2,2,4-Trimethylpentane

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane, also known as iso-octane or simply 224TMP, is an organic compound, an isomer of octane (C₈H₁₈).

This particular isomer is an important component of gasoline and the standard 100 point on the octane rating scale (with 0 point being heptane).

Properties

Chemical

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane is exceedingly flammable in the presence of oxygen, and will burn to release carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Physical

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane is an odorless colorless liquid, insoluble in water but miscible with many organic solvents. It lighter than water, with a density of 0.692 g/l. 224TMP has a boiling point of 99.1 °C and a melting point of −107.44 °C. It is very flammable, with a flash point of -12 °C and an autoignition temperature of 396 °C.

Availability

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane is available in high octane gasoline, and can be extracted via distillation or rectification, depending on the composition of gasoline.

Preparation

Industrially it is produced by distillation of petroleum.

Another route involves the dimerization of isobutylene, using an Amberlyst catalyst, method that produces a mixture of iso-octenes. This mixture is hydrogenated to yield 2,2,4-trimethylpentane.

Projects

• Organic extractions
• Pepsin extraction

Handling

Safety

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane poses little toxicity, though its vapors are irritant to the nose, lungs and eyes.

Storage

224TMP should be stored in closed bottles away from any heat source.

Disposal

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane can be safely burned.