2-Chloropropane Safety, Handling & Storage Guide

2-Chloropropane (CAS 75-29-6), also known as isopropyl chloride, is a volatile, colorless liquid that's a chlorinated hydrocarbon—imagine it as a modified version of the propane in your camping stove, but with a chlorine twist that makes it useful as a solvent and intermediate in chemical synthesis. However, its flammability and potential health effects make proper safety protocols crucial, much like handling gasoline at a pump where one wrong move could lead to trouble. This guide summarizes its GHS hazard classification and key SDS safety information, covering hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe storage, emergency measures, and more to help ensure safe use in industrial or lab settings.

Product Identification

Substance Identification

Chemical name: 2-Chloropropane  Synonyms: Isopropyl chloride, 1-Chloro-2-propane  CAS number: 75-29-6  Recommended use: Industrial intermediate, solvent  Restrictions: For industrial use only

GHS Classification

GHS Hazard Classes

Flammable liquids — Category 2  Acute toxicity (oral) — Category 4  Acute toxicity (dermal) — Category 4  Acute toxicity (inhalation) — Category 4

GHS Label Elements

Pictograms:  Flame  Exclamation mark

Signal word: Danger

Hazard statements (H-codes):  H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapor  H302 Harmful if swallowed  H312 Harmful in contact with skin  H332 Harmful if inhaled

Precautionary Statements

Prevention: P210 Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces. No smoking; P233 Keep container tightly closed; P240 Ground/bond container and receiving equipment; P241 Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating, lighting equipment; P242 Use only non-sparking tools; P243 Take precautionary measures against static discharge; P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray; P264 Wash thoroughly after handling; P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product; P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.

Response: P301+P312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell; P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water/soap; P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower; P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing; P312 Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell; P330 Rinse mouth; P332+P313 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention; P362 Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse; P370+P378 In case of fire: Use dry chemical, CO₂, water spray, or alcohol-resistant foam for extinction.

Storage: P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed; P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool; P405 Store locked up.

Disposal: P501 Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste disposal plant.

Health Hazards & Exposure Routes

Routes of Exposure

Inhalation  Skin contact  Eye contact  Ingestion

Symptoms & Effects

Short-term: Irritation to skin and eyes, like the sting from chopping onions; narcotic effects in high concentrations leading to dizziness or asphyxiation, similar to feeling lightheaded after spinning in circles; may cause burns or toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin.  Long-term: Potential histologic changes in liver and kidneys based on animal studies, though no significant chronic effects in humans are widely reported—think of it as wear and tear from repeated exposure without proper protection.

Toxicological Information Summary

LD50 oral (guinea pigs): 3 g/kg (survived), 10 g/kg (succumbed)  LC50 inhalation (rat): 120,000 mg/m³  Sensitization: Not specified (no known sensitization effects)  Carcinogenicity: Not classified

Safe Handling Practices

Handling Recommendations

Use in well-ventilated areas, like cooking with strong spices under a range hood to avoid overwhelming fumes. Avoid sparks/flames, ground/bond containers to prevent static buildup (similar to grounding electronics to avoid shocks), avoid breathing vapors, and no eating/drinking while handling to prevent accidental ingestion.

Hygienic Practices

Wash hands after use, as if you'd handled raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination. Remove contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye/Face Protection

Chemical splash goggles, like safety glasses for a science experiment but designed to block liquid splashes.

Skin/Body Protection

Solvent-resistant gloves (nitrile/neoprene), acting as a barrier like rubber gloves for gardening in thorny bushes; long-sleeved lab coat or chemical suit for full coverage.

Respiratory Protection

Organic vapor respirator if ventilation is insufficient, similar to a dust mask for sanding wood but filtered for chemical vapors.

Engineering Controls

Local exhaust ventilation, like a bathroom fan pulling out steam; explosion-proof equipment to prevent ignitions in risky areas.

Safe Storage Guidelines

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area under refrigerated temperatures if possible, like keeping paint thinner in a garage cabinet away from heaters. Keep container tightly closed and away from heat, sparks, flames.

Incompatible Materials

Strong oxidizing and reducing agents, many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, epoxides—avoid mixing like you wouldn't combine bleach and vinegar, which could release harmful gases.

Packaging Recommendations

Drums, ISO tanks; approved materials (stainless steel recommended) for durability and corrosion resistance.

Spill, Leak & Emergency Response Procedures

Small Spill

Absorb with inert material like sand or kitty litter, then ventilate the area—treat it like soaking up spilled oil on a driveway.

Large Spill

Evacuate area, use non-sparking equipment, contain and collect the spill, preventing entry into drains or confined spaces.

Firefighting Measures

Suitable extinguishing agents: dry chemical, CO₂, water spray, or alcohol-resistant foam—like using baking soda on a kitchen grease fire. Fire hazards: vapors heavier than air with flashback risk, meaning flames can travel back to the source like a trail of gunpowder. Special protective equipment for firefighters: positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear.

Transportation & Regulatory Information

Transport Classification

UN Number: UN 2356  Hazard Class: 3  Packing Group: I  Marine pollutant: No

Regulatory Compliance

REACH: Registered (active)  TSCA: Active  Workplace exposure limits: Not specified

Disposal Information

Consult environmental regulatory agencies for guidance; avoid release to the environment and use a licensed waste handler—think of it as recycling hazardous materials like old batteries rather than tossing them in the trash.

Summary & Safety Reminder

2-Chloropropane is highly flammable and can cause irritation, dizziness, or more serious effects upon exposure. Proper ventilation, PPE, and fire prevention measures are essential during handling and storage, much like safety rules for using a home grill. Always refer to the full SDS for complete safety instructions.