4-Methylpentan-2-ol
- Alcohol solvents
- CAS 108-11-2
- IUPAC: 4-methylpentan-2-ol
4-Methylpentan-2-ol (CAS 108-11-2) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026), 1 of which carry a DANGER signal word on their published Safety Data Sheet. It is listed on California's Proposition 65 and classified as a VOC.
California Prop 65 listed — both carcinogen (listed November 4, 2011) and developmental toxin (listed March 28, 2014), classified as 4-methylpentan-2-one (MIBK, CAS 108-10-1) which is a close chemical relative and co-listed hazard for this compound family. Causes skin irritation (H315) and serious eye irritation (H319) at use concentrations. Dermally absorbable per ACGIH and OSHA skin designations. Moderately toxic if swallowed (LD50 rat oral 2.6 g/kg). No respiratory sensitizer classification.
4-Methylpentan-2-ol (MIBC, CAS 108-11-2) is a secondary alcohol co-solvent used in fuel-system and carburetor cleaners as a wetting agent and mild gum/lacquer remover. It appears in Ford's Motorcraft Carburetor Tune-Up Cleaner (PM-3) at 2–4% by weight.
The compound is California Prop 65-listed — both carcinogen and developmental toxin listings apply to the related MIBK (methyl isobutyl ketone, CAS 108-10-1) which is the primary Prop 65 driver referenced in Ford's SDS. ACGIH, OSHA, and multiple state regulations assign skin-absorption designations to 4-methylpentan-2-ol, meaning dermal contact during use is a meaningful exposure route.
At typical formulation concentrations of 2–4%, it is a minor contributor to carb-cleaner chemistry but its Prop 65 status drives product-level labeling requirements in California.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- yes
- Prop 65 listed
- yes
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- no
- Biodegradable
- no
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- no
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 2/5
Common questions about 4-Methylpentan-2-ol
- What is 4-Methylpentan-2-ol used for in car care?
- Secondary alcohol co-solvent in carburetor cleaners and industrial degreasers — wetting agent and gum/lacquer remover
- Is 4-Methylpentan-2-ol a VOC?
- Yes. 4-Methylpentan-2-ol is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is 4-Methylpentan-2-ol on California's Proposition 65 list?
- Yes. 4-Methylpentan-2-ol appears on California's Proposition 65 list.
1 product contain this
Motorcraft Carburetor Tune-Up Cleaner PM-3Prop 65carb-cleaner
Related
Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.