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.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 203-551-7
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Solutions Using This Product
Process-solution guides on this site that specify this chemistry:
- Frothers for Stable Flotation Froth (Oil, Gas & Mining)
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.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol (MIBC, 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol)?
Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol (MIBC, 4-Methyl-2-Pentanol) (CAS 108-11-2) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 203-551-7).