3-Methyl-1-butanol or 3-Methylbutan-1-ol or Isopentyl alcohol or Isopentanol

Product Overview & Quality

Product Name: isoamyl alcohol 98.5% or 3-Methyl-1-butanol or Isopentyl alcohol or Isobutylcarbinol or 3-Methylbutan-1-ol
Brand: QReC (Product Code: QR-i7009-1-2501)
Grade: Analytical Reagent High Purity Grade (AR Grade) featuring an exceptional certified chemical assay of not less than 98.5 percent in a 2,500 mL (2.5 L) Winchester amber glass bottle. Rectified and purified under strict QReC global laboratory specifications to ensure high isomeric purity and analytical reproducibility. Water and moisture content are rigorously maintained below 0.2 percent. Free acidity (calculated as acetic acid) is limited below 0.005 percent, with non-volatile evaporation residue held below 0.003 percent. Trace impurities of foreign esters, other amyl isomers, and heavy metals (such as iron, lead, copper, zinc, and arsenic) are strictly controlled at ultra-low ppm levels. Certified DNase and RNase-free, guaranteeing non-destructive compatibility in sensitive nucleic acid extraction procedures. Crystal-clear, colorless, particulate-free organic solvent packaged in a heavy-duty, solvent-resistant amber glass container fitted with an airtight double-seal safety closure.
Physical Properties: Clear, colorless, slightly viscous liquid. Characteristic, penetrating, persistent, choking fusel oil odor reminiscent of overripe bananas and whiskey. Boiling point is approximately 130 to 132 degrees Celsius. Closed-cup flash point is approximately 43 to 45 degrees Celsius. Classified as a flammable liquid and vapour (Flammable Liquids Category 3). Aqueous mixtures exhibit neutral reaction (pH approximately 6.5 to 7.5 at room temperature).
Solubility: Slightly to moderately soluble in water (approximately 2.5 to 2.8 grams per 100 milliliters at 20 degrees Celsius); completely miscible in all proportions with virtually all common organic solvents, including ethanol, methanol, diethyl ether, acetone, chloroform, benzene, and toluene.
Key Use: Universally utilized as a crucial functional component in preparing Phenol-Chloroform-Isoamyl Alcohol extraction mixtures (the classical PCI reagent formulated at 25:24:1 v/v) for high-molecular-weight DNA and RNA purification in molecular biology and genomics; acts as a potent anti-foaming agent, inhibits residual ribonucleases, and ensures sharp, clean interfacial phase separation between the aqueous phase and denatured protein interphase. Extensively applied as an indispensable standard reagent in the Gerber butyrometric assay for determining fat content in milk and dairy products, where it suppresses surface tension, prevents protein charring, and facilitates clean meniscus reading. Heavily employed as an organic extraction solvent for separating biological compounds, essential oils, and transition metal coordination complexes in analytical chemistry. Serves as a versatile chemical intermediate for synthesizing specialty esters (such as isoamyl acetate or banana oil) in flavor, fragrance, and polymer chemistry. Widely used as a solvent for natural waxes, gums, and specialty resins in materials science.

Safety & Hazards (Flammable Liquid, Harmful if Inhaled & Skin/Eye Irritant)

Classification: Flammable liquid and vapour (Flammable Liquids Category 3). Harmful if inhaled (Acute Toxicity Inhalation Category 4). Causes skin irritation (Skin Irritation Category 2). Causes serious eye irritation (Eye Irritation Category 2). May cause respiratory irritation (Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single Exposure Category 3). Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking (EUH066).
Health Risks: Direct ocular contact triggers acute chemical stinging, conjunctival injection, corneal irritation, edema, and lacrimation. Dermal contact produces localized erythema, dryness, cracking, and burning sensations, with moderate percutaneous absorption. Inhalation of concentrated vapors aggressively irritates the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, inducing coughing, sneezing, choking, throat tightness, severe headaches, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and central nervous system depression. Ingestion causes acute gastrointestinal irritation, burning of the oral cavity and esophagus, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and carries an aspiration risk if vomited.
First Aid Measures: Immediately flush affected eyes with an abundant stream of clean flowing water for at least 15 minutes while stripping contaminated clothing; remove contact lenses promptly and seek immediate medical evaluation. Wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. In case of vapor inhalation, rapidly relocate the victim to fresh air; keep warm and at rest, and seek prompt medical attention if breathing difficulties persist. If accidentally swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting; thoroughly rinse mouth, administer water in moderate amounts to dilute, and seek immediate medical attention.

Handling & Storage

Storage: Flammable Liquid with Strong, Pervasive Odor. Vapors can accumulate and pose fire risks when heated. Must be preserved in its original, tightly closed QReC amber glass bottle. Store in an approved flammable liquids storage cabinet within a clean, cool, dry, and well-ventilated dedicated chemical store at controlled temperatures (below 25 degrees Celsius), sheltered from open flames, electrical sparks, hot surfaces, and direct sunlight. Keep strictly segregated from strong oxidizing agents (such as concentrated nitric acid, perchlorates, chromates, and hydrogen peroxide), strong mineral acids, acid anhydrides, and alkali metals.
Precautions: Comprehensive specialized PPE is mandatory, including protective nitrile gloves, splash-proof safety goggles, an organic vapor respirator, and a protective lab coat. “Mandatory Protocol: Transfer, dispense, and handle isoamyl alcohol exclusively and strictly within a certified, properly functioning laboratory fume hood to eliminate respiratory irritation and prevent pervasive odor contamination throughout the laboratory facility.” Keep dry chemical or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers accessible. Never discharge solvent residues directly into municipal drainage pipes; collect exclusively in dedicated flammable organic solvent hazardous waste streams.