Johann Haltermann, Ltd.

16717 Jacintoport Blvd.

Houston, TX 77015-6544
Phone: 281-452-5951
Fax: 281-457-1128
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Product Safety Bulletin

Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol (MIBC)

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol (MIBC) is a clear, colorless liquid.
MIBC exposure is possible in both industrial and consumer applications. Occupational exposure
limits have been established to control the allowable amount of exposure in workplace settings.
Consumer exposure, generally infrequent and short in duration, is also highly dependent upon the
conditions under which MIBC is used. See Health Information.
MIBC does not cause adverse health or environmental effects at levels typically found in the
workplace or in the environment.
OTHER NAMES
CAS 108-11-2
4-Methylpentan-2-ol
Methyl amyl alcohol
1,3-Dimethylbutanol
2-Pentanol, 4-methyl4-Methyl-2-pentyl alcohol
Isobutylmethylmethanol

MIBC
Isobutyl methyl carbinol
EINECS No: 203-551-7
2-Methyl-4-pentanol
4-Methyl-2-amyl alcohol
Isobutylmethylcarbinol
Methyl amyl alcohol
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TYPICAL PROPERTIES
Molecular Weight
Empirical Formula
Appearance
Boiling Point @ 760mm Hg
Freezing Point
Flash Point Closed Cup
Autoignition Temperature
Density @ 20C
Vapor Pressure @ 20C
Evaporation Rate
(n-butyl acetate = 1)
(ether = 1)
Solubility @ 20C
(in water)
(water in)
Surface Tension @ 20C
Refractive Index @ 20C
Viscosity @ 20C
Lower Explosive Limit
Upper Explosive Limit
Conductivity @ 20C
Dielectric Constant @ 20C
Specific Heat @ 20C
Heat of Vaporization @ Tboil
Heat of Combustion (net) @ 25C
Odor Threshold

C6H14O
102.2 g/mol
Colorless Liquid
Boiling Point: 131.7C (269.1F)
Freezing Point: -90C (-130F)
Flash Point: 40.5C (105F)
305C
0.81 g/cm3
0.42 kPa
0.28
66
1.6% m/m
6.3% m/m
23 mN/m
1.410
5.2 mPas
1.0 v/v/%
5.5 v/v%
0.3 S/m
10.4
2.4 kJ/kg/C
413 kJ/kg
36000 kJ/kg
1.1 ppm

Note: The properties reported above are typical physical properties. Haltermann in no
way guarantees that the product from any particular lot will conform exactly to the given
values.
PRODUCT USES
MIBC is primarily used (~70%) in the production of lube oil additives and for antiwear and
corrosion inhibitors.
The second largest use of MIBC (~20%) is as a flotation frother for treating copper ores, coal and tar
sand mining. In mining frother applications, MIBC is used in the ppm range, with usual
concentrations less than 1000 ppm and in many cases in the hundreds of ppm range (100 - 600 ppm).
The remaining production is primarily for its use as an additive to surface coatings as a solvent to
maintain binder softness until the binder fuses.
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HEALTH INFORMATION
Anesthetic effects can be expected at high vapor concentrations. Vapor concentrations of 50 ppm
for 15 minutes are irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. The ACGIH TLV-TWA for MIBC is 25
ppm (104 mg/m3) and the TLV-STEL is 40 ppm (167 mg/m3). The 4-hour LC50 for MIBC was >
16 mg/L (3776 ppm).
MIBC has minimal acute toxicity by oral and dermal routes of exposure. The acute oral and dermal
LD50 values for MIBC are 2260 - 2970 mg/kg and 2870 mg/kg, respectively.

There are no known sensitization or cancer hazards.

POTENTIAL FOR EXPOSURE
There is a potential for occupational and consumer exposure through inhalation and skin contact
although exposures through inhalation are expected to be low due to the low vapor pressure.

Based on the uses for MIBC the public could be exposed through:
Workplace exposure With the exception of the use in tar sand mining, frothers are used
in closed systems and only catastrophic failure results in any appreciable exposure. In tar
sand mining, the MIBC is added to the tar sand and the sand is spread out and allowed to
dry. The majority of MIBC from this use is volatilized to the air. Exposure (in the ppm
range) is typically limited to the equipment operator pushing the sand. MIBC used as an
intermediate in the manufacture of lube oil additives is blended with other alcohols and
reacted. Normally these reactors are closed systems and exposure is limited to upsets or
catastrophic failure of the reactor.
Consumer use of products containing MIBC Minimal exposure to vapors from the use of
MIBC as a solvent in coating applications may also occur. Overall, consumer exposure to
MIBC is expected to be negligible.
Environmental

releases MIBC can enter the environment as emissions from its

manufacture and use as a frother. 94% is biodegraded within 20 days.

Chemical manufacturers are committed to operating in an environmentally responsible

manner everywhere business is done. Efforts are guided by in-depth scientific
understanding of the environmental impact of operations, as well as the social and
economic needs of the communities. Industrial spills or releases are rare; however a spill
may pose a significant flammability issue.

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REGULATORY STATUS
Refer to the JHL Material Safety Data sheet for more specific information.
MIBC is not subject to the reporting requirement of CERCLA.
MIBC is not SARA Section 313 chemical.
MIBC is on the U.S. TSCA list and is included in the EEC's EINECS, Canadian DSL, Australian
and Japanese chemical inventories.
STORAGE AND HANDLING
General industry practice is to store MIBC in carbon steel vessels.
MIBC should be stored only in tightly closed, properly vented containers away from heat, sparks,
open flame or strong oxidizing agents.
Provided proper storage and handling precautions are taken, expect MIBC to be technically stable
for at least 12 months.
Handle empty containers carefully. Combustible residue remains after emptying.
Undue exposure or spillage should be strictly avoided as a matter of good practice. Refer to the
Material Safety Data Sheet for more specific information.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Johann Haltermann Ltd. MIBC MSDS
OECD SIDS Assessment for MIBC

The information in this Product Safety Bulletin is made without warranty. Johann Haltermann, Ltd. disclaims any liability in
connection with the use of this information, and does not warranty against infringement by reason of the use of any of its products in
combination with other materials in any process.

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