Methyl isobutyl carbinol is an organic chemical compound used primarily as a frother in mineral flotation and in the production of lubricant oil additives such as zinc dithiophosphate.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is also used as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and in the manufacture of brake fluid and as a precursor to some plasticizers.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is an acetone derivative in liquid state, with limited solubility in water but generally miscible with most organic solvents.
CAS Number: 108-11-2
Molecular Formula: C6H14O
Molecular Weight: 102.17
EINECS Number: 203-551-7
Synonyms:4-Methyl-2-pentanol, 4-Methylpentan-2-ol, Isobutylmethylcarbinol, 2-Pentanol, 4-methyl-, Methyl isobutyl carbinol, 2-Methyl-4-pentanol, Methylisobutylcarbinol, MIBC, Isobutylmethylmethanol, 1,3-Dimethylbutanol, 3-MIC, 4-Methylpentanol-2, MAOH, Metilamil alcohol, dl-Methylisobutylcarbinol, 4-Methyl-2-amyl alcohol, Alcool methyl amylique, 4-Methyl-2-pentyl alcohol, 4-Metilpentan-2-olo, 4-Pentanol, 2-methyl-, Methyl-isobutylkarbinol, Alcohol methyl amylique, (+/-)-4-Methyl-2-pentanol, 1,3-Dimethyl-1-butanol, M.I.B.C., Methylamyl alcohol, Methyl amyl alcohol, 4-methyl-pentan-2-ol, Isobutyl methyl carbinol, (2R/S)-4-methyl-2-pentanol, (.+/-.)-4-Methyl-2-pentanol, 1,3-Dimethyl-1-butanol;1-Methyl-indozole-3-carboxylicacid;2-Methanol-4-pentanol;2-methyl-4-pentano;2-Pentanol,4-methyl-;3-MIC;4-methyl-2-pentano;4-Methyl-2-pentyl alcohol
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is a liquid derivative of acetone.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol has limited solubility in water but is miscible with most organic solvents.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is a colorless liquid with a mild alcoholic odor.
It is slightly soluble in water and miscible with most organic solvents.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is commonly as a solvent and chemical intermediate in various applications which include mining, resins, waxes, hydraulic fluids and dyes and stains.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is an organic alcohol compound, widely used as a solvent, flotation agent, and chemical intermediate in industrial applications.
Its chemical formula is C₆H₁₄O (commonly written as 4-methyl-2-pentanol).
It belongs to the class of aliphatic alcohols.
Chemically, Methyl isobutyl carbinol contains a hydroxyl (–OH) group attached to a branched hydrocarbon chain.
This structure gives it moderate polarity.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol can interact with both polar and nonpolar substances.
Physically, Methyl isobutyl carbinol appears as a colorless liquid with a mild, characteristic alcohol odor.
It has moderate volatility and limited solubility in water.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is miscible with many organic solvents.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol exhibits solvent properties, allowing it to dissolve a range of organic compounds.
It is particularly useful in systems requiring moderate polarity.
This makes it versatile in industrial processes.
The compound is commonly used as a frothing agent in mineral flotation processes.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol helps stabilize bubbles and separate valuable minerals.
This is a key application in mining.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is chemically stable under normal conditions, but it is flammable.
It should be handled away from ignition sources.
Proper storage and ventilation are required.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol can also act as a chemical intermediate in the production of other organic compounds.
Its alcohol functionality allows participation in various reactions.
This supports industrial synthesis.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is best described as a moderately polar, flammable organic alcohol used as a solvent and flotation agent, especially in mining and chemical industries.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) exhibits low surface tension relative to water, which allows it to modify interfacial behavior in liquid systems.
This property is key to its effectiveness as a frothing agent.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol helps control bubble formation and stability.
The compound shows good spreading and wetting behavior on various surfaces.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol can distribute evenly across liquid interfaces.
This supports its role in flotation and coating systems.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol has moderate boiling point (~131 °C), which provides a balance between volatility and persistence.
It remains in the system long enough to perform its function.
At the same time, it can be removed by evaporation when needed.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol demonstrates low viscosity and good flow characteristics, making it easy to handle in industrial processes.
It mixes readily with other solvents and additives.
This improves process efficiency.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol can influence foam height, bubble size, and foam stability in flotation systems.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol helps produce fine, stable bubbles.
This enhances mineral separation performance.
The compound is often selected for applications requiring controlled evaporation and moderate solvency.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol does not evaporate too quickly like lighter alcohols.
This allows better process control.
Melting point: -90 °C
Boiling point: 134–135 °C (lit.)
Density: 0.802 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
vapor density: 3.5 (vs air)
vapor pressure: 3.7 mm Hg (20 °C)
refractive index: n20/D 1.415 (lit.)
Flash point: 107 °F
storage temp.: Store below +30°C
solubility: 16.4 g/L
form: Liquid
pKa: 15.31 ± 0.20 (Predicted)
color: Clear colorless
Odor: Sharp; mild and nonresidual
Odor Type: pungent
explosive limit: 1–5.5% (V)
Water Solubility: 2 g/100 mL
BRN: 1098268
Exposure limits: ACGIH: TWA 25 ppm; STEL 40 ppm (Skin); OSHA: TWA 25 ppm (100 mg/m³); NIOSH: IDLH 400 ppm; TWA 25 ppm (100 mg/m³); STEL 40 ppm (165 mg/m³)
Stability: Stable. Flammable. Incompatible with oxidizing agents, acids, acid chlorides
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions: PERFUMING
InChI: 1S/C6H14O/c1-5(2)4-6(3)7/h5-7H,4H2,1-3H3
InChIKey: WVYWICLMDOOCFB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: CC(C)CC(C)O
LogP: 1.57 at 20℃
Methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) is a branched secondary alcohol, which influences its physical and chemical behavior.
The branching reduces intermolecular interactions compared to linear alcohols.
This contributes to its moderate boiling point and volatility.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol exhibits limited solubility in water but good solubility in organic solvents.
This balance makes it effective in systems containing both polar and nonpolar components.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is useful in mixed-phase applications.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol has moderate vapor pressure, allowing it to evaporate at a controlled rate.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is less volatile than lighter alcohols like ethanol.
This is advantageous in industrial processes requiring controlled evaporation.
In flotation systems, Methyl isobutyl carbinol acts by modifying surface tension and stabilizing froth formation.
It helps create stable bubbles that carry mineral particles.
This improves separation efficiency.
The hydroxyl group allows Methyl isobutyl carbinol to participate in typical alcohol reactions, such as oxidation, esterification, and dehydration.
This makes it useful as a chemical intermediate.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol supports synthesis of other compounds.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol shows good compatibility with many organic materials, including resins, oils, and hydrocarbons.
It can be used in formulations requiring moderate solvency.
This enhances its versatility.
The compound has relatively low viscosity, allowing easy handling and mixing.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol flows readily in liquid systems.
This improves processing efficiency.
Because of its structure, Methyl isobutyl carbinol can influence foam behavior and surface properties in liquid systems.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is particularly effective at controlling bubble size and stability.
This is critical in flotation applications.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is a moderately volatile, branched alcohol with balanced solvent properties and strong surface activity, making it valuable in flotation, chemical processing, and industrial formulations.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is generally chemically stable under neutral conditions, but can react under strong oxidizing or acidic environments.
Its alcohol group remains reactive under suitable conditions.
This supports its use as an intermediate.
Because of its balance of properties, Methyl isobutyl carbinol is used in systems where both surface activity and solvent behavior are needed simultaneously.
This dual functionality is important in industrial applications.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol enables efficient processing and performance.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is a balanced industrial alcohol with controlled volatility, surface activity, and solvent capability, making it especially valuable in flotation, coatings, and chemical processing systems.
Uses Of Methyl isobutyl carbinol:
Solvent for dyestuffs, oils, gums, resins, waxes, nitrocellulose, and ethylcellulose; organic synthesis; froth flotation; brake fluids.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is employed as a solvent in organic synthesis, dyes and stains, natural resins and waxes.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is an additive to surface coatings.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol finds applications in the manufacture of lube oil additives, zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, brake fluids.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is the precursor to some plasticizers and frother in mineral flotation.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol acts as a corrosion inhibitor and also utilized in the characterization of volatile fraction of mono varietal wines and tar sand mining processes.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is widely used as a frothing agent in mineral flotation processes.
It helps generate and stabilize bubbles that carry valuable minerals.
This improves separation efficiency in mining.
In coatings, paints, and varnishes, MIBC is used as a solvent and coalescing agent.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol helps dissolve resins and improve film formation.
This enhances coating performance.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is applied in chemical manufacturing as an intermediate.
It participates in reactions such as esterification and oxidation.
This supports production of specialty chemicals.
In industrial cleaning formulations, it functions as a solvent for oils, greases, and organic residues.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol improves cleaning efficiency.
This is useful in maintenance and processing.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is used in lubricant and oil formulations as a blending solvent.
It helps maintain uniform mixtures.
This supports formulation stability.
In printing inks, it acts as a solvent and viscosity modifier.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol improves flow and drying behavior.
This enhances print quality.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is applied in adhesives and sealants to improve workability and application.
It helps control viscosity and spreading.
This supports manufacturing processes.
In agrochemical formulations, it is used as a solvent and formulation aid.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol helps disperse active ingredients.
This improves application effectiveness.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is also used in textile and leather processing as a solvent and processing aid.
It helps improve penetration of chemicals.
This enhances processing efficiency.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is used wherever froth control, solvent action, viscosity adjustment, and surface activity are required across mining, coatings, chemical, and industrial applications.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is used in ore beneficiation plants to optimize froth characteristics during flotation.
It helps control bubble size and froth stability.
This improves recovery of valuable minerals.
In resin and polymer processing, Methyl isobutyl carbinol acts as a solvent and processing aid.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol helps dissolve and handle intermediate materials.
This supports manufacturing efficiency.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is applied in fuel and petroleum-related formulations as a blending solvent.
It helps maintain uniform mixtures of additives.
This improves product consistency.
In metalworking fluids, it functions as a co-solvent and wetting agent.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol enhances lubrication and surface interaction.
This supports machining processes.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is used in surface treatment and degreasing operations.
It helps remove contaminants from metal and industrial parts.
This prepares surfaces for further processing.
In specialty chemical synthesis, it serves as a reaction medium or intermediate.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol supports controlled reaction conditions.
This enables production of specific compounds.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is applied in rubber and elastomer processing as a solvent and processing aid.
It helps improve mixing and dispersion of additives.
This enhances material performance.
In laboratory applications, it is used as a solvent for organic reactions and sample preparation.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol provides moderate polarity and stability.
This supports experimental work.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is also used in foam control and modification systems beyond mining, such as in certain industrial processes.
It helps regulate foam formation.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is used wherever controlled frothing, solvent capability, wetting, and process optimization are required across mining, chemical manufacturing, and industrial operations.
Safety Profile Of Methyl isobutyl carbinol:
Moderately toxic by ingestion, skin contact, and intraperitoneal routes.
Mildly toxic by inhalation a skin and severe eye irritant.
Inhalation of high concentrations can cause anesthesiai flammable liquid when exposed to heat or flame; can react with oxidizing materials.
A moderate explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame.
To fight fire, use alcohol foam when heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) presents moderate hazards, mainly due to its flammability, vapor exposure, and irritant effects.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is a volatile organic solvent that requires controlled handling.
Proper safety measures are essential.
Skin contact may cause mild to moderate irritation and dryness.
Prolonged exposure can lead to defatting of the skin.
Protective gloves are recommended.
Eye contact can cause significant irritation.
Symptoms include redness, pain, and watering.
Immediate rinsing with water is required.
Inhalation of vapors may cause respiratory irritation and central nervous system effects.
Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, and nausea.
High concentrations may lead to drowsiness or unconsciousness.
Ingestion is harmful and may cause gastrointestinal irritation and systemic effects.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or discomfort.
Medical attention should be sought if swallowed.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is a flammable liquid, with vapors that can form explosive mixtures with air.
It should be kept away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
Proper grounding and ventilation are necessary.