murphyIsooctane
AKA: 2, 4-Trimethylpentane, Pentane, ISO-OCTANE, HSDB 5682
Synthetic
Solvent
Not Clean
OriginIsooctane is a branched hydrocarbon alkane derived from crude oil refining and petroleum distillation processes. It is produced through catalytic isomerization and fractionation of octane isomers during petroleum refining.
2,2,4-Trimethylpentane is released to the environment through the manufacture, use, and disposal of products associated with the petroleum and gasoline industry. During an accident, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane penetrated the skin of a human which caused necrosis of the skin and tissue in the hand and required surgery. No other information is available on the acute (short-term) effects in humans. Irritation of the lungs, edema, and hemorrhage have been reported in rodents acutely exposed by inhalation and injection. No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane in humans. Kidney and liver effects have been observed in rats chronically exposed via gavage (experimentally placing the chemical in the stomach) and inhalation. EPA has not classified 2,2,4-trimethylpentane with respect to potential carcinogenicity.
Solubility PRACTICALLY INSOL IN WATER; SOMEWHAT SOL IN ABS ALC; SOL IN BENZENE, TOLUENE, XYLENE, CHLOROFORM, ETHER, CARBON DISULFIDE, CARBON TETRACHLORIDE, DMF & OILS, EXCEPT CASTOR OIL.
Formula
C8H18
Mol. Weight
114.23
CAS #
540-84-1
Form
Liquid
State
Isooctane appears as a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Quells irritation
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients; not tested individually (CIR 579)
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 579)
Not a Sensitizer (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 579)
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating (CIR 579)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR