Substance profile
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol is a colorless liq with a mild odor.
01 · Identification
What 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol is
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol is a colorless liq with a mild odor. Its molecular formula is C6H14O and its molecular weight is 102.17 g/mol. It boils at 133 °C, melts at -90 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as flammable agents - 2nd degree.
02 · Identifiers
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol identifiers and molecular data
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol CAS number and EC number
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol
- 4-methylpentan-2-ol
- methyl isobutyl carbinol
03 · GHS classification
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol pictograms and signal word
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquids GHS chapter 2.6 | Category 3 | H226 | GHS02 |
| Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure GHS chapter 3.8 | Category 3 | H335 | GHS07 |
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 5 precautionary statements to 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | 4-метилпентан-2-ол метилизобутилкарбинол |
| Spanish español | 4-Metilpentan-2-ol metilisobutilcarbinol |
| Czech čeština | 4-methylpentan-2-ol methylisobutylkarbinol |
| Danish dansk | 4-methyl-2-pentanol methylamylalkohol |
| German Deutsch | 4-Methylpentan-2-ol MethylisobutylcarbinolMethylamylalkohol |
| Estonian eesti | 4-metüülpentaan-2-ool metüülisobutüülkarbinool |
| Greek ελληνικά | 4-μεθυλοπενταν-2-όλη μεθυλοϊσοβουτυλοκαρβινόλη |
| English English | 4-methylpentan-2-ol methyl isobutyl carbinol |
| French français | 4-méthylpentan-2-ol méthyl-isobutyl-carbinol |
| Croatian hrvatski | 4-metil-pentan-2-ol metil-izobutil-karbinol |
| Italian italiano | 4-metilpentan-2-olo metilisobutilcarbinolo metilamil alcool |
| Latvian latviešu | 4-metilpentān-2-ols metilizobutilkarbinols |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | 4-metilpentan-2-olis metilizobutilkarbinolis |
| Hungarian magyar | 4-metilpentán-2-ol metil-izobutil-karbinol |
| Maltese Malti | 4-metilpentan-2-ol karbinol tal-isobutil tal-metil |
| Dutch Nederlands | 4-methylpentaan-2-ol methylisobutylcarbinol |
| Polish polski | 4-metylopentan-2-ol metyloizobutylokarbinolalkohol metyloamylowy |
| Portuguese português | 4-metilpentan-2-ol metilisobutilcarbinol |
| Romanian română | 4-metilpentan-2-ol metil izobutil carbinol |
| Slovak slovenčina | 4-metylpentán-2-ol metyl(izobutyl)karbinol |
| Slovenian slovenščina | 4-metilpentan-2-ol metil izobutil karbinol |
| Finnish suomi | 4-metyyli-2-pentanoli metyyli-isobutyylikarbinoli |
| Swedish svenska | 4-metylpentan-2-ol metylisobutylkarbinol |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Warning
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol
- Flammable liquid and vapour.
- May cause respiratory irritation.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
- Use only non-sparking tools.
- Store in a well-ventilated place.
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol health hazards and exposure limits
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol hazard summary
In acute animal studies, high concentrations induce narcosis and anesthesia. [ACGIH] Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 25.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 25 ppm (100 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 25 ppm (100 mg/m3) [skin] See Appendix G | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 25 ppm (100 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | 40 ppm (165 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | TWA 25 ppm (100 mg/m3) ST 40 ppm (165 mg/m3) [skin] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 400 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 400.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Human data: Eye irritation has occurred after exposures to 50 ppm for 15 minutes [Silverman et al. 1946]. | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 133 °C (271.4 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 132.78 °C (271 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 131.78 °C (269.2 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -90 °C (-130 °F) | HSDB |
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.81 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.8075 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.807 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | SOL IN ALC & ETHER. | HSDB | |
| MISCIBLE WITH MOST COMMON ORG SOLVENTS. | HSDB | ||
| Water solubility of 1.64X10+4 mg/kg (experimental). | HSDB |
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 3 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 2.8 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 40.56 °C (105 °F) | HSDB | |
| 41.11 °C (106 °F) | NIOSH |
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1 % by volume | NIOSH |
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 5.5 % by volume | NIOSH |
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 3.5 (air = 1) | ICSC |
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 0.01 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor Threshold High: 1.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor threshold from "Quick Guide: The Electronic NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards" | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol fire potential
MODERATE FIRE RISK.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol storage and handling
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol peroxide formation
B: Compounds that form peroxides on concentration (distillation/evaporation)
Source: Lab and Research Safety, University of Minnesota
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol safe storage
Fireproof if in building. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol incompatible materials
Strong oxidizers.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol reactivity
METHYL ISOBUTYL CARBINOL is an alcohol. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol UN number and transport classification
Transport classification is a separate system from the GHS classification above. It decides how a package is marked and how a load may be carried; it does not follow from the workplace label, and the workplace label does not follow from it. The entries below are linked by CAS number, never by name.
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol under UN 2053 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| METHYL ISOBUTYL CARBINOL | 3 | F1 | III | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 3 is “Flammable liquids” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methyl isobutyl carbinol | 3 | III | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 3 is “Flammable and combustible liquid” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
4-Methyl-2-Pentanol — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol?
The CAS number of 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol is 108-11-2. Its EC number is 203-551-7.
What is the chemical formula of 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol?
The molecular formula of 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol is C6H14O and its molecular weight is 102.17 g/mol.
What does a 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol carries the pictograms Flame and Exclamation mark and the signal word is Warning.
Is 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol H226 — flammable liquid and vapour. The flash point reported for it is 40.56 °C (105 °F) (HSDB).
Is 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health.
What is the exposure limit for 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol is 25.0 [ppm] (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol?
The boiling point reported for 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol is 133 °C (271.4 °F), at 760 mmHg (HSDB).
What is the melting point of 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol?
The melting point reported for 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol is -90 °C (-130 °F) (HSDB).
How should 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol be stored?
CLP Annex VI assigns 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol the storage statement P403.
Nearby
Substances next to 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol
Keep going: substances starting with 0–9, or search the whole database by name, CAS number, pictogram or signal word.