A clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point -30°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
4-METHYL-1,3-PENTADIENE may react vigorously with strong oxidizing agents. May react exothermically with reducing agents to release hydrogen gas. In the presence of various catalysts (such as acids) or initiators, may undergo exothermic addition polymerization reactions. May undergo autoxidation upon exposure to the air to form explosive peroxides. Violent explosions at low temperatures in ammonia synthesis units have been traced to the addition products of dienes and nitrogen dioxide [Bretherick, 5th Ed., 1995].
Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
