Isoamyl alcohol (primary)
Synonyms & Trade Names
Fermentation amyl alcohol, Fusel oil, Isobutyl carbinol, Isopentyl alcohol, 3-Methyl-1-butanol, Primary isoamyl alcoholExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 100 ppm (360 mg/m3) ST 125 ppm (450 mg/m3)OSHA PEL
TWA 100 ppm (360 mg/m3) See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless liquid with a disagreeable odor.Molecular Weight
88.2Boiling Point
270°FFreezing Point
-179°FSolubility
(57°F): 2%Vapor Pressure
28 mmHgIonization Potential
?Specific Gravity
(57°F): 0.81Flash Point
109°FUpper Exposive Limit
(212°F): 9.0%Lower Explosive Limit
1.2%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizersExposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; headache, dizziness; cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; skin cracking; In Animals: narcosisTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 500 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)£
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division