22-Dimethylpropane Neopentane | Metro Welding Supply Corp.

When considering the compatibility of neopentane with various materials, it's essential to understand how it interacts with different categories such as metals, plastics, elastomers, and lubricants. Here is a structured breakdown of neopentane's compatibility with each group:

Metals

Unfortunately, the data regarding neopentane's interaction with numerous metals is lacking. The list of metals for which compatibility information is unavailable includes:

• Aluminium
• Brass
• Monel
• Copper
• Ferritic Steel
• Stainless steel
• Zinc
• Titanium

Plastics

In the realm of plastics, neopentane shows satisfactory compatibility with several types, but not all have been tested:

Satisfactory Compatibility:

• Polytetrafluoroethylene
• Polychlorotrifluoroethylene
• Polyvinylidene fluoride
• Polyvinyl chloride
• Polyamide

Unknown Compatibility:

• Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene
• Polycarbonate
• Polypropylene exhibits significant swelling and is not recommended for use with neopentane.

Elastomers

Elastomers demonstrate varied reactions when exposed to neopentane:

Satisfactory Compatibility:

• Nitrile rubber
• Chloroprene
• Perfluoroelastomers
• Fluoroelastomers

Not Recommended (due to significant swelling):

• Butyl rubber
• Silicone
• Ethylene-Propylene

Unknown Compatibility:

• Neoprene
• Polyurethane

Lubricants

For lubricants, there is no existing data on the compatibility with neopentane for both hydrocarbon-based and fluorocarbon-based lubricants.

In conclusion, while neopentane is satisfactorily compatible with several types of plastics and elastomers, the lack of comprehensive data for metals and lubricants necessitates further testing and confirmation for those materials. This inconsistency in data highlights an area for potential exploration and verification to ensure safe and effective usage of neopentane with various industrial materials.

When exploring the properties of neopentane, it is essential to understand several key parameters that define its safety and handling requirements. Here’s a detailed look at the characteristics:

Autoignition Temperature: 

• Neopentane ignites on its own at a temperature of 450 °C (842 °F). This is a consistent value noted across multiple safety data sources, indicating a relatively high threshold for ignition without an external flame.

Flammability Limits:

• Lower Flammability Limit (LFL): The minimum concentration of neopentane in the air (by volume) that will ignite is 1.3%, according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, and slightly higher at 1.4%, according to NFPA 325.
• Upper Flammability Limit (UFL): The maximum concentration of neopentane in the air at which it can ignite is 7.5%, as stated by both IEC and NFPA guidelines.

Flash Point:

• Neopentane has a flash point of -51 °C (-59.8 °F), meaning it can form flammable mixtures with air at relatively low temperatures. This highlights the importance of proper storage and handling to prevent accidental ignition.

Toxicity Thresholds:

• OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): The occupational exposure limit set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for an 8-hour workday is 1000 ppm (parts per million), equivalent to 2950 mg/m³.
• ACGIH TLV (Threshold Limit Value): The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommends an 8-hour time-weighted average exposure limit of 1000 ppm.
• NIOSH REL (Recommended Exposure Limit): The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also recommends a ceiling concentration of 1000 ppm to prevent adverse health effects.

These details encapsulate the primary hazards and exposure limits associated with neopentane, ensuring proper precautions and safety measures are observed during its handling and use.

Safety and Compatibility Aspects of Neopentane

Neopentane (2,2-Dimethylpropane) is a hydrocarbon with specific safety and compatibility considerations crucial for its use in industrial and laboratory settings in the United States. Below is a detailed overview of these aspects:

Safety Considerations

Fire Hazards:

• Autoignition Temperature: Neopentane ignites spontaneously at 450 °C (842 °F).
• Flammability Limits: It has a lower flammability limit (LFL) of 1.3% and an upper flammability limit (UFL) of 7.5% by volume in air. These values indicate the concentration range within which neopentane vapors can ignite if an ignition source is present.
• Neopentane is classified as a flammable substance under GHS02, necessitating careful handling to prevent ignition.

Health and Environmental Safety:

• Toxicity: Neopentane is generally non-toxic at standard conditions. The OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) and ACGIH TLV (Threshold Limit Value) for neopentane are set at 1000 ppm, aligning with a 3000 mg/m³ exposure limit over an 8-hour workday.
• Environmental Impact: Classified under GHS09, neopentane is considered hazardous to the environment, particularly aquatic life, necessitating measures to prevent spills and leaks into water bodies.

General Safety Precautions:

• Although neopentane is stable and inert under standard conditions, it should be stored away from heat sources, open flames, and oxidizing agents to mitigate fire risks.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety goggles when handling neopentane to avoid contact and inhalation of vapors.

Material Compatibility

Understanding the compatibility of neopentane with various materials is critical for ensuring the safety and integrity of equipment used in its storage and handling.

Compatible Materials:

• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): Neopentane is highly compatible with PTFE, making it a preferred material for gaskets and seals.
• Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) and Polyamide (Nylon): These materials show satisfactory performance with neopentane, indicating no significant chemical interaction or degradation.
• Stainless Steel: Suitable for use in constructing storage tanks and pipelines, providing resistance to any reactive effects from neopentane.

Materials to Avoid:

• Polypropylene (PP): Neopentane can cause swelling and deformation in polypropylene, making it unsuitable for long-term contact.
• Elastomers like Butyl and Silicone: These materials can exhibit significant swelling when exposed to neopentane, leading to potential leaks and material failure. Alternatives such as PTFE-based seals are recommended.

Consult Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS):

• For detailed guidelines on handling, storage, and emergency measures, refer to the MSDS specific to neopentane. This document provides critical information to ensure safe practices and material compatibility.

Conclusion

Neopentane's properties necessitate careful consideration of safety protocols and material compatibility to avoid potential hazards. Adhering to the guidelines provided can help ensure the safe and effective use of neopentane in various applications. Always consult the MSDS for comprehensive safety information and recommendations.

Physical Properties of Neopentane

Neopentane, also known scientifically as 2,2-dimethylpropane, is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic gas at standard temperature and pressure (STP). It is recognized for its high stability and non-reactive nature under normal conditions. Here are the key physical properties of neopentane:

Molar Mass:

• Neopentane has a molar mass of 72.149 g/mol.

Density:

• At its boiling point of 9.5 °C (49.1 °F), the liquid density of neopentane is 601.172 kg/m³.
• Neopentane is relatively low in density as a gas, making it lighter than air.

Boiling Point:

• The boiling point of neopentane is approximately 9.5 °C (49.1 °F).

Critical Point:

• Critical Temperature: Neopentane reaches its critical temperature at 160.65 °C (321.17 °F).
• Critical Pressure: The critical pressure of neopentane is 31.96 bar (463.8 psi).
• Critical Density: At the critical point, neopentane has a critical density of 235.01 kg/m³.

These precise measurements are crucial for understanding neopentane’s behavior under various conditions, enhancing its application in scientific and industrial fields due to its predictable properties.

Summary

• State at STP: Gas
• Color: Colorless
• Odor: Odorless
• Toxicity: Non-toxic
• Molar Mass: 72.149 g/mol
• Density (at boiling point): 601.172 kg/m³
• Boiling Point: 9.5 °C (49.1 °F)
• Critical Temperature: 160.65 °C (321.17 °F)
• Critical Pressure: 31.96 bar (463.8 psi)
• Critical Density: 235.01 kg/m³

These details encapsulate the essential physical properties of neopentane, providing a comprehensive understanding necessary for its safe handling and application in various industrial and scientific processes.

For more detailed information and safety guidelines, please refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) specific to neopentane.

The critical pressure of Neopentane is 31.96 bar (463.8 psi).

The critical temperature of Neopentane is 160.65 °C (321.17 °F).

The density of Neopentane at its boiling point is 601.172 kg/m³.

At its critical point, the density of Neopentane is 235.01 kg/m³.

The molar mass of Neopentane is 72.149 g/mol.