Isooctane appears as a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air.

Isooctane is an alkane that consists of pentane bearing two methyl substituents at position 2 and a single methyl substituent at position 4. It has a role as a fuel additive, a non-polar solvent and a nephrotoxic agent. It is an alkane and a volatile organic compound.

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane is released to the environment through the manufacture, use, and disposal of products associated with the petroleum and gasoline industry. During an accident, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane penetrated the skin of a human which caused necrosis of the skin and tissue in the hand and required surgery. No other information is available on the acute (short-term) effects in humans. Irritation of the lungs, edema, and hemorrhage have been reported in rodents acutely exposed by inhalation and injection. No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane in humans. Kidney and liver effects have been observed in rats chronically exposed via gavage (experimentally placing the chemical in the stomach) and inhalation. EPA has not classified 2,2,4-trimethylpentane with respect to potential carcinogenicity.

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane has been reported in Zingiber officinale with data available.

2,2,4-Trimethylpentane is a hydrocarbon and one of the isomers of octane. Octanes may be found in gasoline. (L1296)