Tertiary Butyl Alcohol (TBA)

Benefits and Applications

TBA-CG is used as a solvent in various applications and as an intermediate to produce isobutylene, methyl methacrylate and other chemicals.

Toxicology/Regulatory

Tertiary butyl alcohol (t-butanol) is acutely toxic only from high doses/exposures and would be considered to be practically non-toxic. It causes only slight skin irritation, but it is primarily an eye irritant. It is not genotoxic. In limited rodent studies, t-butanol did not cause malformations, but it produced embryo-fetotoxicity and delayed development. No structural damage to the gonads was observed following high oral doses. Tertiary-butyl alcohol induced male rat kidney tumors by an alpha-2microglobulin mode of action, a tumor mechanism not relevant to humans, and increased benign thyroid tumors in female mice by a mechanism that most likely is not relevant to humans.

Regulatory Status

X = All components are included or are otherwise exempt from inclusion on this inventory.

If identified components of this product are listed under the TSCA 12(b) Export Notification rule, they will be listed below.

SARA 302/304
This material contains components with known CAS numbers classified as hazardous substances subject to the reporting CERCLA (40 CFR 302), the release reporting requirements of SARA (Section 302) based on reportable quantities (RQs), or both.

SARA 311/312
Based upon available information, this material is classified as presenting the following health and physical hazards, according to Sections 311 and 312:

• Immediate (acute) health hazard
• Delayed (chronic) health hazard
• Fire hazard

SARA 313
This material contains the following chemicals with known CAS numbers subject to the reporting requirements of SARA Title III, Section 313 and 40 CFR 372:

Storage and Handling

Store in tightly closed or properly vented containers away from heat, sparks, open flame, and strong oxidizing agents and acids. Store closed drums with bung in up position. Vapor space above stored liquid may be flammable or explosive unless blanketed with inert gas. Protect from freezing.

For industrial use only. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Use only nonsparking tools. Containers must be properly grounded before beginning transfer. Carefully vent any internal pressure before removing closure. Wear recommended personal protective equipment. Extinguish all ignition sources. Isolate, vent, drain, wash, and purge systems or equipment before maintenance or repair.

Observe precautions pertaining to confined space entry. Check the atmosphere for explosiveness and oxygen deficiencies. All electrical equipment should be grounded and conform to applicable electric codes and regulatory requirements. Handle empty containers with care; vapor residue may be flammable or explosive. Thaw frozen containers only at room temperature. Do not overfill containers.