Methyl ether Safety Data Sheets
SAFETY DATA SHEETS
According to the UN GHS revision 8
SECTION 1: Identification
1.1 GHS Product identifier
| Product name | Dimethyl ether |
|---|
1.2 Other means of identification
| Product number | - |
|---|---|
| Other names | Methane, oxybis-; DIMETHYLETHER; Methoxymethane |
1.3 Recommended use of the chemical and restrictions on use
| Identified uses | Intermediates,Propellants and blowing agents |
|---|---|
| Uses advised against | no data available |
1.4 Supplier's details
| Company | Echemi.com |
|---|---|
| Address | Echemi.com |
| Telephone | Echemi.com |
1.5 Emergency phone number
| Emergency phone number | Echemi.com |
|---|---|
| Service hours | Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm (Standard time zone: UTC/GMT +8 hours). |
SECTION 2: Hazard identification
2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture
Gases under pressure: Liquefied gas
Flammable gases, Category 1A, Flammable gas
2.2 GHS label elements, including precautionary statements
| Pictogram(s) |   |
|---|---|
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statement(s) | H220 Extremely flammable gas |
| Precautionary statement(s) | |
| Prevention | P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. |
| Response | P377 Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely. P381 In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources. |
| Storage | P410+P403 Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place. P403 Store in a well-ventilated place. |
| Disposal | none |
2.3 Other hazards which do not result in classification
no data available
SECTION 3: Composition/information on ingredients
3.1 Substances
| Chemical name | Common names and synonyms | CAS number | EC number | Concentration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimethyl ether | Dimethyl ether | 115-10-6 | 204-065-8 | 100% |
SECTION 4: First-aid measures
4.1 Description of necessary first-aid measures
If inhaled
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Following skin contact
ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Following eye contact
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Following ingestion
Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call a doctor or Poison Control Center immediately.
4.2 Most important symptoms/effects, acute and delayed
Inhalation produces some anesthesia (but less than that of ethyl ether), blurring of vision, headache, intoxication, loss of consciousness. Liquid or concentrated vapor irritates eyes. Contact of liquid with skin may cause frostbite. (USCG, 1999)
4.3 Indication of immediate medical attention and special treatment needed, if necessary
INHALATION: Symptoms: Cough. Sore throat. Confusion. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness. First aid: Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. SKIN: Symptoms: ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE. First aid: ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. EYES: Symptoms: Redness. Pain. First aid: First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
SECTION 5: Fire-fighting measures
5.1 Suitable extinguishing media
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with dry powder, carbon dioxide.
5.2 Specific hazards arising from the chemical
Behavior in Fire: Containers may explode. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel long distance to a source of ignition and flash back. (USCG, 1999)
5.3 Special protective actions for fire-fighters
Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with dry powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
SECTION 6: Accidental release measures
6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources.
6.2 Environmental precautions
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources.
6.3 Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Eliminate all ignition sources. Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Use water spray to cool & disperse vapors, protect personnel, & dilute spills to form nonflammable mixtures. Control runoff & isolate discharged material for proper disposal.
SECTION 7: Handling and storage
7.1 Precautions for safe handling
NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Handling in a well ventilated place. Wear suitable protective clothing. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Use non-sparking tools. Prevent fire caused by electrostatic discharge steam.
7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Fireproof. Cool.Seperate from oxidizing materials. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid sunlight.
SECTION 8: Exposure controls/personal protection
8.1 Control parameters
Occupational Exposure limit values
EU-OEL: 1920 mg/m3, 1000 ppm as TWA.MAK: 1900 mg/m3, 1000 ppm; peak limitation category: II(8); pregnancy risk group: D
Biological limit values
no data available
8.2 Appropriate engineering controls
Ensure adequate ventilation. Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Set up emergency exits and the risk-elimination area.
8.3 Individual protection measures, such as personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eye/face protection
Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
Skin protection
Cold-insulating gloves.
Respiratory protection
Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.
Thermal hazards
no data available
SECTION 9: Physical and chemical properties and safety characteristics
| Physical state | Dimethyl ether is a colorless gas with a faint ethereal odor. It is shipped as a liquefied gas under its vapor pressure. Contact with the liquid can cause frostbite. It is easily ignited. Its vapors are heavier than air. Any leak can be either liquid or vapor. It can asphyxiate by the displacement of air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. |
|---|---|
| Colour | COLORLESS GAS @ USUAL TEMP, BUT EASILY CONDENSIBLE |
| Odour | Slight ethereal odor |
| Melting point/freezing point | -138.5ºC |
| Boiling point or initial boiling point and boiling range | ?24.8°C(lit.) |
| Flammability | Extremely flammable. |
| Lower and upper explosion limit/flammability limit | Lower flammable limit:3.4% by volume; Upper flammable limit: 27.0% by volume |
| Flash point | -41°C |
| Auto-ignition temperature | 662°F |
| Decomposition temperature | no data available |
| pH | no data available |
| Kinematic viscosity | 825 at 0 deg C |
| Solubility | 1 vol water takes up 37 vol gas |
| Partition coefficient n-octanol/water | log Kow = 0.10 |
| Vapour pressure | >760 mm Hg ( 25 °C) |
| Density and/or relative density | 0.678 g/cm3 |
| Relative vapour density | 1.62 (vs air) |
| Particle characteristics | no data available |
SECTION 10: Stability and reactivity
10.1 Reactivity
The substance can form explosive peroxides under the influence of light and air. On combustion, forms irritating fumes. Reacts with oxidants.
10.2 Chemical stability
no data available
10.3 Possibility of hazardous reactions
DANGEROUS; WHEN HEATED OR EXPOSED TO FLAME OR OXIDIZERS.The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. The gas is heavier than air and may accumulate in lowered spaces causing a deficiency of oxygen.DIMETHYL ETHER is a colorless, highly flammable gas (b. p. -24° C), slightly toxic. Very dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to flame, sparks, heat or strong oxidizers. Violent reaction with aluminum hydride, lithium aluminum hydride. Upon standing and exposure to air (oxygen) tendency to form explosive peroxides. When ethers containing peroxides are heated (distilled) they can detonate [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 854].
10.4 Conditions to avoid
no data available
10.5 Incompatible materials
Forms explosive mixture with air. Forms unstable peroxides in containers that been opened or remain in storage for more than 6 months. Peroxides can be detonated by friction, impact or heating. Violent reaction with strong oxidizers, aluminum hydride, lithium aluminum hydride. Keep away from heat, air, sunlight.
10.6 Hazardous decomposition products
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
SECTION 11: Toxicological information
Acute toxicity
- Oral: no data available
- Inhalation: LC50 Mouse inhalation 385.94 ppm (30 min)
- Dermal: no data available
Skin corrosion/irritation
no data available
Serious eye damage/irritation
no data available
Respiratory or skin sensitization
no data available
Germ cell mutagenicity
no data available
Carcinogenicity
Cancer Classification: Group D Not Classifiable as to Human Carcinogenicity
Reproductive toxicity
no data available
STOT-single exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness.
STOT-repeated exposure
no data available
Aspiration hazard
On loss of containment, a harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly, especially in confined spaces.
SECTION 12: Ecological information
12.1 Toxicity
- Toxicity to fish: no data available
- Toxicity to daphnia and other aquatic invertebrates: no data available
- Toxicity to algae: no data available
- Toxicity to microorganisms: no data available
12.2 Persistence and degradability
AEROBIC: Dimethyl ether, at 100 mg/L reached 0 to 1% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L and the Japanese MITI test(1).
12.3 Bioaccumulative potential
An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for dimethyl ether(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.10(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
12.4 Mobility in soil
The Koc of dimethyl ether is estimated as approximately 27(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.10(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that dimethyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).
12.5 Other adverse effects
no data available
SECTION 13: Disposal considerations
13.1 Disposal methods
Product
The material can be disposed of by removal to a licensed chemical destruction plant or by controlled incineration with flue gas scrubbing. Do not contaminate water, foodstuffs, feed or seed by storage or disposal. Do not discharge to sewer systems.
Contaminated packaging
Containers can be triply rinsed (or equivalent) and offered for recycling or reconditioning. Alternatively, the packaging can be punctured to make it unusable for other purposes and then be disposed of in a sanitary landfill. Controlled incineration with flue gas scrubbing is possible for combustible packaging materials.
SECTION 14: Transport information
14.1 UN Number
| ADR/RID: UN1033 (For reference only, please check.) | IMDG: UN1033 (For reference only, please check.) | IATA: UN1033 (For reference only, please check.) |
14.2 UN Proper Shipping Name
| ADR/RID: DIMETHYL ETHER (For reference only, please check.) | IMDG: DIMETHYL ETHER (For reference only, please check.) | IATA: DIMETHYL ETHER (For reference only, please check.) |
14.3 Transport hazard class(es)
| ADR/RID: 2.1 (For reference only, please check.) | IMDG: 2.1 (For reference only, please check.) | IATA: 2.1 (For reference only, please check.) |
14.4 Packing group, if applicable
| ADR/RID: (For reference only, please check.) | IMDG: (For reference only, please check.) | IATA: (For reference only, please check.) |
14.5 Environmental hazards
| ADR/RID: No | IMDG: No | IATA: No |
14.6 Special precautions for user
no data available
14.7 Transport in bulk according to IMO instruments
no data available
SECTION 15: Regulatory information
15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations specific for the product in question
| Chemical name | Common names and synonyms | CAS number | EC number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimethyl ether | Dimethyl ether | 115-10-6 | 204-065-8 |
| European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances (EINECS) | Listed. | ||
| EC Inventory | Listed. | ||
| United States Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory | Listed. | ||
| China Catalog of Hazardous chemicals 2015 | Listed. | ||
| New Zealand Inventory of Chemicals (NZIoC) | Listed. | ||
| Philippines Inventory of Chemicals and Chemical Substances (PICCS) | Listed. | ||
| Vietnam National Chemical Inventory | Listed. | ||
| Chinese Chemical Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (China IECSC) | Listed. | ||
| Korea Existing Chemicals List (KECL) | Listed. | ||
SECTION 16: Other information
Information on revision
| Creation Date | July 15, 2019 |
|---|---|
| Revision Date | July 15, 2019 |
Abbreviations and acronyms
- CAS: Chemical Abstracts Service
- ADR: European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
- RID: Regulation concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail
- IMDG: International Maritime Dangerous Goods
- IATA: International Air Transportation Association
- TWA: Time Weighted Average
- STEL: Short term exposure limit
- LC50: Lethal Concentration 50%
- LD50: Lethal Dose 50%
- EC50: Effective Concentration 50%
References
- IPCS - The International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC), website: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/icsc/showcard.home
- HSDB - Hazardous Substances Data Bank, website: https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/newtoxnet/hsdb.htm
- IARC - International Agency for Research on Cancer, website: http://www.iarc.fr/
- eChemPortal - The Global Portal to Information on Chemical Substances by OECD, website: http://www.echemportal.org/echemportal/index?pageID=0&request_locale=en
- CAMEO Chemicals, website: http://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/search/simple
- ChemIDplus, website: http://chem.sis.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/chemidlite.jsp
- ERG - Emergency Response Guidebook by U.S. Department of Transportation, website: http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/library/erg
- Germany GESTIS-database on hazard substance, website: http://www.dguv.de/ifa/gestis/gestis-stoffdatenbank/index-2.jsp
- ECHA - European Chemicals Agency, website: https://echa.europa.eu/
Other Information
Check oxygen content before entering area.High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death.Check for peroxides prior to distillation; eliminate if found.
Disclaimer: The above information is believed to be correct but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. The information in this document is based on the present state of our knowledge and is applicable to the product with regard to appropriate safety precautions. It does not represent any guarantee of the properties of the product. We as supplier shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.
Methyl ether is included in Dissolving Agent category. See more Methyl ether price and marketing trends
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