IPCS INCHEM Home
BUTANE
(liquefied) (cylinder) 		ICSC: 0232
Peer-Review Status: 27.11.2003 Validated
n-Butane 
CAS #: 106-97-8 RTECS #: EJ4200000
UN #: 1011
EC #: 601-004-00-0
EINECS #: 203-448-7
 		    Formula: C4H10
Molecular mass: 58.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Extremely flammable.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.  Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding) if in liquid state. Use non-sparking handtools.  In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. 
 
EXPOSURE      
Inhalation Drowsiness. Unconciousness.  Use closed system or ventilation.  Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.  Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.  ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.  Wear face shield.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion      

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.   
EC Classification
Symbol: F+; R: 12; S: (2)-9-16-33; Note: C 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.1 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1011.
NFPA Code: H1; F4; R0.  		Fireproof. Cool. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
ODOURLESS COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS. 

Physical dangers
The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. The gas is heavier than air and may accumulate in lowered spaces causing a deficiency of oxygen. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated. 

Chemical dangers
 

Occupational exposure limits
MAK: 1000 ppm, 2400 mg/m³; Peak limitation category: II(4); Pregnancy risk group: D; (DFG 2006). 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. 

Inhalation risk
On loss of containment this substance can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas. 

Effects of short-term exposure
Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: -0.5°C
Melting point: -138°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.6
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 0.0061
Vapour pressure, kPa at 21.1°C: 213.7
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.1
Flash point: -60°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 365°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.8-8.4
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 2.89   		 

NOTES
Check oxygen content before entering area.
Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state.
Information except physical properties also apply for Isobutane (CAS 75-28-5).
High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death.
Card has been partly updated in October 2005.
See section Physical properties.
Card has been partially updated in July 2007: see Occupational Exposure Limits. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       BUTANE (JECFA Evaluation)
       Butane (PIM 945)