Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Isopropyl Mercaptan

Identification

Product Name: Isopropyl Mercaptan
Chemical Formula: C3H8S
Synonyms: 2-Propanethiol, Isopropanethiol
CAS Number: 75-33-2
Intended Use: Chemical synthesis, odorizing agent, industrial applications
Manufacturer: Refer to packaging or supplier documentation
Emergency Contact: Available from local emergency services and supplier safety lines

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Acute Toxicity (Oral Category 3), Skin Irritant (Category 2), Eye Irritant (Category 2A), Specific organ toxicity (single exposure, Category 3)
Label Elements: GHS07, GHS02, EXCLAMATION MARK, FLAME
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, toxic if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, central nervous system effects possible
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames; do not breathe vapors or spray

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Isopropyl Mercaptan
Concentration: 95-99% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of propanol, propanethiol isomers
Exposure Limits: Specific occupational exposure limits may apply based on regional standards

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult or symptoms persist; oxygen may be required
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush skin with water for 15 minutes, wash with soap and water, seek medical attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove any contact lenses, continue rinsing, obtain immediate medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, never give liquids to unconscious person, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical advice

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water stream may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Produces toxic gases including sulfur oxides and carbon monoxide on combustion, vapor is heavier than air, risk of flashback
Firefighting Instructions: Use protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus, cool fire-exposed containers, evacuate area, avoid inhaling fumes
Explosion Hazard: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear chemical splash goggles, gloves, protective clothing, respiratory protection if ventilation inadequate
Emergency Procedures: Eliminate sources of ignition, stop leak if safe, evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area
Containment: Prevent entry into drains or watercourses, cover spills with non-combustible absorbent material
Clean-Up: Collect material in a suitable container for disposal, wash spill area after material pickup, use non-sparking equipment

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated spaces, ground and bond containers, avoid release to the environment, avoid breathing vapors, prevent skin and eye contact, use explosion-proof equipment
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers, keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition, segregate from oxidizers and acids, post warning signs in storage area, use secondary containment to prevent leaks

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods, explosion-proof ventilation, maintain adequate air changes per hour in the workspace
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical safety goggles, impervious gloves (nitrile or butyl), flame-resistant lab coat or apron, appropriate respiratory protection for high vapor concentrations (NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator), safety shoes
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking, avoid contact with skin and eyes, remove contaminated clothing immediately

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to light yellow liquid
Odor: Strong, foul mercaptan odor (skunk-like)
Odor Threshold: Low—detectable at ppb levels
Melting Point: -112°C
Boiling Point: 58°C
Flash Point: -18°C (closed cup)
Flammability: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
Vapor Pressure: 440 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 2.1 (air = 1)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, miscible with most organic solvents
Density: 0.794 g/cm³ at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 1.7
pH: Not applicable (neutral solute)
Evaporation Rate: Fast

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, vapors may oxidize slowly in air
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with oxidizing agents, halogens, acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly irritating sulfur-containing compounds
Polymerization: Not expected to occur under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, static discharge, air and moisture exposure

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 179 mg/kg, inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation, CNS effects including headache, dizziness
Skin Irritation: Causes moderate to severe irritation
Eye Irritation: May cause severe irritation, redness, tearing
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause dermatitis, CNS symptoms, liver and kidney effects
Sensitization: May cause skin sensitization in some cases
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by NTP, IARC, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Mutagenicity: No reliable data available indicating mutagenic effects
Reproductive Toxicity: No reliable data reported on reproductive effects

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-lasting adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegrades under aerobic conditions, persistence possible under low-oxygen conditions
Bioaccumulation: Low to moderate potential based on log Kow
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility, may volatilize into the atmosphere from soil or water surfaces
Other: Avoid environmental release, containment required to prevent ecosystem impact

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations; incineration in chemical waste facility preferred
Contaminated Packaging: Decontaminate and recycle where possible, otherwise treat as hazardous waste
Precautions: Minimize exposure to waste handlers, do not discharge residues to sewer or surface waters

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 2347
Shipping Name: Isopropyl Mercaptan
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: I (highest danger)
Labels: Flammable Liquid, Toxic
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Precautions: Secure containers upright, keep away from oxidizers, provide ventilation in transport vehicles, emergency response guide available in transport documents

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Covered under Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
EPA: Listed as a hazardous air pollutant under Clean Air Act, subject to reporting for releases exceeding threshold quantities
TSCA Inventory: Listed in the United States Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA Title III (EPCRA): Subject to Sections 311/312 for reporting under fire and acute health hazards
REACH Status: Pre-registered or registered in the European chemicals database
WHMIS: Classified as B2 (flammable liquid), D1B (toxic material) in Canada
Other National Standards: Compliance with specific country/region workplace safety and environmental regulations required