Material Safety Data Sheet: Isooctane

Identification

Product Name: Isooctane
Chemical Formula: C8H18
Synonyms: 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane
CAS Number: 540-84-1
Intended Use: Laboratory solvent, test fuel (octane rating determination), chemical manufacturing
Supplier Information: Name, address, and emergency contact of manufacturer or distributor
Emergency Phone Number: Provided by supplier

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Flammable Liquid, Category 2; Skin Irritation, Category 2; Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure), Category 3
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; May cause drowsiness or dizziness; Causes skin irritation
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces; Wear protective gloves and clothing; Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area; If skin irritation occurs, seek medical advice; Avoid breathing vapors
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea, redness, dry skin, eye irritation

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical: Isooctane (2,2,4-Trimethylpentane)
Concentration: 98-100% by weight
Impurities or Additives: Trace amounts of other hydrocarbons
CAS Number: 540-84-1
EC Number: 208-759-1
Molecular Weight: 114.23 g/mol
Relevant Identifiers: RTECS: RH6260000, UN Number: 1262

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air immediately; Provide artificial respiration if breathing stops; Get medical attention for symptoms of dizziness, nausea, or drowsiness
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing right away; Rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; Wash with soap; Get medical help if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 10 minutes lifting eyelids occasionally; Seek medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; Do not induce vomiting; Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person; Seek immediate medical care
Most Important Symptoms and Effects: Headache, dizziness, respiratory irritation, skin redness, cramps
Notes for Immediate Medical Attention: Treat symptomatically; Monitor for nervous system effects

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical powder, foam, or carbon dioxide; Avoid water as it may spread the fire
Unsuitable Media: Direct water stream
Specific Hazards: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air; Containers may burst under heat
Protection for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus; Wear protective fire-resistant clothing
Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, smoke, potentially toxic fumes
Special Procedures: Evacuate area; Isolate hazard zone; Cool containers with water spray; Prevent runoff from entering waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate area; Eliminate ignition sources; Avoid inhaling vapors; Use personal protective equipment
Environmental Precautions: Prevent discharge into drains, sewers, or water sources
Methods for Cleanup: Absorb liquid using sand, earth, or inert absorbent; Place in chemical waste container for disposal; Clean spill area thoroughly
Notification: Inform authorities if environmental release occurs

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Operate in well-ventilated areas; Keep away from sparks, flames, and hot surfaces; Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; Do not breathe vapors; Use grounded equipment to reduce static discharge
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers; Place in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location; Keep away from oxidizing agents and acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, halogens, acids
Workplace Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke around chemical
Loading/Unloading: Avoid spills and static discharge

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 300 ppm (short-term); OSHA PEL: 500 ppm (vacated)
Engineering Controls: Use mechanical exhaust and local ventilation; Ensure eyewash and safety shower are available
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves: Solvent-resistant nitrile or neoprene gloves; Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles; Clothing: Full-length clothing, lab coat or apron; Respiratory: Suitable respirator if ventilation is not adequate
Monitoring: Regular air sampling to verify vapor levels
Hand Protection: Change gloves if contaminated

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Liquid
Appearance: Clear, colorless
Odor: Gasoline-like
Odor Threshold: 0.24 ppm (estimated)
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: -107.3°C
Boiling Point: 98.3°C
Flash Point: -12°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Higher than butyl acetate
Flammability: Highly flammable
Upper/Lower Flammability Limit: 1.0% - 6.0% (vol)
Vapor Pressure: 41.5 mmHg @ 20°C
Vapor Density: 3.9 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.692 (water = 1)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; Miscible with common organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Log Kow: 5.2
Autoignition Temperature: 415°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not available
Viscosity: 0.502 mPa·s @ 25°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage, handling, and use conditions
Reactivity: Reacts violently with oxidizers
Hazardous Reactions: Risk of explosion or fire with strong acids, oxidizing materials
Decomposition Products: Produces hazardous gases including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide during combustion
Avoid Conditions: Heat, flames, static discharge, sparks
Polymerization: Not known to occur
Corrosiveness: Not corrosive to metals

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Toxicity (Oral): LD50 (rat): 5,000 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity (Dermal): LD50 (rabbit): >2,000 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity (Inhalation): LC50 (rat): >24,000 mg/m3 (4h)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes irritation with prolonged exposure
Eye Damage/Irritation: Slightly irritating
Respiratory Sensitization: May cause respiratory irritation leading to drowsiness or headache
Long-term Effects: Prolonged exposure can impact central nervous system, liver, kidneys
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a confirmed human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Not expected to cause genetic defects
Reproductive Toxicity: Not expected to impair fertility or cause fetal harm

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms; LC50 (rainbow trout, 96h): 30 mg/L
Mobility in Soil: Low water solubility; potential to seep and contaminate groundwater
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; tends to remain in environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: High bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms (Log Kow > 3)
Effect on Plants/Animals: Toxic if large quantities are released to surface or groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Can contribute to smog formation via photochemical reactions

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of through a licensed hazardous waste disposal company
Disposal Containers: Use tightly sealed, properly labeled chemical waste drums
Disposal Procedures: Comply with local, state, and federal regulations; do not pour down the drain
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose empty containers as hazardous waste after triple rinsing
Precautions: Do not incinerate closed containers

Transport Information

UN Number: 1262
Shipping Name: Isooctane
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labeling Requirements: Flammable liquid label
Special Transport Precautions: Ensure containers are tightly sealed; Stow away from oxidizers; Provide adequate ventilation in transport vehicles; Handle with spill containment in mind
Environmental Hazards: Reportable Quantity (RQ) may apply based on jurisdiction
Marine Pollutant: Not listed as marine pollutant

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Regulated as flammable liquid
TSCA: Listed
SARA Title III: Section 311/312: Fire hazard, acute health hazard
California Prop 65: Not listed as causing cancer or reproductive toxicity
WHMIS Classification (Canada): B2 (Flammable liquid); D2B (Toxic materials causing other effects)
REACH Registration (EU): Substance registered
Other Regulatory Info: Subject to workplace hazardous material communications
Inventory Status: Listed on international chemical inventories including EINECS, DSL, AICS