Drug Chatter -- Get concise, cited information on drugs using AI GPT chat

Ask Questions, Get Industry Insights … Instantly


Save time and get answers to complex questions with AI chat

Recent Questions

Is guselkumab off patent in u s?
Xenazine current manufacturer 2025?
Atorvastatin side effects heart palpitations?
Defense strategy against generic in niche market?
Testosterone enanthate expiration?

2 methyl 2 propanol?

See the DrugPatentWatch profile for methyl

2‑Methyl‑2‑propanol (also called tert‑butyl alcohol or t‑butanol) is a simple tertiary alcohol with the formula C₄H₁₀O. It’s the most common member of the tert‑butyl family and is widely used in industrial and laboratory settings. Below is a quick “fact‑sheet” that covers its structure, typical uses, safety profile, and regulatory status.

1. Basic Chemistry

Property Value
Structure CH₃‑C(OH)(CH₃)‑CH₃
Molecular weight 74.12 g mol⁻¹
Appearance Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor Mild, somewhat sweet
Boiling point 82.3 °C (180 °F)
Melting point –95 °C
Density (20 °C) 0.784 g cm⁻³
Solubility in water Slightly miscible (≈10 % v/v)
Flash point 48 °C (115 °F)

2. Common Applications

Area Typical use Notes
Solvent In pharmaceutical formulations, paints, varnishes, and cleaning agents Good solvent for non‑polar substances; miscible with many organic solvents
Antiseptic Occasionally used in topical preparations and as a hand‑washing agent Effective against a broad range of microbes, but not as powerful as alcohols like ethanol or isopropanol
Organic synthesis Protecting group chemistry (t‑butyldimethylsilyl protecting group) Helpful because the tert‑butyl group is bulky and can be removed under acidic conditions
Fuel additive Employed as an additive to improve combustion characteristics in gasoline blends Low octane number (~78)
Industrial cleaning Degreasing of metal parts, cleaning of electronic components Solvent properties make it effective at dissolving oils and greases

3. Toxicology & Safety

Exposure Acute Effects Chronic Effects Regulatory Limits
Inhalation Irritation of eyes, nose, throat; headache; dizziness Respiratory irritation; potential for CNS depression with high exposure OSHA PEL: 10 ppm (8‑h TWA)
Dermal Mild irritation; potential for dermatitis Repeated exposure can cause skin irritation OSHA PEL: 10 ppm (8‑h TWA)
Ingestion Nausea, vomiting, dizziness Not commonly ingested; high doses can be toxic OSHA PEL: 10 ppm (8‑h TWA)
Eye contact Redness, irritation — —
Inhalation of vapors Can depress the central nervous system at very high concentrations — —

Key safety points

  • Flammability: t‑butanol is flammable; keep away from heat and open flames.
  • Skin contact: Use gloves; avoid prolonged exposure.
  • Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation if used in large volumes.
  • First‑Aid: If inhaled, move to fresh air; if skin contact occurs, wash with soap and water.
  • Medical Attention: Seek medical help if you experience breathing difficulties or severe irritation.

4. Regulatory & Environmental Considerations

Agency Status Notes
EPA (U.S.) Not listed as a regulated pesticide; classified under “Solvent – Class A” Use restrictions apply under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
ECHA (EU) Classified as “Class 1 – Flammable liquids” (EN 13432) Must comply with REACH for production and sale
OECD No special classification; standard environmental toxicity studies available Usually considered low‑to‑moderate toxicity to aquatic organisms
International Included in the GHS classification: Health Hazard – Acute toxicity (oral, IV); Environmental Hazard – Acute aquatic toxicity (class 2) Requires proper labeling and safety data sheet (SDS)

5. Pharmaceutical Context

While 2‑methyl‑2‑propanol itself is not a drug and is not approved for any therapeutic use, it does play a supporting role in the pharmaceutical industry:

  1. Solvent for APIs: It can dissolve certain active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that are poorly soluble in ethanol or water.
  2. Extraction & Purification: Used in chromatographic procedures and liquid–liquid extractions.
  3. Stabilizer: Helps stabilize formulations that require a non‑polar environment.
  4. Protective Group: In synthetic chemistry, the tert‑butyl group is often introduced and later removed to protect functional groups during multi‑step synthesis.

Because it can act as a hydrophobic solvent, it may be found in formulations of topical creams or ointments, but only in very small amounts and under strict regulation.

6. Common Questions & Answers

Question Answer
Is 2‑methyl‑2‑propanol safe to use as a hand sanitizer? No. The concentration of alcohol needed for effective antimicrobial activity (≥ 60 % v/v) is not achievable with t‑butanol because it is only slightly miscible with water. Ethanol or isopropanol are the standard choices.
Can it be used as a recreational solvent? No. t‑butanol is not psychoactive. High concentrations can cause central nervous system depression, but it is not used for recreational inhalation or ingestion.
What is the environmental impact? t‑butanol is biodegradable; however, due to its volatility, it can contribute to atmospheric chemistry. It is considered to have low persistence and moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life.
How is it produced? Typically by the hydrolysis of tert‑butyl chloride (via SN1 mechanism) or by the acidic dehydration of tert‑butyl alcohol from the corresponding alkane. Industrial production is usually via the Raschig or Barton processes in a petrochemical context.

7. Bottom Line



Other Questions About Methyl :

Methyl prednisone? Methyl glucose sesquistearate? C14h20n2o3 proline methyl propiolate? Methyl salicylate market? Patent difluoromethoxy methyl isoxazole carboxylic acid? Methyl prednisolone? C14h20n2o3 c12h14n2o3 c11h16n2o3 methyl propiolate?