2-Iodobutane (C4H9I) is a chemical commonly used in production, but how does it affect the health of workers in an environment containing this substance? Let’s explore its dangerous impacts and the necessary protective measures in this article.
1. What is 2-Iodobutane?
2-Iodobutane, also known as Butane, 2-iodo-, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₄H₉I. This compound appears as a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor. 2-Iodobutane is used in many industrial applications, including as a catalyst in organic synthesis and in the production of other compounds.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Butan iodua | Butane, 2-iodo- | 29033990 | 513-48-4 | C4H9I |
See more: Chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. What are the sources of 2-Iodobutane generation in the production process?
During the production process, this compound is primarily generated from chemical reactions involving the substitution of a hydrogen atom of butane with an iodine atom. This process typically occurs in chemical plants or manufacturing facilities, especially during halogenation reactions where iodine is used to modify carbon compounds.
In industrial plants, gases and chemicals like butane may be used as raw materials for chemical synthesis processes. When halogenation reactions take place, an iodine atom is introduced into the structure of butane, forming this compound. This process can occur in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, along with the presence of special catalysts to promote the reaction.
Additionally, in some cases, this compound can also be created during the production of pharmaceuticals or in the petrochemical industry, where butane is used as a basic raw material. The generation of this compound occurs not only in primary chemical reactions but can also appear from side processes or due to a lack of control during the production process.

3. Industries that use 2-Iodobutane in production
In production, this compound is widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and other organic compound manufacturing industries. One of its main applications is in the synthesis of halogenated compounds, where iodine atoms replace hydrogen atoms in carbon compounds, creating products with high applicability.
The petrochemical industry also uses this compound in chemical reactions to produce other organic compounds, such as in the creation of alkyl iodides and other important intermediates. Furthermore, in the pharmaceutical industry, it plays a role in the synthesis of pharmacological compounds, contributing to the production of medicines.
Besides that, factories producing other industrial compounds such as detergents, synthetic plastics, or electronic materials may also use this compound as a raw material to produce necessary products for specialized applications.
4. How does 2-Iodobutane affect workers?
This compound can cause many negative health effects for workers with long-term exposure in the work environment. When inhaling the vapor of this substance, workers may experience respiratory problems such as coughing, shortness of breath, or pneumonia. These effects often occur when there are leaks or uncontrolled emissions in the production environment.
Direct contact with the skin and eyes can also cause irritation, including redness, itching, or swelling. In particular, if this compound enters the body through the respiratory tract or skin over a long period, it can cause serious medical conditions such as damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. This is due to its ability to accumulate in the body and have a long-term impact on vital organs.
Furthermore, exposure to this compound can also increase the risk of neurotoxicity, with symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and reduced ability to concentrate. Workers in environments with high concentrations of this compound, especially those with frequent exposure, are at a higher risk of developing more serious health problems.
5. Permissible safe concentration of 2-Iodobutane for human exposure
Currently, standards for the maximum permissible concentration of 2-iodobutane (C4H9I) in the work environment are not specifically regulated in Vietnamese legal documents. However, to ensure worker safety, production facilities should adhere to international occupational safety guidelines and standards, while implementing workplace control measures such as adequate ventilation and providing appropriate personal protective equipment.

At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to 2-Iodobutane. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of 2-Iodobutane on workers
To minimize the health effects of this compound on workers, safety measures must be applied throughout the production process. One of the most important measures is to control the concentration of the substance in the air. Ventilation and exhaust systems must be fully installed to keep the chemical level in the air below the safe limit at all times. This helps to limit the inhalation of toxic vapors that can harm the respiratory system of workers.
In addition, equipping workers with personal protective equipment such as respirators, gloves, and protective clothing is a critical factor in protecting them from direct contact with this substance. Employees in the production environment need to be fully trained on how to use personal protective equipment and on safety procedures when working with chemicals.
Regular health monitoring for workers is also an indispensable measure. Periodic health check-ups help to detect early signs of poisoning or medical conditions related to chemical exposure, allowing for timely treatment. Furthermore, preventive measures such as regulating reasonable work shifts also help minimize the risk of long-term exposure to this compound.
Finally, implementing incident response measures, such as controlling leaks and the dispersion of toxic substances during the production process, is a crucial factor in protecting not only the health of workers but also ensuring the safety of the entire work environment.
Occupational safety and health training: Workers need to be trained and educated about the risks and safety measures when working with this chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Periodically conduct occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in the monitoring and measurement of occupational environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
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- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.

- With Nam Viet’s Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation table for occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation table provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide prompt and professional advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation table, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with our professional quality service.

