Material Selection for isoprene and 3-methyl-1-butene

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the selection of materials for a system involving isoprene and 3-methyl-1-butene, specifically in the context of a school project. Participants inquire about the properties of these chemicals, their corrosiveness, and the implications for material choice in equipment such as distillation columns, heat exchangers, and piping.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on the best materials to use in a system involving isoprene and 3-methyl-1-butene, questioning their corrosiveness.
  • Another participant suggests checking the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for information on corrosiveness and safety precautions.
  • A participant notes that isoprene is prone to spontaneous polymerization, raising concerns about safety and handling.
  • Some participants mention that the chemicals do not appear to be especially corrosive based on their MSDS sheets, but caution that they are still dangerous.
  • One participant expresses the need to determine the corrosiveness of the chemicals to select appropriate stainless steel for the system, emphasizing cost-effectiveness.
  • Another participant provides links to resources for understanding corrosiveness and safety aspects related to handling these chemicals.
  • A later reply clarifies that the project is theoretical and does not involve actual handling of the chemicals, but acknowledges the importance of including safety considerations in the report.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the corrosiveness of isoprene and 3-methyl-1-butene, with some suggesting they are not corrosive while others emphasize the need for caution due to their hazardous properties. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific properties that should be considered for material selection.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the importance of understanding the flammability and spontaneous polymerization properties of the chemicals, which may influence material selection and safety considerations.

shyb0y85
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hey guys.gals
am currently working on a school project. and i would appreciate any help on what would be the best materials in a system that involves isoprene(2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) and 3-methyl-1-butene. and help on the properties of this liquids would also be apreciated. are they corrosive ?
the system contains distillation column, heat exchanger, reboilers, tanks , piping.
i would really like to know the properties of the materials. any help?
thanks
 
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shyb0y85 said:
hey guys.gals
am currently working on a school project. and i would appreciate any help on what would be the best materials in a system that involves isoprene(2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) and 3-methyl-1-butene. and help on the properties of this liquids would also be apreciated. are they corrosive ?
the system contains distillation column, heat exchanger, reboilers, tanks , piping.
i would really like to know the properties of the materials. any help?
thanks

Welcome to the PF. What other information sources have you tapped so far? Seems like Google would be of help. And here is what W|A has to say:

2-methyl-1,3-butadiene: http://www95.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=2-methyl-1,3-butadiene


3-methyl-1-butene: http://www95.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=3-methyl-1-butene

NFPA:
 

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BTW, why are you asking if they are corrosive? What do their MSDS sheets say? You do know what an MSDS is, right?
 
BTW, isoprene has an ominous warning on its MSDS:

MSDS said:
Unstable - prone to spontaneous polymerization

I've seen vidoes of what can happen when you get spontaneous polymerization. Boom.

From their MSDS sheets, they do not appear to be especially corrosive. Still pretty dangerous stuff.
 
shyb0y85 said:
the system contains distillation column, heat exchanger, reboilers, tanks , piping.
i would really like to know the properties of the materials. any help?
thanks

Please be sure to read and understand the flammability and spontaneous polymerization properties of these two materials. You probably do not want them to be getting near any heat sources...
 
berkeman said:
BTW, why are you asking if they are corrosive? What do their MSDS sheets say? You do know what an MSDS is, right?

thanks for all your responses W A has been very helpful with the data provided.
i was asking if the chemicals are corrosive so that i can determine which type of Stainless Steel i can use for the different units; as there is no need to use a corrosion resistant SS when the chemicals are not corrosive.i think it won't be cost effective.
i have looked at W\A, could u pls point me as to which property i should consider for the corrosiveness of the chemicals.its not quite clear.
thanks again
 
shyb0y85 said:
thanks for all your responses W A has been very helpful with the data provided.
i was asking if the chemicals are corrosive so that i can determine which type of Stainless Steel i can use for the different units; as there is no need to use a corrosion resistant SS when the chemicals are not corrosive.i think it won't be cost effective.
i have looked at W\A, could u pls point me as to which property i should consider for the corrosiveness of the chemicals.its not quite clear.
thanks again

The MSDS will list it as corrosive if it is a strong acid or base:

http://www.ilpi.com/msdS/ref/corrosive.html

For example, look at the MSDS for sulphuric acid:

http://msds.chem.ox.ac.uk/SU/sulfuric_acid_concentrated.html

Nasty stuff.

Did you understand my concerns about the flammability and spontaneous polymerization properties of the two chemicals you are asking about? Is your supervisor/prof/TA aware of the safety aspects involved in working with chemicals like these?

In your work on this, please be sure to make the safety aspects of working with these chemicals part of your written work. Are you just writing up a report, or do you intend to actually build an apparatus and work with these chemicals? What is the goal of this work?
 
thanks a lot for the links and all the help man, been very helpful.
its just a report on the design of the distillation stage of isoprene to produce isoprene and 3-methyl-1-butene. its just 'theoretical' no actual handling of chemicals and all.
although i will be sure to include that caution need to be taken when handling chemicals due flammability and spontenous polymerization. but all in all its just a report, so i don't think that the safety aspects of handling the equipment are to be thought about a lot.
 

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