in air)

Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity: Forms explosive peroxides on exposure, readily oxidizes
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage; volatile and reactive with light, heat, and oxygen
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids and bases, oxidizers, reducing agents
Hazardous Reactions: Polymerizes violently with catalysts or contaminants, can react dangerously with acid chlorides
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, other toxic gases at high temperatures

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 Oral Rat: 2460 mg/kg; LD50 Dermal Rabbit: 3000 mg/kg
Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation, central nervous system effects like headache, dizziness, nausea
Skin Contact: Redness, irritation, prolonged exposure can lead to dermatitis
Eye Contact: Risk of severe irritation, possible permanent eye damage
Chronic Effects: May damage organs with prolonged or repeated exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, ACGIH
Mutagenicity: No significant data from standard tests
Sensitization: Not considered skin or respiratory sensitizer

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life (Fish LC50 17 mg/L/96h)
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in water and soil, but vaporizes quickly
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile due to volatility and water solubility
Other Adverse Effects: Volatile organic compound, contributes to ground-level ozone

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Follow state and federal regulations; incinerate under controlled conditions with air pollution controls, or use licensed chemical waste disposal
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers retain vapor, decontaminate before recycling or disposal
Environmental Release: Prevent from entering natural water bodies or sewers to avoid aquatic toxicity

Transport Information

UN Number: 1129
Proper Shipping Name: Butyraldehyde
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Flammable Liquid
Special Provisions: Minimize temperature extremes, segregate from incompatible substances, follow transport authority guidelines
Environmental Hazards: None specified for transportation, but avoid uncontrolled release

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Listed hazardous chemical, subject to workplace hazard communication
EPA: Listed under CERCLA (Section 304), requires reporting of significant releases
TSCA: Listed on Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
EU Regulations: Requires REACH registration and safety data communication
Other Regulations: Subject to fire code regulations, dangerous goods transportation rules, and local occupational health guidelines
Labeling Requirements: Proper hazard identification, precautionary statements, manufacturer identification for container labeling