4-METHYLPENTAN-2-OL- ▸ Flotation frother: Generates stable froth in flotation of copper sulfide ores, coal, and tar sands.
- ▸ Solvent: Dissolves dyes, oils, gums, resins, waxes, and cellulose esters.
- ▸ Lubricant-additive feedstock: Used in producing anti-wear and corrosion-inhibitor additives.
- ▸ Intermediate: Feedstock for plasticizers, lacquers, and brake fluids.
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
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Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.
Methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC, 4-methyl-2-pentanol; CAS 108-11-2) is a branched C6 secondary alcohol. It is used as a frother in the froth flotation of copper ores, coal, and tar sands, and as a solvent for dyes, oils, gums, resins, waxes, and cellulose esters. It also serves as an intermediate in the manufacture of lubricant additives, plasticizers, and lacquers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MIBC (methyl isobutyl carbinol)?
MIBC, or methyl isobutyl carbinol (4-methyl-2-pentanol, CAS 108-11-2, C6H14O), is a branched C6 secondary alcohol in the oxygenated-solvents family. It is used primarily as a flotation frother and as a solvent for oils, resins, and cellulose esters.
What is MIBC used for in mining?
MIBC is a widely used frother in froth flotation, generating a stable, well-controlled froth in the flotation of copper sulfide ores, coal, and tar sands. The branched secondary-alcohol structure gives it the bubble-stabilizing behavior valued in mineral processing.
What else is MIBC used for besides flotation?
Beyond mining, MIBC is a solvent for dyes, oils, gums, resins, waxes, and cellulose esters, and an intermediate in the manufacture of lubricant additives, plasticizers, lacquers, and brake fluids. It is supplied to both mineral-processing and chemical-manufacturing customers.
Is MIBC an alcohol?
Yes. MIBC is 4-methyl-2-pentanol, a branched secondary aliphatic alcohol (the term carbinol is an older name for an alcohol). Its single hydroxyl group on a six-carbon branched chain underlies both its frothing and solvent properties.
What is the UN number for shipping bulk MIBC?
MIBC ships under UN 2053 (Methyl isobutyl carbinol) as a flammable liquid; consult the SDS for the proper shipping name, packing group, and DOT/IMDG details. RawSource supplies it in bulk drums and totes/IBCs, with a CoA and SDS per shipment; submit a bulk quote for pricing and MOQ.