NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Isoamyl alcohol (primary)

CAS
123-51-3

(CH3)2CHCH2CH2OH

RTECS
EL5425000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Fermentation amyl alcohol, Fusel oil, Isobutyl carbinol, Isopentyl alcohol, 3-Methyl-1-butanol, Primary isoamyl alcohol
DOT ID & Guide
1105 / 129

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 100 ppm (360 mg/m3) ST 125 ppm (450 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL†: TWA 100 ppm (360 mg/m3)
IDLH
500 ppm See: 123513
Conversion
1 ppm = 3.61 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a disagreeable odor.
MW: 88.2
BP: 270°F
FRZ: -179°F
Sol(57°F): 2%
VP: 28 mmHg
IP: ?

Sp.Gr(57°F): 0.81
Fl.P: 109°F
UEL(212°F): 9.0%
LEL: 1.2%

Class II Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 100°F and below 140°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1402, 1405
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
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
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; headache, dizziness; cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; skin cracking; in animals: narcosis
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0798