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Chemical collection and stock control for UK schools, universities and hospitals

2-Bromo-2-methylpropane (CAS 507-19-7): storage and disposal

2-Bromo-2-methylpropane, or tert-butyl bromide, is a highly flammable liquid held in small bottles in school, college and university prep rooms, usually from teaching demonstrations. The only classification given is highly flammable, so fire and volatility dominate the handling decisions. Because it is a tertiary halide it reacts readily with water, and that shapes what a long-stored bottle looks like.

CAS number
507-19-7
Form
Liquid
Storage class
Flammable
Signal word
Danger
Usual EWC code
16 05 06*
  • Flammable pictogramFlammable

What to do this week

  1. Check the label is readable and write down the opened date if it is not already there.
  2. Check it is stored as flammable stock and apart from the items listed under "Do not store with".
  3. If you no longer need it, add it to your disposal list so it goes on the next collection.

Safe storage in a school or lab

School prep rooms usually keep it on the shelf of the flammables cabinet next to the other alkyl halides used for substitution work, and that shelf should have spill containment and sit away from ignition sources. Oxidisers, oxidising acids and leaking corrosive stock must be elsewhere, since they can ignite a flammable liquid or break down its bottle. Keep the cap firmly seated and the bottle dry, as damp air is its enemy. The same compound appears under both names, so label it with the systematic and the tert-butyl name and date it on arrival.

How to tell it has deteriorated

A technician looking at a long-stored bottle sees first a lowered level and a cap liner that has dried out, since this liquid is volatile. Tertiary bromides are easily attacked by moisture, so a bottle left loose to damp air can smell sharper or more acrid on opening than a fresh one, and may be discoloured. Do not open it to check. Other faults are ordinary: stained labels, residue at the neck, a bulging wall from pressure and a label that has lost its writing. Record what is seen and leave the bottle in place.

How it must be disposed of

By specialist collection only. It never goes down the drain or into general waste. It is normally packed in a flammable laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.

A bottle of it leaves the site by specialist collection, packed by the collector with compatible halogenated flammable liquids. Nothing should be poured away, left open to evaporate or treated, and the bottle should not be topped up or combined with other waste. For packed laboratory stock the list code is 16 05 06*, and a loose discarded organic chemical not sent in a pack can use 16 05 08*. List it under both names, give the size and level, and note any cap fault or unusual smell or colour.

Waste codes and transport details for 2-Bromo-2-methylpropane
EWC code, laboratory chemicals16 05 06*
Discarded organic chemical, not a laboratory pack16 05 08*
Hazardous wasteYes

20 01 13* (solvents) belongs to municipal collections and is shown for reference only. It is not the normal code for a laboratory collection.

The code depends on where the waste came from and what it is mixed with. Use the waste code finder to see why.

Do not store with

  • OxidiserOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • AcidOxidising acids can ignite flammable materials, and acid fumes attack containers and seals.
  • CorrosiveA leak of corrosive stock can break down flammable containers and feed a fire.

Named chemicals to keep apart

  • Acetic acidOxidising acids can ignite flammable materials, and acid fumes attack containers and seals.
  • Calcium hypochloriteOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Hydrochloric acidOxidising acids can ignite flammable materials, and acid fumes attack containers and seals.
  • Hydrogen peroxideOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Nitric acidOxidising acids can ignite flammable materials, and acid fumes attack containers and seals.
  • Potassium nitrateOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Potassium permanganateOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Sulfuric acidOxidising acids can ignite flammable materials, and acid fumes attack containers and seals.
Show 2 more
  • Thionyl chlorideA leak of corrosive stock can break down flammable containers and feed a fire.
  • Zinc chlorideA leak of corrosive stock can break down flammable containers and feed a fire.

Common quantities we collect

Usually held as: neat.

Part-used bottles and full containers are both fine. Tell us the size and how many, and an estimate is enough for a first price.

Where it is commonly held

Hazard statements

  • H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
Precautionary statements
  • P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233 Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241 Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242 Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243 Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P370+P378 In case of fire: Use suitable extinguishing media to extinguish.
  • P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.

Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.

Questions

Is 2-bromo-2-methylpropane the same as tert-butyl bromide?

Yes, they are different names for one liquid. Use both on the label and collection list so it is not missed on a stock count. The collector will want the systematic name and the common name together.

Why does an old bottle smell sharper than expected?

Tertiary halides are attacked easily by moisture, so a bottle that has taken in damp air may smell sharper or more acrid. Do not open it to check. Leave it capped on a tray and describe the smell when listing it.

Does highly flammable alone call for a fire-resistant cabinet?

Yes. Its classification is highly flammable and nothing more, but that is enough for a ventilated fire-resistant cabinet with spill containment, away from ignition sources and oxidisers.

Guidance only. Check your own risk assessment and your supplier's safety data sheet.

Hazard data source: PubChem GHS Classification, retrieved 31 Oct 2026. Formula C4H9Br. EC number 208-065-9.

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