2-Methyl-2,4-Pentanediol Safety
SDS, Handling, Storage & Regulatory Compliance
A complete safety reference for hexylene glycol (CAS 107-41-5) - GHS classification, PPE, storage requirements, transport codes, and global regulatory inventory status.
⚠️ Notice: This article provides a general safety overview for informational purposes. Always consult the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for your specific product batch before handling. Download the official SDS from our product page →
📋 Table of Contents
- Chemical Identity & Safety Quick-Reference
- GHS Hazard Classification & Pictograms
- Toxicological Profile
- First Aid Measures (SDS Section 4)
- Fire-Fighting Measures (SDS Section 5)
- Handling & Storage Requirements (SDS Section 7)
- Personal Protective Equipment (SDS Section 8)
- Spill & Accidental Release Response (SDS Section 6)
- Transport Classification
- Global Regulatory Inventory Status
- Waste Disposal Guidance
- Frequently Asked Questions
1 🔬 Chemical Identity & Safety Quick-Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | 2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol (Hexylene Glycol) |
| CAS Number | 107-41-5 |
| Molecular formula | C₆H₁₄O₂ | MW: 118.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colourless to pale yellow liquid, mild characteristic odour |
| Boiling point | 197–198 °C (1 atm) |
| Flash point | 88 °C (closed cup, Pensky-Martens) |
| Vapour pressure (20 °C) | <0.1 hPa - negligible at ambient temperature |
| Auto-ignition temperature | ~306 °C |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
| UN Number (transport) | UN 1987 (Alcohols, n.o.s.) |
For a detailed overview of MPD's chemistry and applications, see: What Is 2-Methyl-2,4-Pentanediol? Uses, Properties & Industry Overview →
2 ⚠️ GHS Hazard Classification & Pictograms
2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol is classified under the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and the EU's CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008). The classification reflects a modest hazard profile - it is a combustible liquid and a mild irritant, but is not classified as acutely toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductively toxic at commercially relevant exposure levels.
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement | GHS Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable Liquids | Cat. 4 | H227 - Combustible liquid | 🔥 GHS02 (Flame) |
| Skin Irritation | Cat. 3 | H316 - Causes mild skin irritation | ❗ GHS07 (Exclamation mark) |
| Eye Irritation | Cat. 2 | H319 - Causes serious eye irritation | ❗ GHS07 (Exclamation mark) |
✅ What MPD Is NOT Classified As
🟢 Not acutely toxic (oral, dermal, inhalation) at GHS classification thresholds
🟢 Not a skin sensitiser or respiratory sensitiser
🟢 Not classified as carcinogenic (CMR Cat. 1A/1B/2)
🟢 Not classified as mutagenic or reproductively toxic
🟢 Not classified as PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative & Toxic) or vPvB
Per ECHA C&L Inventory and current EU REACH assessment.
3 🧬 Toxicological Profile
The toxicological data for hexylene glycol is well established through decades of regulatory review by bodies including the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, the EU REACH evaluation process, and the OECD SIDS (Screening Information Data Set) programme. The overall toxicity profile is mild, consistent with its long history of safe use in both industrial and personal care applications.
| Toxicity Endpoint | Value / Result | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Oral LD₅₀ (rat) | 3,700–4,700 mg/kg bw | Low acute toxicity (GHS Cat. 5 threshold: >2,000 mg/kg) - not classified |
| Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit) | >9,400 mg/kg bw | Very low dermal toxicity - not classified |
| Inhalation LC₅₀ (rat, 4h) | >1.7 mg/L (vapour, saturated) | Low inhalation risk at ambient temperature; vapour pressure <0.1 hPa limits exposure |
| Skin irritation (rabbit) | Mild irritant (GHS Cat. 3) | Mild, reversible reddening; not a severe irritant; gloves recommended |
| Eye irritation (rabbit) | Irritant (GHS Cat. 2) | Reversible irritation; safety goggles mandatory during handling |
| Skin sensitisation (LLNA) | Not a sensitiser | No allergenic potential at use concentrations |
| Genotoxicity (Ames test) | Negative | No mutagenic activity in standard bacterial reverse mutation assay |
| Repeated dose toxicity | NOAEL ~500 mg/kg/day (rat, 90-day) | Wide safety margin vs. industrial/cosmetic exposure estimates |
| Reproductive / developmental tox. | Not classified | No adverse effects at relevant exposure levels in available studies |
| Aquatic toxicity | LC₅₀ (fish, 96h) >100 mg/L | Not classified as hazardous to aquatic environment; readily biodegradable |
4 🚑 First Aid Measures (SDS Section 4)
👁️ Eye Contact
Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek medical attention if irritation persists after flushing.
🖐️ Skin Contact
Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water for at least 10 minutes. Launder contaminated clothing before reuse. Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.
💨 Inhalation
Remove person to fresh air. Keep at rest in a comfortable position for breathing. Inhalation risk is very low at ambient temperatures due to negligible vapour pressure. Seek medical attention if symptoms (e.g. dizziness, irritation) persist.
🤢 Ingestion
Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Give 1–2 glasses of water if the person is conscious and not having convulsions. Seek immediate medical attention. Show the SDS or product label to the attending physician.
5 🔥 Fire-Fighting Measures (SDS Section 5)
MPD has a flash point of 88 °C (closed cup), classifying it as a combustible liquid (GHS Flammable Liquid Cat. 4) rather than a flammable liquid. It will not ignite from a spark or open flame at room temperature under normal storage conditions. However, when heated above its flash point or in the form of a fine mist, ignition risk increases significantly.
🔥 Fire Response Guide
🔸 Suitable extinguishing media: CO₂, dry chemical powder, foam, water spray (not water jet - may spread burning liquid)
🔸 Unsuitable extinguishing media: Direct high-pressure water stream (risk of scattering burning material)
🔸 Combustion products: CO₂, CO, water vapour; incomplete combustion may produce irritating organic vapours
🔸 Firefighter PPE: Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear required for enclosed fire situations
🔸 Container cooling: Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up. Move containers from fire area if safe to do so.
🔸 Explosion limits: LEL ~1.1% v/v | UEL ~8.0% v/v (applicable only above flash point temperature)
6 📦 Handling & Storage Requirements (SDS Section 7)
Safe Handling Precautions
✅ Handle in a well-ventilated area or with local exhaust ventilation when heated above 50 °C or used in spray applications.
✅ Keep away from open flames, ignition sources, and heat above the flash point (88 °C).
✅ Use only non-sparking tools and explosion-proof equipment when heating or transferring large volumes.
✅ Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact; wear PPE as specified in Section 8.
✅ Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling.
✅ Ground and bond containers when transferring to prevent static discharge accumulation in bulk transfer operations.
Storage Requirements
| Storage Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Temperature range | 5–35 °C recommended; melting point −50 °C so no freezing risk |
| Container materials | ✅ Stainless steel (316L), HDPE, FRP, lined mild steel ❌ Avoid unlined carbon steel (corrosion risk), copper alloys |
| Container sealing | Keep tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption and contamination |
| Segregation | Store away from strong oxidising agents, strong acids, strong bases, and ignition sources |
| Ventilation | General ventilation sufficient for ambient temperature storage; local exhaust for heated storage areas |
| Shelf life | ≥24 months in original sealed containers under recommended conditions |
| Fire category (storage class) | Class IIIB combustible liquid (NFPA 30) or Storage Class 10 (German TRGS 510) |
7 🥽 Personal Protective Equipment (SDS Section 8)
👁️ Eye / Face Protection
Required: Chemical splash goggles (EN 166 / ANSI Z87.1) for routine handling.
For bulk transfer: Full-face shield in addition to goggles.
🧤 Hand Protection
Recommended: Nitrile gloves (≥0.3 mm thickness, EN 374). Butyl rubber for prolonged contact. Replace gloves immediately if contaminated or damaged.
🧥 Body Protection
Routine: Lab coat or work clothing providing skin coverage.
Bulk handling: Chemical-resistant apron and boots.
😷 Respiratory Protection
Ambient temperature: Not normally required (vapour pressure <0.1 hPa).
Heated / spray operations: Organic vapour respirator (EN 140 / NIOSH), half-face with OV cartridge.
Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs): No specific OEL is established for hexylene glycol by OSHA (US) or EH40 (UK). In the absence of a specific OEL, many industrial hygienists apply a conservative default of 50–100 ppm (8h TWA) based on analogy with similar glycol solvents, though actual vapour concentrations at ambient temperature are far below this range. Refer to OSHA HazCom standards for current requirements in the United States.
8 🧹 Spill & Accidental Release Response (SDS Section 6)
🚨 Spill Response - Step-by-Step
Step 1 - Isolate: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Eliminate all ignition sources in the spill area (no sparks, flames, or smoking).
Step 2 - PPE up: Don appropriate PPE (goggles, nitrile gloves, chemical-resistant boots) before entering the spill area.
Step 3 - Contain: Contain spill with berms or absorbent material to prevent entry into drains, sewers, or waterways.
Step 4 - Absorb: Absorb with dry inert material - sand, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, or commercial liquid absorbent. Avoid using combustible absorbents (sawdust).
Step 5 - Collect: Scoop absorbed material into labelled, closeable waste containers for proper disposal.
Step 6 - Clean up: Wash the contaminated area with soap and water. Collect washings for disposal - do not flush to drain without treatment.
Step 7 - Report: For large spills reaching drains or waterways, report to the relevant environmental authority as required by local regulation.
9 🚢 Transport Classification
Hexylene glycol is regulated as a hazardous material under international transport regulations when transported in quantities exceeding the exemption thresholds. The key transport classifications are:
| Mode | Regulation | UN Number | Proper Shipping Name | Class | Packing Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚛 Road | ADR (Europe) | UN 1987 | Alcohols, n.o.s. | 3 | III |
| 🚢 Sea | IMDG Code | UN 1987 | Alcohols, n.o.s. | 3 | III |
| ✈️ Air | IATA DGR | UN 1987 | Alcohols, n.o.s. | 3 | III |
| 🚂 Rail | RID | UN 1987 | Alcohols, n.o.s. | 3 | III |
💡 Packaging note: Packing Group III applies to all modes. For drums (200 kg) and IBCs (1,000 kg), UN-approved packaging is required for international transport. Small quantities (<5L per inner packaging) may qualify for limited quantity (LQ) exemptions under ADR/IMDG - confirm with your freight forwarder.
10 🌍 Global Regulatory Inventory Status
| Jurisdiction | Inventory / Regulation | Listed? | Special Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | REACH (EC 1907/2006) | ✅ Yes | Not on SVHC Candidate List; not subject to authorisation or restriction |
| United States | TSCA Inventory | ✅ Yes | Active status; no TSCA Section 6 restrictions |
| China | IECSC (MEP Order 7) | ✅ Yes | No special import restrictions; standard customs declaration |
| Japan | ENCS (METI) | ✅ Yes | No restrictions under ENCS; PRTR reporting may apply at high volumes |
| South Korea | K-REACH / ECL | ✅ Yes | Listed on ECL; K-REACH registration required above 1 tonne/year threshold |
| Australia | AICIS (AIIC) | ✅ Yes | Listed; standard introduction - no special controls |
| Canada | DSL (CEPA) | ✅ Yes | On Domestic Substances List; not subject to CEPA Priority Substance assessment |
MPD is globally tradeable without special permits or pre-market notification requirements in all major chemical markets. For the EU REACH registration documentation, refer to the ECHA substance information page for CAS 107-41-5 →
11 ♻️ Waste Disposal Guidance
Disposal of hexylene glycol waste must comply with applicable local, national, and international waste regulations. The following provides general guidance; always verify the current requirements in your jurisdiction.
🔸 Classification: Waste hexylene glycol is typically classified as non-hazardous liquid waste in many jurisdictions, provided it is not contaminated with other hazardous substances. Contaminated waste (mixed with solvents, heavy metals, or other regulated materials) must be classified according to the contaminant.
🔸 Preferred disposal: Recovery and recycle where technically and economically feasible. Hexylene glycol is readily biodegradable (BOD/COD ratio indicates good biodegradability) and may be acceptable for controlled biological wastewater treatment.
🔸 Incineration: Incinerate in a licensed facility at temperatures sufficient for complete combustion. Products of complete combustion: CO₂ and H₂O.
🔸 Sewage disposal: Small dilute quantities may be acceptable for sanitary sewer disposal subject to local authority approval and concentration limits. Large quantities must not be discharged to sewers without treatment.
🔸 EU waste code: Typically assigned EWC 07 01 04* (other organic solvents, washing liquids) or 07 06 04 depending on the waste stream and national classification.
12 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I download the official SDS for 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol?
A: The official Safety Data Sheet for Sinolook Chemical's hexylene glycol (CAS 107-41-5) is available for download on our product page →. The SDS is prepared in compliance with GHS/OSHA HazCom 2012 format (16 sections) and is available in English. Contact us for SDS in other languages.
Q: Is hexylene glycol a hazardous material for shipping?
A: Yes, it is regulated as a hazardous material under ADR, IMDG, and IATA as UN 1987, Class 3 (Flammable Liquid), Packing Group III. However, the Packing Group III classification indicates the lowest level of danger within Class 3, and it qualifies for limited quantity exemptions in small packages. All Sinolook Chemical shipments include proper UN-compliant packaging and shipping documentation.
Q: Does hexylene glycol require REACH registration for import into the EU?
A: Yes. Under EU REACH, substances imported above 1 tonne per year require registration by the importer (as "Only Representative" (OR) arrangements are also available). CAS 107-41-5 has been registered under REACH by multiple manufacturers. Sinolook Chemical can provide REACH registration documentation upon request.
Q: What gloves are recommended for handling hexylene glycol?
A: Nitrile gloves (minimum 0.3 mm thickness) are recommended for routine handling. For prolonged contact or immersion, butyl rubber or neoprene gloves provide superior chemical resistance. Thin latex or vinyl gloves are not recommended as they offer insufficient breakthrough resistance for extended contact.
Q: Is hexylene glycol biodegradable?
A: Yes. Hexylene glycol is readily biodegradable (OECD 301B ready biodegradability criterion met). It does not persist in the environment under aerobic conditions and has low bioaccumulation potential (LogP 0.58, BCF estimate <100). It is not classified as environmentally hazardous under GHS.
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