Chemical Name: N-Butyraldehyde
Chemical Formula: C4H8O
CAS Number: 123-72-8
Synonyms: Butanal, 1-Butanal, n-Butanal
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a pungent odor
Common Uses: Solvent, intermediate in synthesis of plasticizers, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid, Acute toxic if inhaled or ingested, Eye irritant, Skin irritant
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable, Causes eye irritation, Harmful if swallowed, May cause respiratory irritation
Signal Word: Danger
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, Wear protective equipment, Keep away from heat, Dispose content properly
Chemical Component: N-Butyraldehyde
Purity: Usually over 98% in industrial-grade material
Impurities: Trace water, small quantities of higher and lower aldehydes, sometimes residual catalyst from production process
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately; supply oxygen if breathing is difficult; seek medical advice for prolonged symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse thoroughly with water and soap; monitor for irritation or dermatitis
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with water for at least 15 minutes; consult medical professional if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder
Hazards: Produces toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide when burning
Protective Equipment: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Additional Notes: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air; containers may rupture under extreme heat
Personal Precautions: Use chemical goggles, gloves, and an organic vapor respirator
Spill Response: Stop leak if safe; contain with sand or inert absorbent; prevent runoff into drains or water sources
Environmental Precautions: Avoid dispersal of spilled material; inform environmental authorities in case of significant release
Handling: Work in a fume hood or with adequate ventilation; avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; do not inhale vapors
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place away from sources of ignition; use only stainless steel, glass, or compatible plastic for containment; segregate from oxidizers and acids
Occupational Exposure Limits: Refer to country-specific workplace limits, since many regions recommend values between 50–100 ppm
Engineering Controls: General and local exhaust ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, solvent-resistant gloves, long-sleeve clothing, and suitable respiratory protection for high vapor concentrations
Hygiene Measures: Keep away from food and beverages in the workspace; wash hands after handling
Physical State: Liquid
Boiling Point: 75°C
Melting Point: -99°C
Flash Point: 18°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature
Density: 0.8 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Limited solubility in water; miscible with most organic solvents
Odor: Strong, pungent characteristic
Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions when stored away from heat, light, and incompatible materials
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, static discharge, direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases, amines, aluminum
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible peroxides after long storage
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Headache, dizziness, nausea, respiratory irritation, skin and eye burns
Chronic Effects: Prolonged contact can cause dermatitis; repeated high exposure may impact liver or kidney function
Carcinogenicity: No known carcinogenic effects from currently available studies
Sensitization: Cases of allergic reaction are uncommon but monitoring is standard practice in production environments
Aquatic Toxicity: Moderate risk to aquatic flora and fauna at concentrated spills
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to accumulate significantly in organisms; regular monitoring in wastewater streams is recommended
Treatment: Incineration under controlled conditions in a licensed facility
Disposal of Waste: Collect in containers suited for flammable organic chemicals; do not release into sewage or ground
Packaging: Rinse and destroy containers in accordance with local environmental protection guidelines
UN Number: 1129
Shipping Name: Butyraldehyde
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: II
Special Precautions: Secure containers upright; ensure proper ventilation during transport; remove all ignition sources near cargo
Inventory Lists: Included in EINECS, TSCA, and other major chemical inventories
Workplace Regulation: Air emission and workplace exposure standards exist in most jurisdictions; review national and regional regulations
Labeling Requirements: GHS pictograms, signal words, and safety advice must be part of container labeling
